Does anyone know if test takers are allowed to use calculator programs for the PS exam or for the California state specific exam? The NCEES calculator policy lists the models that can be used, but does not specifically allow or forbid the use of programs.
Thanks,
Jeff
Why Do You Need Programs In An HP 35 ?
Any questions are intended to be about your skills, not the calculator ability.
Paul in PA
Don't know about Cali state exam - the only programmable calculators allowed on NCEES exams are HP 33 / 35. Thus, you are free to use them to the fullest extent, that is, you can definitely put programs on them. Your mileage may vary on whether you need the programs or find they actually save you time -
> Does anyone know if test takers are allowed to use calculator programs for the PS exam or for the California state specific exam? The NCEES calculator policy lists the models that can be used, but does not specifically allow or forbid the use of programs.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff
I believe you can have programmed calculators, but don't take my word for it. I would advise emailing your state board or the NCEES. The concern, as far as I know, is alpha-numeric ability and wireless communication between calculators.
This is directly from the California Board website.
http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/calculator.shtml
The Board's Current Calculator Policy
The use of any calculating/computing device having a QWERTY keypad arrangement similar to a typewriter or a keyboard during the exam is strictly prohibited. The following devices are also prohibited, whether or not they have a QWERTY keypad function: palmtop, laptop, handheld or desktop computers, data banks, data collectors, personal data assistants (PDA), and organizers. Calculators with other alphanumeric keypads are acceptable. Notwithstanding the above, the Board or its designees have the right to prohibit the use of any device which, in the opinion of the Board, may pose a threat to exam security.
It should be noted that the Board's calculator policy for its state-specific examinations varies significantly from the NCEES calculator policy for the national examinations. For its state-specific examinations, the Board does allow the use of some calculators that NCEES prohibits for its national examinations. The calculators allowed to be used for the Board's state-specific examinations that are prohibited for the NCEES national examinations include (but are not limited to) the HP 39 series; the HP 41 series; the HP42S; the HP 48 series; the HP 49 series; the HP 50 series; the TI 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 89 series; the Casio CFX 9850; the Casio FX 7400; the Casio FX 9750; and the Casio FX 2.0. However, notwithstanding the above, the Board or its designees have the right to prohibit the use of any device which, in the opinion of the Board, may pose a threat to exam security.
Good Luck! It is a challenging but fair exam.
Email Ric Moore for clarification = [email protected]
I believe that programs are allowed for any of the calculators. The test was quite different when I took it in 2001 though (no national portion).
Why Do You Need Programs In An HP 35 ?
Hi Paul,
"Any questions are intended to be about your skills, not the calculator ability".
The programs don't do anything that I can't do by hand. However, if they are allowed, I will use them to save time or double check problems completed by hand.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks. I just sent him an e-mail. I'll post an update when I hear back from him.
Jeff
For the California exam, it IS ok to use programs for the exams as long as the examinee is using an approved calculator.
I assume that the national exam will follow the same policy, but I'll verify that before the test.
Thanks,
Jeff
Good Morning Jeff,
Try this site, reasonably priced and several programs.
http://www.hp33ssurveyor.com/
Good luck!
CV