Can You Use a Calculator on the CUNY Assessment Test? Policy Checker

CUNY Assessment Test Calculator Policy Checker

Confused about whether you can use a calculator on the CUNY assessment test? Select your test and situation below to get a clear, immediate answer based on official CUNY policies.

Which CUNY Assessment Test are you taking?

The calculator policy depends heavily on the specific test you are scheduled for.

I have an approved testing accommodation from Student Disability Services to use a handheld calculator.

What is the CUNY Assessment Test Calculator Policy?

The “CUNY assessment test” is not a single exam, but a range of placement tests used across the City University of New York system to determine student proficiency in subjects like Math, Reading, and Writing. The policy on whether you can use a calculator on the CUNY assessment test is strict and, most importantly, varies by the specific test being administered.

Generally, personal handheld calculators are prohibited to ensure a fair and standardized assessment of a student’s foundational skills. For many math-related tests, if a calculator is permitted for certain questions, an on-screen calculator will be provided within the testing software itself. This approach guarantees that all students have access to the same tool and that no one gains an unfair advantage. Understanding this policy is crucial for proper test preparation. A great first step is to check out the CUNY admissions process for an overview.

Understanding CUNY’s Calculator Policies

There is no single formula for determining calculator use. Instead, CUNY’s policy is a logical framework based on the test’s objective. Here’s a breakdown of the logic:

Logical factors determining calculator use on CUNY tests
Variable	Meaning	Typical State	Impact on Calculator Use
Test Type	The specific exam being taken (e.g., ACCUPLACER, ALEKS).	Categorical	Primary determinant. Reading/writing tests never allow calculators. Math tests have varied rules.
Question Type	The skill being assessed by a specific question (e.g., arithmetic vs. advanced algebra).	Varies	On tests like ACCUPLACER, an on-screen calculator may appear only for specific questions that require complex computation.
Accommodations	Official approval from Student Disability Services (SDS).	Boolean (Yes/No)	If yes, approved students may be allowed to use a specific type of handheld calculator as per their accommodation letter.

Practical Examples of the Policy

Let’s see how the rules apply in common scenarios. These examples will help you understand what to expect on test day.

Example 1: Student taking the ACCUPLACER Math Test

Inputs: Test = ACCUPLACER Math, Accommodations = No
Result: The student cannot bring a personal calculator. An on-screen calculator will be made available by the testing software for certain questions, indicated by an icon.

Example 2: Student taking the CCNY Math Placement Test

Inputs: Test = CCNY Math Placement, Accommodations = No
Result: Calculators are strictly not permitted, neither handheld nor on-screen. The test is designed to assess skills without calculator assistance. For more details on this test, you might review the CCNY Program Requirements.

Example 3: Student with Accommodations taking the Ability-To-Benefit Test

Inputs: Test = ATB, Accommodations = Yes
Result: While the standard policy prohibits calculators, this student’s approved accommodation supersedes the general rule. They will be allowed to use the calculator specified in their official SDS documentation.

How to Use This CUNY Calculator Policy Checker

Using this tool is straightforward and gives you an instant, personalized answer about whether you can use a calculator on your CUNY assessment test.

Select Your Test: From the first dropdown menu, choose the specific CUNY assessment test you are registered to take. This is the most critical step.
Indicate Accommodations: Check the box if, and only if, you have gone through the formal process with your campus’s Student Disability Services and have an official letter approving the use of a handheld calculator.
Check the Policy: Click the “Check Calculator Policy” button.
Interpret the Result: The result box will appear below, color-coded for clarity. It will state the specific policy for your situation and explain what you should expect.

To get help with your test, check our Test Preparation Strategies page.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use

Several factors determine whether a calculator is allowed. It’s not a one-size-fits-all policy. Understanding these factors will help you know what to expect for any CUNY assessment test.

The Specific CUNY College: While CUNY has overarching policies, individual colleges like Baruch or CCNY can have specific rules for their own placement tests.
The Test Provider: CUNY uses tests from different providers, such as ACCUPLACER (from College Board) and ALEKS. Each has its own built-in rules.
Test Module: A single test like ACCUPLACER has multiple parts (e.g., Arithmetic, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading). A calculator might be available for one math section but not another, and never for English sections.
Official Accommodations: This is the only exception to the “no personal calculator” rule. A documented need approved by the university takes precedence.
On-Screen vs. Handheld: The most common scenario where a calculator is allowed involves an on-screen tool provided within the test interface, not your own device.
Ability-To-Benefit (ATB) Status: The ATB test has its own strict set of rules, which explicitly forbid physical calculators for the arithmetic module.

For financial queries regarding your studies, our Financial Aid Options page might be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I ever use my own graphing calculator on a CUNY assessment test?: No, unless it is a specifically approved accommodation from Student Disability Services. Personal calculators, including graphing calculators, are generally banned to ensure fairness.
What happens if a calculator is allowed? Is it for the whole test?: Not usually. For tests like the ACCUPLACER, a calculator icon will appear on the screen for specific questions where it’s deemed appropriate. It is not available for the entire test.
Will the on-screen calculator be a scientific one?: The type of on-screen calculator (basic, scientific) depends on the test and the question’s complexity. You should assume it will have the functions necessary for the problem it’s provided for.
Does the calculator policy apply to online and in-person tests?: Yes, the rules are consistent regardless of the testing location. Proctored online tests have measures to ensure you are only using the on-screen tools provided.
What if I don’t know which specific math test I’m taking?: This is critical information. You must check your CUNYfirst account or contact the testing office at your specific CUNY college to confirm the exact name of your test. Policy varies significantly between the CCNY Placement Test and the general ACCUPLACER, for example.
Is there a penalty for trying to use a forbidden calculator?: Yes. Attempting to use a non-permitted device can lead to your test score being invalidated and may result in academic integrity proceedings.
Can I use a calculator on the English (Reading/Writing) portions of the test?: No. Calculators are never permitted on the reading, writing, or essay portions of any CUNY assessment test.
Where can I find sample questions that use the on-screen calculator?: The College Board’s ACCUPLACER website has free practice materials that include a tutorial for the on-screen calculator, allowing you to get familiar with it before test day.