Calculator Policy - ACT Mathematics Test

How important is it to know an exam's calculator policy? Well, the ACT thinks it's very important. On their policy page, they highlight the following blurb:

"Using the TI-89 is the most common reason students are dismissed from the ACT for prohibited calculator use."

They don't mention how many students have been dismissed because of this. But it would be safe to venture a guess that if they felt it necessary to prominently display this statement then it's something that has happened quite often.

Whether you are taking the ACT Mathematics Test or any of the myriad of standardized exams most high-school students are taking, it is important to know the calculator policies for these exams.

Which calculators can you use on the ACT Mathematics Test?

You can use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator as long as they:

• do not have a computer algebra system
  
• is not part of a computer, PDA, cell phone
  
• does not have a writing pad / pen-input device
  
• does not have a QWERTY keyboard
  

You can use calculators with the following with modifications:

• paper tape w/o tape
  
• models that make noise w/ the sound turned off
  
• infrared data port if it's covered with duct or electrician's tape
  
• power and electrical cords are removed
  

The following models were specifically highlighted as prohibited:

• TI-89 series
  
• TI-92 series
  
• TI-Nspire CAS series (non-CAS okay)
  
• HP 48GII
  
• HP 40G series
  
• HP 49G series
  
• HP 50G series
  
• Casio fx 2.0
  
• Casio ClassPad 300
  
• Casio ClassPad 330
  
• Casio CFX-9970G series
  

Remember that these policies can be updated at any time and without notice. As the test taker, it is your responsibility to be aware of the calculator policies for all standardized exams you are taking.

Need to review the latest policy for this or other standardized exams? Calculator Town has a page full of links to calculator policies for this and other standardized exams.

Taking the AP Calculus AB / BC exam with an Approved Calculator

The AP Calculus exams are administered by the College Board to high school students for possible college credit.

According to the College Board, "the use of a graphing calculator is considered an integral part of the AP Calculus course, and is permissible on parts of the AP Calculus Exams."

Unlike the SAT exams, the College Board provides a list (click here for BC list) of graphing calculator models that are approved for use.

They assume that any graphing calculator a student uses to take the exam has the following four (4) capabilities:

• "Plot the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window"
  
• "Find the zeros of functions (solve equations numerically)"
  
• "Numerically calculate the derivative of a function"
  
• "Numerically calculate the value of a definite integral"
  

Calculator Town sells several graphing calculators that are approved for use on the AP Calculus AB & BC exams. Click on the links below to learn more about and buy these approved calculators.

• HP 39gs Graphing Calculator
  
• HP 50g Graphing Calculator
  
• TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator
  
• TI-Nspire Graphing Calculator
  

Is your calculator also approved for the SAT, AP Physics, or ACT exam(s)? Check out Calculator Town's Calculator Policies page to keep up to date on each testing organization's latest list of approved calculators!

Taking the SAT exam with an Approved Calculator

The SAT exams are well known and inspire fear and concern in high school students throughout the United States and abroad. They are administered by the College Board on select dates throughout the year.

Unlike other exam administrating organizations, the College Board does not provide a list of specific calculators models that are approved for usage. According to their site any graphing calculator, scientific calculator, or four-function calculator is approved* for usage provided that it:

• is a standalone device (e.g., not part of a cell phone or PDA)
  
• is not a stylus-driven device
  
• does not utilize a writing pad
  
• does not have a QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypad
  
• does not have printing capabilities.
  

Calculator Town sells several calculators that are approved for use on the SAT exam. Click on the links below to learn more about and buy these approved calculators.

• HP 33s Scientific Calculator w/ HP Solve
  
• HP 50g Graphing Calculator with SD Card Slot
  
• TI-89 Graphing Calculator Titanium
  
• TI-Nspire Graphing Calculator
  

* Calculators can only be used on the mathematics portion of the SAT exam.