Prepared by the Learning Group of Jackson Hewitt Inc.

Copyright © Jackson Hewitt Inc. All Rights Reserved.

To offer feedback and/or suggestions, please contact The Learning Group via e-mail at LearningGroup@JTax.com.

Administering

the RTRP Mock

Test

Implementation Guide

Updated 5/3/2012

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INTRODUCTION

With the release of the Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) Competency Test, a key question on your

mind is likely to be: “How can I best prepare my staff to successfully pass the competency test?”

The Learning Group has developed a RTRP Mock Test to help your preparers get ready for the test and

increase their chances of passing it. Just as pilots go through flight simulations to help themselves prepare

for actual flights, test simulations such as mock exams can help a test-taker reduce unnecessary stress by

acclimating them to the formal testing environment.

The more realistic the simulation is, the more effectively your preparers will be able to maximize the

transfer from test preparation and practice to actual test performance. This Implementation Guide

outlines the steps you can take to simulate the Prometric testing environment and effectively administer

the RTRP Mock Test, so that your preparers can experience what they will likely encounter during test

day.

THE MOCK TEST VS ACTUAL TEST

The RTRP mock test includes:

Questions from all topics (also referred to

as ‘domains’) that the IRS indicated

would be part of the RTRP Test, so your

preparers can use it as a gauge on how

ready they are for the actual test.

Remediation suggestions based on the

preparer’s score, so preparers can

identify any existing knowledge gaps and

review relevant study materials to bridge

those gaps.

Randomized questions from a large pool,

so that preparers can take the test numerous times as practice until they feel confident in passing the

actual test. (Note: The low bandwidth test version has a standard set of questions. Please see the

section Mock Test Versions).

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KEY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN MOCK TEST AND ACTUAL TEST

Tax Year: All references on both the Jackson Hewitt mock test and the IRS test from April 1, 2012

through March 31, 2013 are based on Tax Year 2011. Circular 230 questions relate to Circular 230

with a revision date of August 2011.

Timing: Both tests are timed. Preparers will have 150 minutes to complete 120 questions.

Unanswered questions within this timeframe will be marked incorrect.

Question type: Questions in both tests are multiple-choice, including some True/False questions.

Reviewing items: Both tests allow preparers to go back and check their answers before they

submit the test for grading. Slight differences exist in the review functions (see the section below).

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOCK TEST AND ACTUAL TEST

While we have made every effort to simulate the look-and-feel of the RTRP Test as much as possible,

there are several important feature differences between the actual test and this test simulation that you

should take note of.

Marking questions for later review: In the IRS RTRP Test, test-takers will have the ability to mark a

question to review at the end of the test if time permits. They can also leave a question

unanswered (incomplete). Marked and Incomplete questions will be highlighted in a Review

Questions screen before test-takers exit the RTRP Test, and they will have the opportunity to go

back to those if they have time remaining.

This feature is NOT available in the Jackson Hewitt mock test.

Available online resources: In the RTRP Test, test-takers will be provided with these online

resources:

o A calculator

o Publication 17

o Form 1040

o 1040 Instructions

Because the Pub 17, Form 1040 and 1040 Instructions are presented as webpages in the actual

test interface, navigating through them can be tedious. This makes it difficult for test-takers to rely

on them for answers in the actual test.

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In the mock test, there is no online calculator and the other online resources

are presented as PDF documents. Navigating through PDF resources is much easier and

test-taker can often use the “Search” feature in PDF to locate specific information.

NOTE: Remind your preparers of the goal of the mock test (which is to simulate the actual

testing environment as much as possible) and encourage them not to use the PDF search

feature when navigating through the online documents.

Reviewing items: In the RTRP Test, test-takers will see a scrollable listing of all the question

numbers at the end of the test. This list displays each question number and indicates if the

question has been marked for review, completed or skipped. Test-takers can then decide if they

want to review all the questions, review only marked questions, or review incomplete questions.

To review questions in the mock test, test-takers will click the ‘Previous’ button

until they arrive at the question they wish to review.

Experimental questions: The IRS test includes 20 experimental questions that will not be scored

and therefore will not be counted for or against the test-taker in their final score. The questions

are distributed throughout the test and will not be identified as such. These are used to gather

statistical information on the questions before they are added to the test as scored items.

