Can You Use a Calculator on the APES Exam?

An interactive policy checker to determine if your specific calculator is permitted on the AP Environmental Science exam.

APES Calculator Eligibility Checker

Eligibility Chart

What is the APES Exam Calculator Policy?

The question, “can you use a calculator on the apes exam,” is a common one among students preparing for the AP Environmental Science test. The short answer is yes, you can. The College Board permits the use of calculators on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections of the APES exam. However, not all calculators are allowed. The policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent access to prohibited features like internet connectivity or communication tools.

Students can bring up to two permitted handheld calculators. This is a helpful policy in case one malfunctions. You can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, but familiarity is key. It’s far more important to be comfortable with the calculator you bring than to have the most advanced model, as the math on the APES exam is generally not complex.

APES Calculator Rules and Explanation

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed is a set of rules. A calculator is permitted if it is a handheld device AND it does NOT have any features on the College Board’s prohibited list. This simple rule-based logic is what our interactive checker uses to give you an instant answer.

Here is a breakdown of the key variables that determine eligibility:

Summary of APES Calculator Eligibility Factors

Feature	Status	Explanation
Four-Function, Scientific, or Graphing	Allowed	These standard calculator types are all permitted for the APES exam.
QWERTY Keyboard	Prohibited	Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards are not allowed as they can be used to store notes.
Internet Access	Prohibited	Any device that can connect to the internet is strictly forbidden.
Part of a Communication Device	Prohibited	This includes phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The calculator must be a standalone device.
Clearing Memory	Not Required	The College Board states that you do not need to clear your calculator’s memory before or after the exam.
Sharing Calculators	Prohibited	Students are not allowed to share calculators during the exam.

Practical Examples

Let’s apply these rules to a few common scenarios.

Example 1: Standard Graphing Calculator

• Device: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus
• Analysis: This is a standard, approved graphing calculator. It is handheld and does not have a QWERTY keyboard, internet, or other prohibited features.
• Result: ALLOWED

Example 2: Smartphone Calculator App

• Device: The calculator app on an iPhone or Android device.
• Analysis: While it performs calculations, the device itself is a communication tool with internet access.
• Result: PROHIBITED

Example 3: Calculator with a QWERTY Keyboard

• Device: A calculator model that includes a typewriter-style keyboard.
• Analysis: Even if the calculator is otherwise acceptable, the presence of a QWERTY keyboard makes it ineligible for use on any AP Exam.
• Result: PROHIBITED

How to Use This APES Calculator Policy Calculator

Our tool is designed to simplify the official College Board policy. Here’s how to use it to check if you can use a calculator on the APES exam:

1. Answer Question 1: Confirm that your calculator is a separate, handheld device and not integrated into a phone or computer.
2. Check for Prohibited Features: Carefully review the list in Question 2. Check the box next to any feature your calculator possesses.
3. Review Your Result: The tool will instantly display either “ALLOWED” or “NOT ALLOWED” based on your answers. The explanation will detail why the decision was made.
4. Reset if Needed: Click the “Reset Checker” button to clear your selections and start over with a different calculator.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Eligibility

When determining if you can use a calculator on the APES exam, the College Board focuses on preventing unfair advantages. Here are the most critical factors:

• Standalone Functionality: The device must be a calculator first and foremost, not a multi-purpose gadget like a tablet or phone.
• No Communication Capability: Anything that can communicate with other devices or the internet is banned. This is the most important rule.
• Input Method: QWERTY keyboards are a major red flag for proctors, as they make it easier to type and store text-based information.
• Power Source: Devices that need to be plugged into a wall are not permitted. Your calculator must be battery-powered.
• Unusual Features: Anything that seems out of the ordinary, like a paper tape printer or the ability to make noise, is prohibited.
• Official List: While the APES exam is flexible, exams like AP Calculus have a specific list of approved graphing calculators. It’s always a good idea to use a model that is widely accepted, like those from the TI-83/84 series. Find more info at the AP Calculator Policy page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I really need a graphing calculator for the APES exam?

No. While you can use one, the math on the exam can be handled with a scientific or even a four-function calculator. Comfort and familiarity are more important than features.

2. Can I bring two different types of calculators?

Yes. You are allowed to bring up to two permitted calculators. For example, you could bring both a graphing and a scientific calculator.

3. What happens if my calculator runs out of batteries?

Proctors are not required to provide batteries. It is your responsibility to ensure your calculator is in good working order. Bringing a backup calculator is a wise strategy.

4. Do I have to clear the memory on my calculator?

No, the College Board does not require you to clear the memory before or after the APES exam.

5. Can I use the calculator on my smartwatch?

No. Smartwatches are considered communication devices and are prohibited.

6. What is the penalty for using a prohibited calculator?

If a student is caught using a prohibited device, they risk having their score canceled. It is crucial to verify your calculator’s eligibility before exam day. Get more details on the TI AP Exam acceptance page.

7. Are there any built-in calculators in the digital exam?

For digital AP exams taken via the Bluebook application, a Desmos calculator is often built-in. For the APES exam, both scientific and graphing calculator options will be available through Bluebook. Check the latest SAT and AP policies for updates.

8. What if my graphing calculator has a program I wrote for class?

This is generally acceptable. Since memory clearing is not required, stored programs are permitted as long as they don’t violate other rules (e.g., containing exam content to share with others).