UPDATED 2026: PRC List of Allowed Calculator Models

In October 2019, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 21, Series of 2009, pursuant to its authority under Republic Act No. 8981, prescribing the list of non-programmable calculators allowed for use in licensure examinations. However, after reviewing the approved models, the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Civil Engineering found that several calculators included in the list were no longer suitable for the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.

Many of the calculators lacked essential engineering functions such as algebraic logic and trigonometric capabilities, making them impractical for solving engineering problems during the board examination. The Board also discovered that some calculator models were outdated, duplicated, incorrectly listed, discontinued, or even non-existent. To add to the confusion, the previous list still included the Casio fx-991ES and fx-991ES Plus, which had already been prohibited in previous examinations because of their advanced capabilities.

To address these concerns, the Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering issued PRB Resolution No. 02, Series of 2020, which contains the updated list of non-programmable calculators that may be used during the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination. The revised list was first implemented during the May 2020 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination and continues to serve as the official reference for examinees unless superseded by a newer resolution.

If you are preparing for the Civil Engineering board exam, it is important to verify that your calculator appears on the official list. Bringing a calculator that is not included or one that violates PRC rules may prevent you from using it during the examination, forcing you to complete the exam without a calculator.

You may also read: PRC Online Registration Guide

PRC List of Allowed Calculators

The Professional Regulation Commission has approved the following scientific calculators for use during the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination through PRB Resolution No. 02, Series of 2020. Only the exact calculator models listed below are allowed inside the examination room.

Examinees are encouraged to check the model number printed on the front or back of their calculator before the examination. Even calculators that appear similar may have different features, and only the models specifically included in the PRC list are permitted.

Allowed Casio Calculator Models

Canon Calculator Models

Sharp Calculator Models

Hewlett- Packard Calculators

Citizen Scientific Calculators

Aurora Scientific Calculator Models

Olympia Calculator Models

Texas Instruments Scientific Calculator Models

Other Brands

Before Bringing Your Calculator

Before reporting to your assigned testing center, make sure that your calculator is in good working condition. Replace the batteries if necessary and familiarize yourself with its functions well before examination day. The PRC Licensure Examinations are time-limited, and knowing how to use your calculator efficiently can save valuable minutes.

It is also advisable to inspect your calculator for any handwritten notes, stickers, or unauthorized markings. PRC personnel carefully inspect calculators before the examination, and any suspicious markings may cause delays during inspection or result in the calculator being disallowed.

Reminders

Please be reminded that examinees are allowed to bring only one (1) calculator inside the examination room. Unlike previous years, bringing a spare calculator as a backup is no longer permitted. Because of this rule, it is important to ensure that your calculator is fully functional before exam day.

Only calculators appearing on the official PRC list may be used. Calculators with programmable memory, wireless communication features, graphing capabilities, text storage, or symbolic computation functions are strictly prohibited. Proctors will inspect all calculators before the examination begins, and any unit found to violate PRC regulations will be confiscated for the duration of the examination or disallowed from use.

Avoid borrowing or purchasing a calculator at the last minute. Instead, practice solving engineering problems using the same calculator you intend to bring so that you become familiar with its functions, shortcuts, and limitations. This will help you work faster and minimize mistakes during the examination.

For questions or clarifications regarding calculator policies or other licensure examination concerns, you may contact the PRC Licensure Office through the following email addresses:

• prc.licensureoffice@gmail.com
• licensure.office@prc.gov.ph