Increasingly frustrated with Green Light tests

CeeJaySix

Posting here as my e-mails don't seem to get any response!

When going through the FNST green lights in November last year, I found several errors - most were simply that 'tick box' answers had been reversed in the marking, so that the explanation explained that you in fact have selected the right answers, but the system marked them as wrong (and the wrong answers as right). Each time I found one, I e-mailed AAT with the question reference and the problem - no response. To be fair I haven't checked to see if they've been fixed, but then I shouldn't have to. Not bothering to e-mail this time as it doesn't seem to have an effect.

Now going through the personal tax ones. So far I've had one that gave me a wrong answer for rounding a £xxx.50 up (the explanation rounded down) - didn't note the question number. Question 1211 clearly explains that my answer of £3,000 is correct despite being marked it wrong, and therefore the 'correct' model answer must also be wrong. At least these errors you can live with, you read the explanation and realise it's just an error. But question 1202 has a supposedly correct answer to qualify as a holiday let the property must be let for at least 70 days a year - according to my textbook it's 105 days a year (yes it's the FA2013 tests). These kind of errors are destructive as you doubt what you've learned, have to go back and check the textbooks, and then when it comes to the exam wonder whether you should answer with what you've learned to be right or to accommodate the error! The tests are meant to test what you've learned - if the feedback given is false, their purpose is void.

There aren't that many questions in the question banks (if I repeat a test I tend to get 5-8 of the same questions), so I think it's about time AAT paid someone to sit down and review all the questions to ensure accuracy. This is meant to be a professional organisation that regulates a profession which by it's nature requires meticulousness and accuracy. It comes across as a mickey mouse outfit with some of its materials.

CeeJaySix

Here's another one, just in case anyone in power wants to start addressing these issues (supposed incorrect answers marked with a red cross):
Question 6

From the following statements, select those that are true.

Interest paid on Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) is exempt from income tax



For 2013/14, the personal allowance is £9,440



Dividends are paid net of a 10% tax credit



[h=3]Explanation of the correct answer:[/h] The personal allowance for 2013/14 is £9,440.
If you think there is an error in this question, please quote reference: 1219

Londina

incredible! hope there aren't errors like this in other tests!

Lucy_M

I am so completely with you on this one, I find it shocking how lax the checks are over these test answers. It knocks confidence and is extremely frustrating. I had a list to report to AAT but I guess I won't bother. It worries me that there may be errors in the official exams!

CeeJaySix

I can't believe the exam marking templates have errors, there must be some strict regulation there somewhere; leastways there can't be as many as the Green Lights, as I've yet to fail an exam but have managed a couple of 40% or 50% Green Light tests without actually getting one wrong!

StuartW

Hi all - thanks for bringing this up. I've brought it to the attention of the team in question.

CeeJaySix

Thanks Stuart.

StuartW

Hi CeeJaySix

I've spoken to some colleagues and they've searched for emails from you from the email address with which you're registered for the forums (i.e. the Hotmail one) but have been unable to find anything. Do you recall which email address you contacted?

Would it be possible for you to locate the emails in your sent items and forward to community.team@aat.org.uk please, and I'll personally keep an eye out for them?

Thanks,

Stuart

CeeJaySix

Stuart,

I have forwarded three e-mails to you. There were a couple more questions I found issues with after this again in FNST, but I'd got bored of e-mailing by then. Thanks for highlighting the issues to those responsible.

StuartW

Hi Londina - apologies for the delay responding to your message. Yes, I'll raise this as well. Can you confirm the link you use to access that please?

Thanks

Londina

StuartW, I cannot quote you as there is (again!) another bug in this forum.

However the link of the certificate is this one : https://www.aatgreenlight.org.uk/ShowCertificate.aspx?CertName=Certificate%20for%20prof%20ethics.pdf&Attempt=1026380