Board Exam Calculator: Which One to Get

If you’re asking about a board exam calculator, the short answer is: get a non-programmable scientific calculator like the Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz or the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS, but first check your exam board’s official list of permitted models. This guide explains what features matter, which calculators are typically allowed, and how to avoid a disqualification on exam day.

Why the Calculator Matters

Professional licensing exams (engineering, architecture, nursing, accounting, law, etc.) often restrict calculators to prevent cheating. A calculator with a full QWERTY keyboard, internet access, or the ability to store text notes is usually banned. The allowed list typically includes only non-programmable scientific calculators that can do basic arithmetic, trigonometric functions, logarithms, and exponents—but nothing more.

Using a banned calculator can result in your exam being voided, so it’s not just about convenience. The right calculator saves you time on complex calculations, but the wrong one can end your exam before it starts.

What the Rules Usually Say

Most boards publish a list of approved calculator models. For example, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) allows only the Casio fx-115 and fx-991 series, the Hewlett-Packard HP 33s and HP 35s, and the Texas Instruments TI-30X and TI-36X series. Other boards, like the NCLEX for nursing, often allow any basic four-function or scientific calculator, but not graphing calculators.

Common restrictions include:

• No graphing capabilities
• No programmable functions (no storing sequences of keystrokes)
• No alphanumeric memory (can’t store letters or words)
• No wireless or infrared communication
• No external power or noise-making features

Always check your specific board’s website for the current list. Rules can change, and some boards have a “check with your proctorâ€� policy.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a calculator for a board exam, focus on these features:

• Non-programmable: It should not allow you to write or store custom functions or programs.
• Solar/battery powered: Most allowed models are dual-powered, which is convenient.
• Scientific functions: You need sin, cos, tan, log, ln, square root, powers, and parentheses.
• Fraction display: Useful for engineering and math problems.
• Hard cover or slide case: Protects the device and prevents accidental key presses.

Avoid calculators with a “textbook� display that shows fractions and symbols exactly as written—some boards consider that a form of graphing or programming. Stick to the simple two-line display models.

Popular Allowed Models

Here are models that appear on many approved lists, but verify with your board:

• Casio fx-115ES Plus – A classic, widely allowed, with natural display.
• Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz – Faster, with a high-resolution screen, but still non-programmable.
• Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS – A robust, simple scientific calculator.
• Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro – Has some advanced features like multi-line display, but still non-programmable.
• HP 35s – A programmable model that is specifically allowed by NCEES, but it’s an exception—most boards ban programmables.

If you’re unsure, buy a calculator that is clearly on the “approvedâ€� list of the most common boards, like NCEES, because those are often the strictest.

How to Prepare with Your Calculator

Once you have the right calculator, practice with it before the exam. Learn where the functions are, how to use the memory (if allowed), and how to clear the memory quickly. Some exams require you to clear the memory at the start; know how to do that.

Also, practice entering long calculations without making mistakes. In a timed exam, fumbling with the calculator wastes precious minutes. Use the same calculator for all practice tests so you’re comfortable with its button layout.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One big misconception is that “any scientific calculatorâ€� is fine. That’s false—many scientific calculators are programmable or have graphing features. Another mistake is assuming that a calculator with a larger display is better; some boards ban models with a “natural displayâ€� because they can show fractions and symbols, which they consider a form of graphing.

Also, don’t assume that a calculator allowed in one exam will be allowed in another. For example, the NCLEX allows basic four-function calculators, but the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requires a specific list. Always check the specific exam’s policy.

Cost and Where to Buy

Approved calculators are generally inexpensive, ranging from $15 to $50. You can find them at office supply stores, online retailers, or university bookstores. Avoid buying used calculators unless you can verify they are on the approved list and in good working condition. Also, consider buying a backup calculator in case one fails during the exam—but check if the exam center allows you to bring a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a graphing calculator on the board exam?

Usually not. Most boards explicitly ban graphing calculators because they can store notes and programs. A few exceptions exist, like the HP 35s, which is a programmable calculator but is on the NCEES list. Always check your specific board’s rules.

What if my calculator is on the approved list but has a different model number?

It’s risky. The list is specific to model numbers. If your calculator is not exactly the listed model, it may be disallowed. For example, the Casio fx-991EX is different from the fx-991ES. Bring the exact model.

Can I bring a spare calculator to the exam?

Some boards allow it, but many require you to declare all items at check-in. If you bring a spare, it must also be on the approved list. Check the exam center’s policy beforehand.

Do I need a calculator for the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX provides an on-screen calculator for the math questions, so you don’t need to bring one. However, if you’re taking a different nursing board exam, check with your board.

How do I clear the memory on my calculator before the exam?

Most calculators have a reset function. For Casio models, press SHIFT, then 9 (CLR), then 3 (All), then = . For TI models, press 2nd, then MEM (or RESET), then select Reset. Practice this before the exam.

What if my calculator breaks during the exam?

If you have a backup, you can ask the proctor if you can use it. If not, you’ll have to do without, which is why it’s wise to have a backup that is also approved.

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in l | Lawn length | ft | 40 | 0 | 100000
in w | Lawn width | ft | 25 | 0 | 100000
in d | Depth | in | 3 | 0 | 120
out yd | Volume | yd³ | l * w * d / 324 | 2
out ft3 | Volume | ft³ | l * w * d / 12 | 1