According to the AICPA, "the CPA Exam will be transformed" when planned changes to both the exam's structure and content are implemented on January 1, 2010.  Referred to as CBT-e (CBT stands for Computer-Based Testing and the "e" for evolution), this represents the first major change since CBT was introduced in 2004.  The changes include updates to content, exam structure, time allocations, scoring weights, and functionality.  The "new exam" according to the AICPA will include:

• New Content and Skill Specifications (CSOs/SSOs), including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• New question formats, including short task-based simulations.
• New research functionality that includes the FASB Codification.
• New exam structure and section time allocations.
• Changes in the percentage value of examination components.

You still have time to minimize the impact and take some of tests in 2010!  It's a good idea to think strategically about the parts you want to get out of the way in 2010, such as:

• Business - if writing skills aren't your strong suit, then you might want to sit for BEC in 2010.  Right now BEC has no writing skills, but writing skills will be moving from FIN, AUD, and REG to BEC in 2011.
• Financial - if you are not familiar with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), then you might want to sit for FAR in 2010. Starting in 2011, FAR will include questions on IFRS. You will be expected to identify and understand the difference between financial statements prepared on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those prepared on the basis of IFRS.

Check out the 2011 CPA Changes Interactive Guide - Provided by Becker Professional Education.

Unfortunately, the supply and demand of the employment market is still out of equilibrium - it is still very much an "employer's market".  So now more than ever, it is critical for candidates to keep their skills sharp and be a step ahead of the crowd in terms of marketability.  Conversely, for those who don't keep a focused eye on their ability to adapt and grow with the changing workplace, a day could come when it becomes tough to find a "good job", let alone a job at all.
Some people always manage to be employed and on track for continued success.  Below are some of the "secrets to staying employable" that they may follow.

Keep your definition of a "good job" reasonable.
As any employee continues on their professional growth, they acquire skills and experiences that often come with an increase in additional opportunities (i.e. salary and promotions).  The problem lies in making the assumption that the current compensation package is now your starting point for any job you take in the future.  Smart job searchers know that each job opportunity provides various criteria that must be weighed differently.  Perhaps you are taking a cut in pay, but you won't be sitting on the I-10 for 45 minutes either.  Or maybe your job title will no longer be "Director" because a Manager level is the equivalent at another company.  Do not be held hostage by viewing your current job as the standard or starting point for your wants and needs in your next career, or you may miss out on staying employable.

Implement your own professional development strategy.
Don't wait for your annual review to tell you, as smart employees assess their professional strengths and weaknesses before their boss even has a chance to.  Leverage your strengths and bring to the table a full commitment to implement them.  Learn to collaborate with co-workers to minimize, or at best, overcome your weaknesses.  Set a plan for professional development that will help you to enhance the skills you already have and articulate how you can demonstrate your enhanced skills to your employer in order to remain focused and in control of your employability.

Be the expert for a demonstrated need that employers may have.
To stay employable, focus on being the "go-to" person for a particular problem, task, or technique. By building a subject-matter expertise in a specific area that's in demand within the workplace, you will create a personal employability "insurance policy"; allowing you to be an employee that will always be needed on staff.  Be the accountant that can build and manage a database in Access like no other.

Turn to other pros.
Smart professionals don't and won't handle everything!  They defer to other professionals who have the training and expertise to obtain the best results.  When an employee is responsible for keeping the services they deliver in demand, it only makes sense to seek the counsel of those who can help you to make better career decisions; whether it's from those who approach career success in a manner you admire, such as a friend or a former manager, or professionals in the field itself, such as a career coach or a recruiter.  Reaching out will give you the insight and the perspective needed to be proactive and successful at staying employable.

Remain true to your values.
Warren Buffet had it right when he said:
"In looking for someone to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. But the most important is integrity, because if they don't have that, the other two qualities, intelligence and energy, are going to kill you."

To remain employable, you must be honest; not only with potential employers, but with yourself.