Re: NCEES policies for 2006 ? Message #7 Posted by Norris on 24 Nov 2004, 3:22 p.m., in response to message #5 by bill platt
No, NCEES is *not* restructuring any of their exams. They have *always* maintained that all of their exam problems can be solved with a basic scientific calculator (supplemented, in some cases, by NCEES-supplied tables). This was true in the past, and it remains true today. People routinely pass the EIT and PE exams with cheap TIs, Casios, and Sharps, and have been doing so for years.
Why, then, are so many people so upset by the NCEES ban on more powerful calculators ?
First issue: powerful calculators (like the HP48) were never “necessary” for NCEES exams – but they sure were convenient. Not all 48 owners knew how to exploit its features, but if you did, then you enjoyed some distinct advantages that weren't available with basic calculators.
I used an HP48GX on the EIT exam (before it was banned), and on California-specific PE exams (where it is still legal). I probably could have passed these exams without the 48, but I am convinced that I worked faster and scored higher with the 48. So obviously I was reluctant to give it up.
Second issue: the NCEES policies have troubling implications for RPN addicts. RPN is only available on relatively advanced calculators; there are no truly "basic" scientific RPN models in production. The 33S is no 48GX, but it is still much more powerful than the approved algebraic models on the NCEES list. If NCEES ultimately standardizes on "basic" scientific calculators, the 33S may not make the cut, and this would represent a de facto ban on RPN. Many RPN users wouldn't object to using a basic calculator per se, but they don't want to switch to algebraic.
When NCEES initially announced its new policies, back in late 2003, it came close to a de facto RPN ban. The 48GII and the 49G+ were explicitly banned, and the 33S was not yet available. So there were no NCEES-compliant scientific calculators in production. You could only use RPN if you could get your hands on an older model, like the 11C, 15C, or 32SII (ironically, all of these have now been banned as well).
HP deserves part of the blame for this situation. HP can make inexpensive "basic" scientific calculators, like the NCEES-approved 9S (just $11.99 at HP.com). But whatever reason, HP won't make an equivalent model with RPN.
Edited: 25 Nov 2004, 11:57 a.m. after one or more responses were posted
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