PRC Allowed Calculator Compliance Checker (2019)
Verify if your calculator meets the 2019 Electronics Engineering Licensure Exam requirements
Comprehensive Guide: PRC Allowed Calculators for Electronics Engineering Licensure Exam 2019
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines maintains strict guidelines regarding calculator usage during the Electronics Engineering Licensure Examination. This 1200+ word guide provides everything you need to know about the 2019 calculator policies, approved models, and preparation strategies.
1. Official PRC Calculator Policy for 2019
The PRC’s 2019 memorandum (Resolution No. 2019-1143) established clear rules for calculator usage in engineering examinations:
- Only non-programmable calculators were permitted during the exam
- Calculators with graphing capabilities were prohibited unless specifically approved
- Models with communication features (IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) were banned
- Calculators with alphanumeric keyboards were not allowed
- Examinees could bring only one calculator to the testing center
2. Approved Calculator Models (2019)
The PRC published an official list of approved calculator models for the 2019 Electronics Engineering exam. Below is a partial list of commonly accepted models:
| Brand | Approved Models | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-991ES PLUS, fx-570ES PLUS, fx-350ES PLUS | Scientific | Most popular choice among examinees |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView | Scientific | MultiView model has advanced display |
| Sharp | EL-W516X, EL-501X | Scientific | WriteView display technology |
| Hewlett-Packard | HP 35s | Scientific | RPN input method |
3. Prohibited Calculator Features
The PRC explicitly banned calculators with the following features in 2019:
- Programmability: Any calculator that could store programs or user-created equations
- Graphing capabilities: Models like TI-84 or Casio fx-9860G were prohibited
- Communication interfaces: IR ports, Bluetooth, or any wireless capability
- Alphanumeric keyboards: QWERTY or similar keyboards
- Symbolic manipulation: Calculators that could perform algebraic manipulation
- Large memory storage: Models with significant data storage capacity
4. Examination Day Procedures
Examinees were required to follow these calculator-related procedures on exam day:
- Present the calculator for inspection before entering the testing room
- Remove any protective cases or covers
- Ensure the calculator had no written notes or formulas
- Place the calculator on the desk only during permitted times
- Follow proctor instructions regarding calculator usage
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many examinees made critical errors regarding calculator usage in 2019:
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bringing a programmable calculator | Immediate disqualification | Verify model against PRC’s approved list |
| Using a calculator with a case | Confiscation of the case | Remove all covers before inspection |
| Having written notes on the calculator | Exam invalidation | Clean the calculator thoroughly before exam day |
| Bringing multiple calculators | Only one calculator allowed in testing area | Choose one reliable model and practice with it |
6. Preparation Strategies
To ensure compliance and optimal performance:
- Practice with your exam calculator for at least 3 months before the test
- Master the specific functions you’ll need for electronics engineering problems
- Create a backup plan in case your primary calculator fails
- Familiarize yourself with the PRC’s calculator inspection process
- Check for updates to the approved calculator list before exam day
7. Alternative Calculation Methods
Since calculator usage was restricted, examinees needed to be proficient in:
- Manual logarithmic calculations
- Trigonometric identities and exact values
- Mental math techniques for estimation
- Unit conversions without calculator assistance
- Basic circuit analysis using simplified formulas
8. Historical Context
The 2019 calculator policy represented a continuation of PRC’s increasingly strict regulations:
- 2015: First major restriction on programmable calculators
- 2017: Ban on graphing calculators implemented
- 2019: Most comprehensive restrictions to date
- 2021: Policy remained largely unchanged with minor clarifications
9. Authoritative Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult these official sources:
- Professional Regulation Commission Official Website
- IEEE Standards Association (for technical specifications)
- NCEES Exam Policies (for comparison with international standards)
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Could I bring a solar-powered calculator?
A: Yes, solar-powered calculators were permitted as long as they met all other requirements.
Q: Was the Casio fx-991EX allowed in 2019?
A: No, the fx-991EX was not on the approved list for 2019, though some later versions became acceptable.
Q: Could I use my phone’s calculator app?
A: Absolutely not. All electronic devices except approved calculators were prohibited.
Q: What happened if my calculator ran out of battery during the exam?
A: Examinees were responsible for ensuring their calculator had sufficient power. No replacements were allowed during the exam.
Q: Were there any exceptions for examinees with disabilities?
A: Special accommodations could be requested through the PRC’s disability services office with proper documentation.