All 120 questions in the mock test are scored and the final score will be based

on the percentage of questions answered correctly.

Test results: The IRS test will only indicate if the preparer has passed or failed the test. If the

preparer has failed, the test will provide diagnostic information to assist them with future testing

preparation.

The mock test will provide a score so preparers can track their achievement

level with each attempt. Preparers will also get the opportunity to review their test,

so they can better understand the questions they’ve answered incorrectly.

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MOCK TEST VERSIONS

Due to the large number of questions in the test pool, preparers may experience a delay between when

they click “Start Mock Test” on the last screen of the tutorial and when the questions appear, depending

on their Internet connection. We have created an alternative version to address the needs of preparers

with low Internet bandwidth. This version has a standard set of 120 questions, and does not randomize

from a question pool.

To access this version, click on “2012 RTRP Mock Test (Low Bandwidth)” on the Learning Center catalog.

HOW YOU CAN SIMULATE THE TEST ENVIRONMENT

Taking a test may be nerve-wracking for some preparers. Help your preparers reduce unnecessary stress

by allowing them to “rehearse” test day so they know what to expect on the day itself. Here are some

steps you can take:

1. Schedule mock test days for your office, when you will have designated computers set up for

preparers to complete the mock test without interruption (we recommend you allocate between 3

to 3.5 hours).

2. Prepare a registration sheet so your preparers can sign up to take the mock test. The number of

time slots you have available will depend on the number of computers you can set aside for

testing purpose on a specific day. A sample registration sheet template is shown on the following

page.

3. Before the start of the mock test:

a. Remove all hard-copy IRS publications, forms, reference materials, manuals etc. from the

surrounding area of the computers designated for testing.

b. Do not allow preparers to bring any personal reference materials, electronic devices or

cell phones with them to the test.

c. Provide each preparer with:

A handheld calculator that is silent, solar or battery-operated and

nonprogrammable

Three to five pieces of scrap paper

A pencil

d. Remind preparers that:

They should not communicate with one another during the test.

They must complete the mock test in one sitting to receive a score.

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The mock test has no scheduled breaks. If they take an unscheduled break, the test

timer will continue to count down.

4. To start the mock test:

a. Have preparers log on to the Learning Center, and search for the item “2012 RTRP Mock

Test” on the Catalog.

b. Preparers can start the test when they are ready by clicking on the item.

5. During the mock test:

a. Monitor the room periodically.

b. Enforce the rules. For example, if you see preparers discussing the test while taking it,

remind them that doing so may result in the disqualification of their test.

6. At the end of the mock test:

a. Preparers will see their test score and the following chart that explains what their score

means. In addition, they can review their test questions so they can see which ones they

have answered correctly or incorrectly.

b. Instruct preparers to give you their test score and refer them to the Remediation Index

(refer to the Remediation section of this guide) for relevant study materials. You can also

run a Supervisor Report on the preparers’ performance on the mock test (refer to the next

section for step-by-step instructions).

c. Collect the scrap paper and calculator provided to the preparers for the test.

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RTRP Mock Test

Registration Sheet

Office/ Test Location:

Available Time Slot

(Date & Time)

Name Available Time Slot

(Date & Time)

Name

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RUNNING SUPERVISOR REPORTS

You can run a report on your preparers’ mock test performance by using the Supervisor Report feature of

the Learning Center (Note: You must have Supervisor permissions in order to access this feature).

1. Go to the Supervisor Tools page on the Learning Center and click on Supervisor Control Panel.

2. Click on the Reports tab. Under Supervisor Reports, select The LearnCenter Report from the

drop-down list.

3. In the People tab, select the individuals you want to run the report on.

4. In the Items tab, click Add Courses.

a. Select “with the SCORM Importer” in the Courses added section.

b. Type “2012 RTRP mock test” in the Course Titles field.

c. Select “Individual SCOs” for Courses Location.

d. Click Search.

5. In the Filters tab, select the date range for your report. Make sure only the “Completed” box is

checked for Select Item Status.

