Can I use a calculator on the exam?

Can I use a calculator on the exam?

Exam Expectations - Calculators

All calculators are available in Canvas on the exams. The calculators are embedded into each question and are available to use throughout the exam, if a calculator is permitted on your exam. 


The following courses have a calculator available in the midterm and final exam: 

  • Chemistry 1 and Lab

  • Physical Science and Lab 

  • College Algebra 

  • Contemporary Math and Quantitative Reasoning 

  • Introduction to Business, Ethics and Entrepreneurship 


The following images are examples of the calculators in the courses. The standard calculator is used in the Introduction to Business, Ethics and Entrepreneurship course. 

The scientific calculator is provided in Chemistry 1 and Lab, Physical Science and Lab, Contemporary Math and Quantitative Reasoning, and College Algebra. 


No external, personal or handheld calculator will be permitted in the exam. Due to academic integrity constraints, you cannot use your phone as a calculator.


It is recommended that you bring one 8.5 x 11-inch blank sheet of paper and at least 2 sharpened pencils into the exam. This paper is to be used as “scratch” paper. You may use it to work through any necessary calculations when solving the exam questions. Prior to the start of the exam, the blank “scratch” paper must be shown to the proctor for verification. 


It is also recommended that you bring at least one 8.5 x 11-inch blank sheet of graph paper. Some courses will ask students to solve various types of questions by graphing a solution. The following courses may require students to solve problems by graphing: 

  • Chemistry 1 and Lab

  • Physical Science and Lab 

  • College Algebra 

  • Contemporary Math and Quantitative Reasoning 

  • Introduction to Business, Ethics and Entrepreneurship 


As a student enrolled in a TEL Education course, it is expected that the students uphold the highest level of academic integrity.  Any violation of this academic integrity, including the misuse of the on-screen calculator, calculator website, internet, search engines, etc., will result in earning a zero on the exam.  Furthermore, the use of any calculator on a mobile device (cell phone, smartphone, tablet, e-reader, etc.), including the calculator feature on all cell phones, a calculator app, or an online version of a calculator used on your mobile device is prohibited by the Academic Misuse Policy.  


If you have any questions about the calculators used during exams, please contact Support at support@tel-education.org.


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