PRC Approved Calculator 2026 Official list
Your ultimate guide to PRC approved calculators for Philippine board exams — engineering, pharmacy, education, accountancy, and more. Verified models, memory clearance tips, and updated 2026 guidelines from PRC memoranda.
Why a PRC approved calculator matters? The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) strictly prohibits non-approved calculators during licensure exams. Using an unauthorized model can lead to automatic disqualification. This 2026 guide compiles the complete list of prc approved scientific calculators and basic models, plus exclusive insights on verification, newly added devices, and exam-day survival tips. Whether you're taking the ECE, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy, or LET, we've got your back.
What defines a PRC Approved Calculator?
PRC approves calculators that do not have built-in wireless communication, infrared, text storage, or programmable memory that can retain formulas across reset. Acceptable models must only perform standard scientific, statistical, or basic arithmetic functions. The PRC releases an official “List of Approved Calculators” which includes brands like Casio, Canon, Sharp, and few others. As of March 2026, the approved models remain largely aligned with the 2019 consolidated list, with minor additions of newer variants (e.g., Casio FX-991EX, Canon F-792SGA). Always cross-check your unit’s exact model code before exam registration.
Top 5 PRC Approved Scientific Calculators (2026)
| Model | Brand | Key Features | Best For | Est. Price (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX-991ES PLUS | Casio | 417 functions, matrix/vector, complex numbers, 10+2 digits | ECE, ME, CE, Chem Eng | ₱1,200–₱1,500 |
| F-789SGA | Canon | 401 functions, equation solver, integration, 2-line display | Engineering boards, Pharmacy | ₱1,100–₱1,400 |
| EL-W516T | Sharp | Multi-line display, 640 functions, D.A.L., home improvement | ME, EE, LET (Science) | ₱1,600–₱2,000 |
| FX-570ES PLUS | Casio | Similar to 991 but solar + battery, 417 functions | Architecture, engineering students | ₱900–₱1,200 |
| F-792SGA | Canon | Advanced statistics, 300+ functions, large keypad | Chemical eng, Accountancy stats | ₱1,300–₱1,600 |
Pro tip 2026: Many examinees prefer Casio FX-991ES PLUS for its familiarity, but Canon F-789SGA offers identical functionality at a slightly lower price. For board exams like ECE, both are approved calculator prc ece standard. Bring at least one backup approved model to avoid last-minute issues.
Full list of PRC approved calculators (2026 Edition)
📌 Scientific calculators approved by PRC (most common): Casio FX-991ES, FX-991ES PLUS, FX-570ES, FX-570ES PLUS, FX-991MS, FX-570MS; Canon F-789SGA, F-792SGA, F-718SGA; Sharp EL-W516T, EL-W516X, EL-546W; and older EL-506W. For basic & accounting: Casio MS-80B, Canon LS-82Z, Sharp EL-240SAB, Casio DS-1TS, and any non-programmable basic calculator with only arithmetic, percent, and square root functions. All these models are part of the prc list of approved calculators officially acknowledged by PRC's board resolutions.
🆕 2026 Update: PRC has confirmed that models like Casio FX-991EX (ClassWiz) are accepted, provided they are set to examination mode (reset memory). However, always verify with the PRC regional office. We also included canon scientific calculator approved by prc models in the list above.
How to verify your calculator before exam day
PRC calculator approval timeline (2016–2026)
- 2016: Initial comprehensive list (Casio fx-82, fx-570/991 series, Sharp EL-546, Canon F-718).
- 2018–2019: Resolution No. 1146 expanded to include Canon F-789SGA, Sharp EL-W516 series.
- 2022: PRC reaffirmed list with memo for remote licensure exams; added Casio FX-991EX provisionally.
- 2024–2026: No major changes, but prc approved calculator october 2026 reference: any model on the 2019 list is still valid. New “ClassWiz” models are acceptable after proctor reset check.
TotalCalcHub’s 2026 guide ensures you stay ahead — we update when PRC releases new board exam bulletins.
Basic calculators for accounting & non-science programs
For CPA board exam, Customs Broker, or Agriculture board, PRC permits basic calculators that cannot perform scientific functions. Approved models include basic calculator prc approved units such as: Canon LS-122T, Casio MS-80B, Casio DJ-120D, Sharp EL-240SAB, and Aurora 10-digit models. Remember: even basic calculators must not have printing capability or data bank. Always verify with prc list od approved calculators (official document).
PRC Approved Calculator by profession
| Profession/Exam | Recommended Approved Models | Key Functions needed |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics (ECE) | Casio FX-991ES PLUS, Canon F-789SGA | Complex numbers, polar/rectangular conversion, matrices |
| Mechanical Engineering | Sharp EL-W516T, Casio FX-570ES PLUS | Equation solver, unit conversion, integration |
| Pharmacy Board | Canon F-789SGA, Casio FX-991MS | Statistics, regression, mole calculations |
| LET (Teachers) | Basic: Casio MS-80B, or scientific: FX-570ES | General math, statistics |
| Accountancy (CPA) | Basic only: Canon LS-82Z, Casio MS-80B | +, -, ×, ÷, % and memory |
Frequently asked questions (PRC calculators)
✅ Yes, both are part of the official prc approved scientific calculators list and widely accepted for engineering and science board exams since 2019 and reaffirmed for 2026.
🚫 Proctors will confiscate it, and you may be barred from using any calculator during the exam. Some rooms provide spare units but not guaranteed. Always use an approved calculator for board exam prc model.
❌ No, graphing calculators and those with QWERTY keyboards, text storage, or wireless are strictly prohibited. Only non-programmable scientific models are prc approved calculators.
📅 PRC typically updates only when new models emerge. For 2026, the approved models are based on Resolution 2019-1146 and subsequent board notices. Check the official PRC website’s “Examination” section for the updated prc approved calculators PDF.
⚠️ It is conditionally allowed if reset and in “exam mode”. However, some regional boards still limit to the older FX-991ES series. We recommend confirming with your PRC regional office or using a listed model like FX-991ES PLUS to be safe.
🔬 Scientific calculators can perform trig, logarithms, statistics; basic calculators only support arithmetic and memory. For accountancy and some education exams, only basic calculators are permitted. Check your specific board exam memo.
✅ Yes, many examinees bring a primary and a backup identical model (both PRC approved). This is allowed provided both are inspected and meet PRC guidelines.
Important disclaimer
TotalCalcHub provides this guide for informational purposes only. The PRC approved calculator list may be updated without prior notice. Always verify with the Professional Regulation Commission’s official memorandum before your examination. The information on this page is based on PRC circulars and compiled expertise as of March 2026. We are not affiliated with PRC. All trademarks belong to respective brands.