ACT Calculator Approval Checker
function checkCalculatorApproval() {
var modelInput = document.getElementById("calculatorModel").value.trim();
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("approvalResult");
var modelLower = modelInput.toLowerCase();
var statusMessage = "";
var isApproved = false;
var isBanned = false;
if (modelInput === "") {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#fff3cd";
resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#ffeeba";
resultDiv.style.color = "#856404";
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a calculator model name to check its approval status.";
return;
}
// — Banned Calculators (Specific Models & General Rules) —
var bannedKeywords = [
"ti-89", "ti-92", "voyage 200", "ti nspire cas", "hp 48gii", "hp 40g", "hp 49g", "hp 50g",
"casio classpad", "fx-cp400", "fx-cg500", "algebra fx 2.0", "datamath", "fx-9970g",
"qwerty", "paper tape", "noise", "electrical outlet", "phone", "tablet", "laptop", "computer",
"pocket organizer", "handheld computer", "communication device", "camera", "audio player", "video player"
];
for (var i = 0; i < bannedKeywords.length; i++) {
if (modelLower.includes(bannedKeywords[i])) {
isBanned = true;
break;
}
}
// Specific CAS models that might not be caught by "nspire cas" alone
if (modelLower.includes("ti-nspire") && modelLower.includes("cas")) {
isBanned = true;
}
if (modelLower.includes("hp prime") && modelLower.includes("cas")) { // HP Prime is allowed if CAS is disabled
isBanned = true; // Assume CAS is enabled if not specified otherwise
}
// — Approved Calculators (Common Models) —
var approvedKeywords = [
"ti-83", "ti-84", "ti-npsire cx ii", "ti-npsire cx", "ti-npsire non-cas", "ti-30", "ti-34", "ti-36",
"casio fx-9750gii", "casio fx-9860gii", "casio fx-cg50", "casio fx-9750giii", "casio fx-991ex",
"hp prime", // HP Prime is generally allowed, but CAS mode must be off. We'll add a note.
"sharp el-9600", "sharp el-9900", "sharp el-w516x", "sharp el-w535t",
"scientific calculator" // General category, but still needs to follow rules
];
for (var j = 0; j < approvedKeywords.length; j++) {
if (modelLower.includes(approvedKeywords[j])) {
isApproved = true;
break;
}
}
// — Determine Final Status —
if (isBanned) {
statusMessage = "
NOT APPROVED: This calculator model or its features are generally prohibited by the ACT. Common reasons include CAS functionality, QWERTY keyboards, or other disallowed features. Please check the official ACT website for specific restrictions.";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#f8d7da";
resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#f5c6cb";
resultDiv.style.color = "#721c24";
} else if (isApproved) {
statusMessage = "
LIKELY APPROVED: This calculator model is generally allowed for the ACT. However, always ensure your specific model does not have any prohibited features (e.g., CAS functionality must be disabled on HP Prime, no QWERTY keyboard). Always verify with the official ACT website.";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#d4edda";
resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#c3e6cb";
resultDiv.style.color = "#155724";
} else {
statusMessage = "
UNCERTAIN / CHECK OFFICIAL LIST: We couldn't definitively determine the approval status for '" + modelInput + "'. It might be an uncommon model, or its status depends on specific features. Please consult the official ACT website's calculator policy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#fff3cd";
resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#ffeeba";
resultDiv.style.color = "#856404";
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = statusMessage;
}
Understanding ACT Calculator Policy
The ACT (American College Testing) has specific rules regarding which calculators are permitted during the math section of the exam. Adhering to these rules is crucial, as using a prohibited calculator can lead to your scores being canceled or you being dismissed from the test center. This calculator approval checker provides a general guide, but always refer to the official ACT website for the most current and definitive policy.
General Rules for Approved Calculators:
- Most basic four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed.
- Calculators must be battery-operated and silent.
- You are responsible for ensuring your calculator is in good working order and has fresh batteries.
- Calculators with computer algebra system (CAS) functionality are generally NOT allowed.
Prohibited Calculator Features and Models:
The ACT explicitly bans calculators with certain features or specific models. Be aware of the following:
- Calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality: These calculators can perform symbolic manipulation, which is not allowed. Examples include:
- TI-89, TI-92, Voyage 200
- TI-Nspire CAS (all models)
- HP 48GII, HP 40G, HP 49G, HP 50G
- Casio ClassPad (all models)
- Casio Algebra FX 2.0
- Calculators with QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypads: These are designed for text entry and are not permitted.
- Calculators that make noise or have paper tapes: Any calculator that can print or make audible sounds is prohibited.
- Calculators that require an electrical outlet: All calculators must be battery-powered.
- Electronic devices that are not calculators: This includes cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, portable media players, cameras, or any other communication or recording devices.
- Calculators with wireless communication capabilities.
Commonly Approved Calculator Models:
Many popular models are generally allowed. These often include:
- Texas Instruments: TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus (all versions including CE), TI-Nspire (non-CAS versions), TI-30 series, TI-34 series, TI-36X Pro.
- Casio: fx-9750GII, fx-9860GII, fx-CG50, fx-991EX.
- Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime (ensure CAS functionality is disabled).
- Sharp: EL-9600, EL-9900.
Important Considerations:
- Even if your calculator model is generally approved, ensure it does not have any prohibited features enabled (e.g., CAS mode on an HP Prime must be turned off).
- Test administrators have the final say on whether a calculator is allowed. If there's any doubt, bring a backup calculator that you know is approved, or a simple scientific calculator.
- Familiarize yourself with your calculator before test day. Knowing how to use its functions efficiently can save you valuable time.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official ACT website's calculator policy page.