[nshah1824]

Hey guys, has anyone been successful in getting their prometric center to give them a physical calculator for the test? If so, how did you guys do this? Whom did you contact. The contact number I tried to contact for accommodations said there is no such request like that which we can make.

[BoyNextDoor]

I just had to ask the prometric staff at the test site and they gave me one.

Call your Prometric site to verify ahead of time that they will give you one, but I doubt it will be a problem.

[nshah1824]

I called my prometric testing center and they said I had to make a formal request via the CPA testing accommodations number. Then the CPA testing accommodation representative said there was no such thing.

[TennisNerd]

A prometric newhire asked me if I wanted a calculator but then another employee told her that she shouldn't offer them but only provide a calculator if the test taker asks for one. All you need to do is ask and they should provide you one, atleast here in San Diego. Definately recommend using a handheld calculator vs the one on the computer.

[jenpen]

I would ask for a calculator. Never had any problems. I was told while on break that they couldn't offer them to CPA test-takers, but would give them out upon request.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[BoyNextDoor]

When I emailed NASBA asking them about calculators, they said NASBA doesn't handle it and call your local Prometric testing center directly.

Unfortunately there is no uniform policy that Prometric sites seem to have to adhere to regarding calculators and it causes confusion among CPA candidates.

[TalkNerdyToMe]

I've always asked for a calculator before I enter the actual testing area, and I've never had any issues.

[Nikki374]

I've always asked for one when I get to the exam and I've never had a problem. I'm in Dallas.

[stan]

Just ask for a calculator. It is your right. It is part of the agreement they sign. You have the right to ask for a 10 key calculator. However, they can't give it to you if you don't ask.
You can also request to use paper rather than laminated papers at candidatecare@nasba.org. don't forget to add you DOB and candidate ID in you email.
check here
https://nasba.org/media-resources/social-media/nasbafacebookchats/squashing-cpa-exam-rumors-facebook-chat/

[tncpa2018]

Yes always ask for a calculator. But also practice solving questions and calculations using Microsoft Excel. My last exam (FAR) I asked for a calculator but I barely used it. I utilized the Excel feauture of the exam.

[HamsterEat]

The excel feature was very helpful for me, but I always ask for calculator just in case.

[JRG24]

Having Excel was a game changer for me. I just wish it wasn't so limited. For example, the keyboard shortcuts do not work, so you cant “alt =” to add up a column of numbers which is annoying.

I actually found that I like the computer calculator because it keeps a record of your calculations.

[Panders]

In Missouri they either just offered me one or gave me one when I asked upon signing in. I never had to submit a formal request.

[Operation_CPA]

Not sure why people hate the exam calculator so much. Just use the 10 key built into the right side of your keyboard on exam day. Every Prometric site I've ever been to has the “full” keyboard which includes the numerical keypad on the righthand side. All you have to do is click on the calculator like you normally would and “Vwa-Lah” you have (essentially) a handheld calculator. Funny story though – for a few weeks when I first started studying, I would click on each number on the Becker calculator using my mouse. It didn't take long for me to realize there was a better way (lol). And for those studying at home via laptop with no 10 key, I think they sell them for like $10 bucks on Amazon and they connect via USB. Hope this helps.

[Renee]

I took my exam (FAR) today and was offered a calculator. Really didn't use it much or the one online (ten key is awesome tho!). The excel format was very helpful for me to keep a record, especially during the TBS. It probably depends on the center and what they allow you to use.

[NoName]

I took the exams years ago and no calculator was provided (only the onscreen AICPA calculator)

This time a physical calculator was provided (it was pretty worthless though as it was the size of a business card). I found the spreadsheet tool was most useful overall and then the onscreen calculator after that.

Keep in mind this was at a different geographic area as compared to when I took the tests years ago.

[Author]

Replies