[thebigguy1992]

is there ever any way that you can use a physical calculator that is given to you by the testing center? i just can’t see myself using the computer calculator quickly and efficiently. I’m using a normal ti-84 right now until i can get down all the concepts. I just wanna feel computer and learn things fast this way until i switch to how they might give it to us on the exam

[MaLoTu]

They will give you one if you ask 😉 It is better, imo.

[Operation_CPA]

I would still get a feel for the computer calculator just in case. At least get comfortable with it, this way if hypothetically (for some reason) they don't have one, you're not adjusting to the change during your exam.

That being said, having a calculator in front of you is definitely faster – good to know we can at least ask.

[Nessie]

I would bring one just in case. I have used my own non-programable when they have run out of calculators. They just clear the memory. They should have one to lend you, though.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[thebigguy1992]

just curious, exactly what kind of calculator is given to you? we can't bring in a ti-83 plus right?

[Nessie]

It can vary. Ive seen them give out the tiny ones the size of a deck of cards, another time it was a larger type with an angled screen and larger buttons. I have also heard them say they have run out. I brought in a TI 34.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Matt Douglass]

Yesterday I took FAR (my first test overall). After reading on here I was hoping that I could get a calculator if I asked. Well, I asked for a calculator, and I was told no, I had to use the one embedded in the test. I really need to practice questions without my ten-key because using a the calculator in the test slowed me down a bit.

MS, Accounting - Done!

FAR - 83 (CPAexcel/Ninja MCQ)
AUD - 87 (CPAexcel/Ninja MCQ)
REG - 10/16
BEC - 11/16

[Nessie]

It is weird there is such a difference in calculator rules at Prometrics and for other standards as well. For one exam everyone was so nice and for the other I wrote, everyone was crabby and rude and it was the same Prometrics location.

Phone ahead or bring one just in case. They seem to run out of them which should have no bearing on whether a candidate gets one or not….What is they ran out of chairs??

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[cpagal]

I had a alligator issue and mentioned it in my post exam comments.I got an email today from nasba saying we can ask for a physical one if we have issues. We are NOT allowed to bring our own in.

FAR - 08/30/15 - 90
AUD - 11/12/15 - 92
REG - 01/19/16 - 82
BEC - 02/29/16 - 83

Passed all on 1st attempt using GLEIM (full program) and NINJA (MCQ only)!!!

Louisiana Licensed CPA

[Joe C.]

I asked for one today got one with no questions asked. The prometric people were all very nice.

BEC 75
AUD 9/6
REG TBD
FAR TBD

WI Candidate

[Anonymous]

our prometeric did not have calculators – HAD to use the one on the PC

[Nessie]

I would like to know of one accountant who uses their computer (outside of excel) for basic calculations like we have on our CPA exams. Everyone uses a calculator, and the exam should either supply them or allow people to bring their own.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[MaLoTu]

I used a physical calculator today during my exam. It was a little funky because I would press numbers but it wouldn't register. I still think it was faster than using the computer. And I agree Nessie, I'll take an actual calculator over a computer calculator all day, everyday! I use my phone over the computer!

[Anonymous]

I didn't know we could ask for a calculator…. I knew you couldn't bring in your own though. The computer calculator isn't the greatest.

[Procrastinator]

I was denied a calculator yesterday when I went to take my test at a Dallas location. I was told I was required to use the one provided within the test and whoever told me I could use the one at Prometric was wrong. Is there something official saying what is allowed? I put a note about it at the end of my test saying they need to make sure each test center follows the same rules.

EDIT: I use Excel and my Calculator app in Windows for quick calculations during analytics as an auditor, so it wasn't that big of a deal to me. The point that needs to be made is, call the Prometric center you know you're going to ahead of time and get a clear answer from them.

[Anonymous]

The rules must be uniform.

[Author]

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