Prior rule amended: Memorandum Circular No. 2009-21
- Memorandum Circular No. 2009-21, issued on October 28, 2009, updated the list of non-programmable calculators that may be used in licensure examinations.
- Memorandum Circular No. 2009-21 took effect on January 6, 2010 after publication in the Official Gazette.
- Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 amends Memorandum Circular No. 2009-21 by deleting Casio Calculator fx-991ES and fx991ES PLUS from the allowed list.
- The amendment specifically implements the disallowance of those Casio models due to their programmable features.
Purpose for disallowance
- The circular adopts the recommendation to disallow the use of Casio Calculator fx-991ES and fx991ES PLUS in the licensure examinations.
- The disallowance is implemented to prevent use of calculators with programmable features during licensure exams.
- The circular applies the updated examination integrity requirements through strict control of calculator features and custody during testing.
Allowed calculator quantity and exchange prohibition
- Examinees may be allowed to use only one (1) calculator during the licensure examination.
- Borrowing calculators while the examination is in progress is strictly prohibited.
- Lending calculators while the examination is in progress is strictly prohibited.
- Substitution/replacement of calculators while the examination is in progress is strictly prohibited.
Specific calculators disallowed
- Examinees are not allowed to use Casio Calculator fx-991ES in the licensure examinations.
- Examinees are not allowed to use Casio Calculator fx991ES PLUS in the licensure examinations.
- The disallowed models are removed from the list of calculators that may be used under the prior rule in Memorandum Circular No. 2009-21.
Inspection controls and safeguards during the exam
- Calculators used in the licensure examinations must undergo strict and thorough inspection.
- Room watchers and supervisors must exercise vigilance in the inspection of calculators.
- Inspectors must ensure that the calculators do not have audio-visual features.
- Inspectors must ensure calculators are not improvised/tampered and do not contain audio-visual features.
Implementation guidance
- All parties conducting and monitoring licensure examinations must follow the circular’s rules on calculator disallowance, quantity limitation, and prohibition on borrowing/lending/substitution during the exam.
- Examiners and examination monitors must apply the inspection and vigilance requirements to ensure compliance with the restrictions on audio-visual features and tampering.