You can use a basic on-screen calculator during the TEAS math section, but you can’t bring your own or use advanced calculators like scientific or graphing ones. Calculators are a helpful tool on the TEAS test, specifically in the math portion.
Outside the math portion, calculators aren’t allowed at all.
While the tool helps with simple arithmetic, you’ll still need to rely on mental math and problem-solving skills for fractions and percentages.
Getting comfortable with when and how to use the calculator can boost your test performance.
Understanding some strategies will further improve your results.
Key Takeaways
- Test-takers cannot bring personal calculators to the TEAS exam.
- An on-screen calculator is available only during the math section.
- The on-screen calculator provides basic arithmetic functions like addition and multiplication.
- Calculators are not allowed in non-math sections of the TEAS test.
- Familiarity with the on-screen calculator and mental math skills improves test performance.
Calculator Policy for the TEAS Exam
Wondering if you can use a calculator on the TEAS exam? The short answer is yes, but with some important restrictions. You won’t be allowed to bring your own calculator, so don’t plan on relying on a familiar device.
Instead, the testing center provides an on-screen calculator for the math portion of the exam. This means you’ll need to get comfortable using a virtual calculator rather than a physical one. Outside of the math section, calculators aren’t permitted, so you should be ready to perform mental math or use scratch paper as needed.
Understanding these rules ahead of time helps you avoid surprises during test day and allows you to practice accordingly, ensuring you’re prepared for the exam’s calculator policy.
Types of Calculators Allowed During the Test
Although you can’t bring your own calculator, the TEAS exam provides a basic on-screen calculator for the math section. This tool covers essential functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division but won’t include advanced features like graphing or scientific calculations.
Knowing what’s available helps you prepare effectively.
| Calculator Type | Allowed on TEAS | Features Included |
|---|---|---|
| On-screen calculator | Yes | Basic arithmetic |
| Scientific calculator | No | Trigonometry, exponents |
| Graphing calculator | No | Graph plotting, complex math |
| Physical calculator | No | Any type |
| Smartphone calculator | No | Any type |
Stick to using the provided on-screen calculator during the test for compliance.
How Calculator Use Impacts Your TEAS Math Section
Because the TEAS provides only a basic on-screen calculator, you’ll need to be comfortable performing some calculations manually during the math section. This limitation means you can’t rely on advanced functions like graphing or complex equations, so understanding foundational math concepts is essential. The calculator can help with simple arithmetic, but you’ll still handle fractions, percentages, and conversions by hand.
Using the calculator efficiently saves time, but overdependence might slow you down if you struggle with mental math. Being familiar with when and how to use the calculator will impact your pacing and accuracy. Ultimately, balancing calculator use with your own skills will help you tackle the math section more confidently and efficiently.
Alternative Strategies for Solving Math Problems
When you can’t rely solely on the basic calculator provided during the TEAS test, having alternative strategies for solving math problems becomes essential. You should sharpen your mental math skills, like quick addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to handle simpler calculations efficiently. Estimation is another useful tool—round numbers to make problems easier to solve and then adjust your answer accordingly.
Understanding how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps can save time and reduce errors. Don’t forget to use algebraic manipulation, such as factoring or isolating variables, to solve equations without a calculator. Ultimately, familiarize yourself with common formulas and conversion factors so you can apply them quickly.
These approaches help you stay confident and accurate, even when calculator use is limited.
Tips for Preparing Without a Calculator
Mastering alternative strategies for solving math problems gives you a solid foundation for preparing without a calculator. To get ready, focus on sharpening your mental math skills and memorizing key formulas like percentages, fractions, and basic algebra. Practice estimating answers to quickly check your work, which saves time.
Work on simplifying problems step-by-step instead of relying on technology to do it for you. Use practice tests under timed conditions to build confidence and improve your speed. Also, familiarize yourself with common question types on the TEAS test, so you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Calculator During the TEAS Test Breaks?
No, you can’t use a calculator during TEAS test breaks. The test is strictly proctored, so calculators aren’t allowed at any time.
You’ll need to rely on mental math or scratch paper provided during the exam.
Are Calculator Apps on Smartphones Allowed During the TEAS Test?
No, you can’t use calculator apps on smartphones during the TEAS test. Only the on-screen calculator provided by the testing software is allowed, so make sure your phone stays off and out of reach to avoid any issues.
Does Calculator Use Affect My Overall TEAS Score?
Remember, “practice makes perfect.” Using a calculator won’t directly affect your TEAS score, but relying too much on it might weaken your mental math skills, potentially lowering your overall performance during the test.
Can I Bring My Own Calculator to the TEAS Testing Center?
No, you can’t bring your own calculator to the TEAS testing center. They provide an on-screen calculator during the math section, so you won’t need to worry about supplying one yourself.
Just focus on studying!
Is There a Calculator Tutorial Provided Before the TEAS Math Section?
Before the math section, you won’t find a calculator tutorial lighting your path. You’ll need to dance with the calculator tool provided, so it’s best to practice beforehand and feel confident steering its functions on test day.
Conclusion
You might be surprised, but you can’t use a calculator on the TEAS test, so it’s smart to sharpen your skills instead. By practicing problem-solving and polishing your pencil power, you’ll breeze through the math section with confidence.
Remember, relying on reasoning rather than a device will develop your determination and drive. So, dedicate time daily to drill down on basic calculations and watch your test-taking tenacity truly take off!
In conclusion, since calculator use is not allowed on the TEAS test, focusing on mental math and problem-solving strategies is essential for success.
