Calculators, Electronic Aids, Cell Phones and Drawing Instruments

A calculator policy went into effect with the December, 2000 examinations.

Candidates who wish to use a calculator are responsible for ensuring that it is in the Texas Instruments 30-series (30-39). Candidates may use protractors, rulers, and compasses during Parts I (Applied Basic Science).

Candidates who use an electronic device that is not within the Texas Instruments 30-series of calculators, or who use an electronic device for a test that has not been checked in by the proctor, may be disqualified from receiving their test results and subject to legal action.

Calculators are neither required nor permitted for the Part II, Part III, TMOD, or the ACMO examinations.

After being admitted to an examination room, using a mobile phone, and/or any electronic device, which can be used for recording, communicating, or transmitting any test material, shall be the basis of Board actions including, withholding scores and subsequent legal consequences. Candidates determined to have used such devices during an examination may be prohibited from taking future National Board examination.

Cell Phone Usage
While permitted, the Board discourages bringing cell phones to examinations. If a cell phone must be brought, it must be placed on the examination desk, with the battery removed and placed adjacent to the cell phone. The surface housing the battery must be face up for proctor inspection. Any cell phone that does not have a removable battery must be given to the proctor for the entire length of each test session. No phone should be left with personal belongings in the designated areas. If a candidate uses the restroom during the examination, the cell phone must be left on the examination desk. Non-compliance with any aspect of this policy is an irregularity, which will be reported to the Board, and may be subject to the consequences associated with cheating.

Candidates must bring their own #2 pencils to the test center. Only #2 lead pencils should be used in completing an answer sheet because these pencils make dense marks and are easy to erase.