6. In the Output tab, add the fields you would like to include on your report. You can select any field

you like, but you will need to include at least the following:

a. Username

b. Item Name

c. Score

7. Click Build Report on the lower or upper right hand corner.

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REMEDIATION

The Remediation Index below suggests available remediation materials for each RTRP test domain. This

index is also available at the end of the mock test. Preparers should print a copy of the index and,

depending on their score and the score chart, complete the recommended remediation materials before

taking the mock test again.

Domain Domain Description (% question weightage)

Suggested Remediation Materials

1 Preliminary Work and Collection of Taxpayer Data (15%)

Basic Income Tax Course 1: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 Basic Income Tax Course 2: Sessions 9, 14 & 15 Basic Income Tax Course 3: Sessions 18, 19, 20 & 22 Earned Income Tax Credit module General Filing Information module Handling Tax Situations for Casualties, Thefts, & Disasters

module

2 Treatment of Income and Assets (Income; Retirement Income; Property, Real & Personal; and Adjustments to Income) (22%)

Basic Income Tax Course 1: Sessions 1 & 4 Basic Income Tax Course 2: Sessions 9, 10, 12, 13 & 14 Basic Income Tax Course 3: Sessions 17, 18 & 21 Educating Yourself About Education Tax Benefits module Income module Residential Rental Property module Self-Employment module

3 Deductions and Credits (Itemized Deductions; and Credits) (22%)

Basic Income Tax Course 1: Sessions 5, 6 & 7 Basic Income Tax Course 2: Sessions 9, 11 & 14 Basic Income Tax Course 3: Session 22 Earned Income Tax Credit module Educating Yourself About Education Tax Benefits module

4 Other Taxes (11%) Basic Income Tax Course 1: Sessions 4 & 6 Basic Income Tax Course 2: Sessions 10, 12 & 13 Alternative Minimum Tax, Part I, module Alternative Minimum Tax, Part II, module

5 Completion of the Filing Process (10%)

Basic Income Tax Course 1: Sessions 1 & 3 Basic Income Tax Course 2: Session 15 Basic Income Tax Course 3: Session 22

6 Practices and Procedures (5%)

IRS web site Summary of Penalties under Title 26: Go to http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=248569,00.html

IRS Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns

IRS Publication 4600, Safeguarding Taxpayer Information Quick Reference Guide for Businesses

IRS Instructions for Form 2848, Power of Attorney and

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Domain Domain Description (% question weightage)

Suggested Remediation Materials

Declaration of Representative IRS Instructions for Form 8821, Tax Information

Authorization Basic Income Tax Course 1: Session 1 Circular 230

7 Ethics (Circular 230 Subparts A, B & C [excluding D, E]) (15%)

Basic Income Tax Course 1: Session 6

Basic Income Tax Course 2: Session 11 Circular 230

If a preparer would like to have more practice on individual domain areas before retaking the mock test,

they can complete the series of game-based assessments available on the Catalog of the Learning Center

(type domain in the Catalog search box to see the full list of domain games) . Each assessment measures

the preparer’s current knowledge on a specific domain, and the use of a game theme helps to make the

assessment engaging.

Preparer will be able to review detailed feedback for each question as they progress through the game.

AVAILABLE DOMAIN GAMES

Domain 1: Crack the Vault

Mr. MacGuffin has stolen a top secret document and

locked it in a vault in Dooms Valley!

Your mission: Retrieve this secret document by

decoding the vault’s 5-digit combination code.

Domain 2: What’s the Picture?

Uncover the hidden picture by completing a 12-

question tax quiz and scoring at least 70%.

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Domain 3: On Target

Can you hit the bull’s eye? Find out by successfully

completing a tax quiz, which tests your knowledge on

deductions and credits.

Domain 4: Refundville Rescue Mission

A band of green crooks has stolen Refundville’s

treasury coins and hidden them in the forest! Do you

qualify to be a member of the search-and-retrieve

mission tasked to get these coins back?

Domain 5: Solve the Mystery

You have just been informed of a hit-and-run accident!

Initial investigation points to 4 suspects. Get clues to

help you identify the guilty individual by completing a

12-question tax quiz and scoring at least 70%.

Domain 6: What’s in the Box?

Put your tax knowledge to the test and solve a riddle

that will help you guess what’s in the box!

Domain 7: The Tax Maze

Mr. Red Guy is trapped in the server room! Help him

remember the high-security access code by successfully

completing a tax challenge.