[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone in NJ has requested a physical calculator and did they provide one or not?

[QueenCPA]

They should provide you with one so far you ask for it.

[VDP]

I have been offered one every time I've tested at Prometric. The last time I accepted it and it was so much easier than using the calculator within the exam. I will be using a handheld calculator for every exam going forward.

I'm in Oklahoma but Prometric test centers should be the same throughout the country. If they don't offer it, it won't hurt to ask.

[CPA8675309]

Thanks for this info. Although, I knew Prometric had calculators, I thought the AICPA may be against their use for some reason. I'm definitely asking next week. (I didn't know that for BEC). If I recall, the calculator button on the screen is next to the submit button (or near) and I was paranoid I was going to hit the wrong button.

[Anonymous]

I should have asked for one, I didn't know they even offered them, although my exam was pretty light on the calculations. Next time, I'll ask for one, as I prefer those to computer-based calculators.

[shawn in VA]

It is a MUST in BEC. But the calculator they give is garbage. and the computer calculator takes too long. You are screwed either way.

[Namstut]

Ha! Good to know! I saw some test-takers go in with calculators but I didn't even assume they were CPA candidates. On the other hand, I am so used to the financial calculator I don't even know if I could use a regular one, but anything is better than the crappy one within the exam software.

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[Anonymous]

@shawn in VA Yes, the noise-cancelling headphones made my ears hurt, they did not fit. No surprised about the calculator. And yes the computer calc is a pain in the ass.
By default, they should just give everyone a hand calculator. Lord knows we pay Prometric enough money to take these ridiculous exams lol It's just another hurdle to throw at us, to see how we react and if we can overcome it. :/ It doesn't look like AUD requires a calculator…does it?

[Anonymous]

Wow…I just found this at the Prometric website:

“Based on the content of their study materials, examinees should determine for themselves whether they need a calculator during an examination. Calculator instructions cannot be brought into the testing room.
Examinees sitting for a CAS 1 or CAS 2 exam are restricted to use only the following Texas Instrument calculators:
• BA-35
• TI 30Xa
• BAII Plus
• TI-30X II (IIS solar or battery)
• BA IIO Plus professional
• TI-30X MultiView (or XB battery)
For other Institutes exams, use of any solar- or battery-powered calculator that does not have alphabetic keys for typing words and that does not contain paper tape is permitted during an exam. Business/financial calculators—including those that are programmable—meeting these criteria are permitted.
A PDA or cell phone is not an acceptable calculator. Prometric will provide a basic calculator if requested. Call The Institutes at (800) 644-2101 if you encounter a problem concerning use of an acceptable calculator.”

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/TheInstitutes/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx

I will bring my own solar powered calculator for sure! Good luck to you all 🙂

[Anonymous]

Can anyone else corroborate what -_- has stated? I've never heard of anyone *ever* being able to bring a calculator into the CPA exam. The instructions I have read have stated that all you can bring nothing in there but your own body (and glasses if you wear them but they'll be inspected by the proctor before you go in), plus a slip of paper that the receptionist gives you that has your launch password written on it.

[Namstut]

Thank you for this info!!! I wish I knew this 3 exams ago! No one ever mentioned this so I assumed that calculators were not permitted.

@crazyleon, you might need a calculator for AUD section. I had some crazy SIMs that required a calculation of audit adjustments.

And Prometrics headphones are like a torture device! It's like our brains are not ready to pop as it is, putting those headphones feels like your head is going to explode! I always bring my own foam ear plugs, the ones you can purchase in any drug store in the sleeping aid section (they are purple).

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[A]

Just a heads-up: AICPA and NASBA are *not* part of “The Institutes,” an organization that sponsors actuarial exams (CAS 1, CAS 2, and others).

Go ahead and bring a calculator, but don't be surprised if it has to stay in your locker.

B - 77 (2.27.16)
A - 81 (4.18.16)
R -
F -

Roger Review + Ninja MCQs

[Anonymous]

I don't think calculators are allowed. Not unless they give you one of their own to use. As I say, they could and should be doing that. At $200 per exam, they can have a vendor provide free calculators for exam sitters. Hell, they could even be generous and let people take it home as a souvenir, along with the Certificate of Attendance sheet!

And yeah, they should invest some money in better noise-cancelling headphones. By the time my exam was over, wearing those godawful things for 4 hours, my ears were on fire. I use the popular Bose ones at home and when I travel, those screen out pretty much all surface noise that isn't too loud, including the engines of an airplane (while you're in the plane.)

[Namstut]

@mecrushya, thank you for the clarification!

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[Author]

Replies