Calculator Use

Graphing Calculator Policy

Test administration staff will clear the memory of all graphing calculators both before and after test administration.

We recommend that you:

• back-up any important information in your calculator's memory, including applications, before arriving to the test site.
• know how to clear the memory on the approved calculator that you plan to use during the test.

Note: Instructions on how to back-up and clear the memory of calculators can be found on various calculator websites.

Tests That Do Not Permit Use of a Calculator

In general, unless it is specifically stated that a calculator is permitted or required for a particular test, calculators may not be used on any Praxis™ tests.

Tests That Permit the Use of a Calculator

You may use a four-function or scientific calculator for the following tests although you are not required to do so:

• Business Education (0100 and 0101)
• Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (0014 and 5014)
• Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5031)
• Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects: Mathematics Subtest (5033)
• Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects: Science Subtest (5035)
• Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (0511 and 5511)
• Middle School: Content Knowledge (0146 and 5146)
• Middle School: Multiple Subjects (5141)
• Middle School: Multiple Subjects: Mathematics Subtest (5143)
• Middle School: Multiple Subjects: Science Subtest (5145)
• Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment (5152)
• Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment: Mathematics and Science (5155)
• Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Subject Concentration: Mathematics (5158)
• Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Subject Concentration: Science (5159)

You may use a four-function, scientific or graphing calculator for the following tests although you are not required to do so. A graphing calculator may provide an advantage over a scientific calculator on some questions.

• Mathematics: Pedagogy (0065)
• Middle School Mathematics (0069)

If you choose to use a calculator for these tests, you must bring your own with you to the testing center. Calculators are not provided at the test center.

Tests That Require the Use of a Graphing Calculator

The tests listed below require the use of a graphing calculator:

• Mathematics: Content Knowledge (0061 and 5061)
• Mathematics: Proofs, Models and Problems, Part 1 (0063)

Test takers are expected to bring a graphing calculator with the following capabilities:

• Plot the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window
• Find the zeros of a function
• Compute the derivative of a function numerically
• Compute the value of a definite integral numerically

Types of Calculators That Are Not Permitted

The following are not permitted:

• Portable/handheld computers or laptops
• Electronic writing pads
• Models with pen-input/stylus/touch-screen capability
• Pocket organizers, cell phones, BlackBerry devices, or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Models with QWERTY or typewriter keypads as part of hardware or software
• Models with printers
• Models that make noise or "talk"
• Models that require an electrical outlet
• Models that can access the Internet OR have wireless or Bluetooth capability
• Models that have a camera, scanning capability or digital audio/video player recording/player capability

In addition, the use of any hardware peripherals is not allowed.