Can You Use a Calculator on the PERT Exam?
Instantly check the official calculator policy for each section of Florida’s Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT).
PERT Calculator Policy Checker
Select the specific part of the exam to see the rule.
What is the PERT Exam Calculator Policy?
When asking “can you use a calculator taking PERT exam“, the answer is nuanced. You are strictly prohibited from bringing your own personal calculator (handheld, scientific, or graphing) into the testing session. However, for a specific portion of the Mathematics subtest, the testing platform provides an on-screen, four-function calculator for you to use.
This policy ensures fairness and standardization. The test is designed to assess your mathematical abilities both with and without computational aid. The Reading and Writing sections do not involve calculations and therefore do not have a calculator available.
PERT Calculator Rules Explained
The PERT exam is divided into three main subjects: Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. The calculator rules are different for each, and even vary within the Mathematics section itself.
PERT Calculator Availability by Section
The following table outlines the official policy for calculator use across the different parts of the test.
| Exam Section | Personal Calculator Allowed? | On-Screen Calculator Provided? |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Certain Questions) | No | Yes, a pop-up calculator will appear. |
| Mathematics (Other Questions) | No | No |
| Reading | No | No |
| Writing | No | No |
Visual Guide: Calculator Access on PERT Sections
Practical Examples
Example 1: Student on the Reading Section
- Input: A student selects “Reading” in the calculator.
- Logic: The system identifies Reading as a non-mathematical section.
- Result: The output is “No”, with the explanation that calculators are not permitted or needed for the Reading comprehension test.
Example 2: Student on the Math Section
- Input: A student selects “Mathematics (Calculator-Allowed Questions)”.
- Logic: The system confirms this is the specific part of the math test where an on-screen tool is provided.
- Result: The output is “Yes”, explaining that a built-in calculator will be available for these specific questions.
How to Use This PERT Policy Calculator
This tool simplifies the question of “can you use a calculator taking PERT exam“. Follow these simple steps:
- Select the Exam Section: From the dropdown menu, choose the part of the PERT test you are curious about. The math section is broken into two types to reflect the test’s design.
- Click “Check Policy”: The calculator will process your selection.
- Review the Result: The tool will instantly display a clear “Yes” or “No” and provide a brief explanation of the official rule for that section. For more details, see our PERT Math Study Guide.
- Interpret the Results: Use this information to prepare correctly for your test day, knowing when you’ll need to rely on mental math versus when a tool will be available.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use
Several factors determine whether you’ll have access to a calculator during the PERT.
- 1. Exam Section: This is the primary factor. Calculators are only relevant to the Mathematics section.
- 2. Question Type: The PERT is a computer-adaptive test. The system decides which questions are eligible for calculator use. An icon will appear when the calculator is available.
- 3. Official Test Rules: Florida Department of Education and the individual testing centers strictly enforce a “no personal calculator” rule.
- 4. On-Screen Availability: The calculator is a built-in feature of the test software; it is not a separate program you can open. If the icon isn’t there, you can’t use it.
- 5. Test Integrity: The rules are in place to ensure that the test accurately measures a student’s postsecondary readiness without unfair advantages.
- 6. Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities may have different rules, but this must be arranged with the testing center well in advance and is not the standard policy. You should check out our guide on how to get a good PERT Practice Test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, personal calculators of any kind are strictly forbidden. Bringing one could lead to your test being invalidated.
The built-in calculator is a basic, four-function calculator. It does not have scientific or graphing capabilities.
Yes. When you are on a question where the calculator is permitted, a calculator icon will appear on the screen for you to click. If there is no icon, you cannot use one.
No, it is an optional tool. If you are more comfortable solving the problem without it, you are free to do so.
The PERT is designed to measure a range of math skills, including your ability to perform mental math and solve problems without technological aid, which is a key aspect of college readiness. For more information, read our What is a good PERT score? article.
Yes, the calculator is part of the official testing software and works on any computer used at an official testing center.
No, calculators are not provided and are not relevant for the Reading and Writing sections of the PERT. This is a key part of understanding if you can use a calculator taking PERT exam.
The tool is very straightforward, but if you have trouble, you can ask the test proctor for assistance on how to open it, though they cannot help you solve the problem. More information can be found in our PERT Test Dates guide.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your PERT preparation with these resources:
- PERT Math Study Guide: A deep dive into the math topics you’ll face.
- Free PERT Practice Test: Simulate the test experience and gauge your readiness.
- What Is a Good PERT Score?: Understand your score and what it means for placement.
- PERT Test Dates: Find upcoming test dates and registration info.