Using a Calculator in an Exam

The question:
Can I use my own calculator in an exam?

The answer:
The short answer is YES!

The longer answer from ACCA – “A noiseless, cordless pocket calculator which may be
programmable, but which must not have a printout or graphic/word display facility in any
language.”

And here is more to clarify in regard to the recent move to remotely invigilated exams - “As
noted, students are permitted to use calculators in the exam but not scrap paper. We are
aware students prefer to use their own calculators and not many use the onscreen calculator
so to allow students to perform as best as they can, they will be allowed to use a calculator.
In remote invigilation we must replicate exam centre conditions as far as possible so students
should have a clear desk to ensure the exam is being taken in the right conditions and this
means no paper or other items on their desk. This will be checked at the start of the exam
and then invigilators monitor both the student and their screen, but this means students
cannot leave their desk once the exam has started.

“We understand that this is new for our students, so we continue to support our students and
work with our learning providers to maximise the student learning experience.”

But the answer remains a YES!

Recommendations for calculator use:
During your exam you need to be able to trust the answers you get from your calculator, so
you need to practice this plenty of times in advance as it is all about how you enter the
information to get the answer you need.

Some of the calculations in certain subjects can get very complex (Performance
Management and Financial Management jumping out here!) so being ready for the exam day
is key.

Although you can bring your own calculator into the exam you will also have a calculator
similar to the ones below available for your exam.
5 key tips for getting the most out of your calculator

1. Practise quickly – Being efficient with your calculation work is an important part of
success in the test. Practice makes perfect in this case!

2. Devise a calculator plan - Some questions require more than one calculation step
so it’s important to think ahead. By doing this you can make the best use of the
calculator and perform all calculations in a row.

3. Use your calculator for everything - Make sure you use the calculator for even the
most basic drills. It's faster, more accurate and no one will know that you've
previously typed something into your calculator.

4. Use the memory function - This function can save you a lot of time and stress.
Simply choose the number you wish to save by clicking on M+. Then press the MRC
button to recall the number when needed.

5. Bring a spare calculator - You don't want to be left without on exam day if your
calculator breaks or stops working during the test.
Is the Spreadsheet mightier than the calculator?

Based on our experiences doing the live webinars where we have taken students through
past papers using the CBE tool, our view is:

1. There was minimal use of a calculator, whether manual or on the CBE, for any
questions that had significant calculations such as PM and FM and even later in SBR.

2. When you are doing your questions and if you notice an error in your calculations you
need to recalculate everything from scratch with the calculator, but possibly only a
quick change in formula on the spreadsheet is required.

3. The spreadsheet is a much better tool than using the calculator, it is more powerful,
and you are also tracking your workings so the examiner can check your work and
give you maximum marks.
Worth thinking about!

Conclusion:
Whatever decision you make it is your choice but make sure whatever you do you make your
decision early in your study and continue with that approach right up to your exam day.
Consistency will win the day!