PENNSYLVANIA CALCULATOR POLICY
If a student chooses to use a calculator (other than the online options) on the Keystone Exams or PSSA in sections
where the calculator is permitted, the student must adhere to the guidelines listed below. It is incumbent upon
the School Assessment Coordinator to ensure that all calculator policies are implemented and followed, including
making sure calculators have no programs or other data stored in their memory other than those that are factory
installed. Please note that if a student wants to restore the deleted programs, the student will need to back up these
programs prior to the assessment. In addition, the memory must be cleared on the calculator prior to and following
each test session of the assessment. This task must be completed by the Test Administrator or Proctor. Students are
not to complete this task.
Calculators with testing mode or exam mode must have the testing mode or exam mode activated prior to the
exam session by the Test Administrator or Proctor. Directions to activate testing mode or exam mode are provided
on the PDE website.
The following are not permitted for the PSSA or Keystone Exams:
• Devices that have a primary purpose other than functioning as a calculator such as cell phones, smartphones,
smartwatches, PDAs, laptops, tablets, pocket organizers, etc.
• Calculators with infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other beaming or wireless capabilities, unless the beaming or
wireless capabilities are disabled
• Calculators with built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS)
• Calculators that make noise, have paper tape, need to be plugged in, or talk; these specific calculators can
only be used as a required accommodation as stated in the Accommodations Guidelines
• Calculators shared by students during a test session
• Any and all non-factory (add-on) programs or information stored in the calculator
This calculator policy is intended to be a general description of what is not allowed. It is not meant to be an exhaustive
list of specific calculators, devices, or technologies that must not be used on the PSSA or Keystone Exams.
Please
note that as technology changes, this policy may also change.
Click here for PDF version.
Click here for PDF version (Spanish).