PRC Calculator 2026: Official List of Allowed & Approved Calculators for Philippine Board Exams 2026 update
Are you preparing for the PRC board exam in 2026? Knowing the exact PRC calculator policy can save you from disqualification. This guide provides the updated list of prc approved calculator models, banned units, and expert verification tips for Civil Engineering, CPA, Electrical Engineering, Pharmacy, and other licensure exams in the Philippines.
What Is a PRC Calculator & Why Compliance Matters
A PRC calculator refers to any scientific calculator model that appears on the Professional Regulation Commission’s official list of allowed devices. These calculators are non-programmable, cannot store text or formulas, and lack communication ports. Using a banned model (like programmable or graphing calculators) leads to confiscation, mark deduction, or even exam cancellation. Since 2026, PRC has intensified spot-checking in major testing centers across NCR, Cebu, Davao, and Baguio.
PRC Calculator Regulation Timeline (2016–2026)
Resolution No. 2015-1035: First consolidated list of allowed calculators (Casio fx-82/85/570/991MS/ES).
Updated memo banned Casio fx-991EX and models with spreadsheet functions.
Clarification: “Classwiz” series with QR code capability are disallowed.
PRC reinforces non-programmable policy and releases digital verification portal. Stricter enforcement for CPE, ECE, and Accountancy.
PRC Allowed vs. Banned Calculators (2026 Official Reference)
| Brand | Model | Status | Notes / PRC Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-82ES PLUS / fx-85ES | ✅ Allowed | Standard non-programmable; widely used in board exams |
| Casio | fx-570ES PLUS / fx-991ES PLUS | ✅ Allowed | High scientific functionality, no programming |
| Casio | fx-350MS / fx-570MS | ✅ Allowed | Older models but still accepted |
| Sharp | EL-W535TG / EL-W506T | ✅ Allowed | WriteView display, approved per PRC circular |
| Canon | F-789SGA / F-792SGA | ✅ Allowed | Common for engineering board takers |
| Casio | fx-991EX (Classwiz) | ❌ Banned | QR code / spreadsheet memory, NOT allowed as of 2026 |
| Casio | fx-5800P / fx-9750GII | ❌ Banned | Programmable & graphing → strictly prohibited |
| Sharp | EL-9900 / any graphing series | ❌ Banned | Graphing calculators are disqualified |
| Any brand | Programmable / text-storage | ❌ Banned | PRC zero-tolerance for programmable features |
Pro tip: Even if your model resembles an allowed version, exam proctors will verify the label. Avoid Casio fx-991EX and any calculator with “programmable” or “graphic” markings.
Quick Verification Checklist (Before Exam Day)
PRC Calculator Guidelines by Profession
Civil Engineering & Electrical Engineering
CE and ECE boards require complex scientific functions (trig, complex numbers, matrix). Recommended: Casio fx-570ES PLUS, Canon F-789SGA. Avoid any calculator with equation-solver that saves formulas — PRC considers that borderline.
CPA Board Exam (Accountancy)
Basic statistical and financial functions only. Allowed models: Casio fx-82ES PLUS, Sharp EL-W535. Programmable financial calculators (e.g., HP 12C) are NOT permitted.
Pharmacy & Medical Technologist
Scientific calculators with basic bio-stat capabilities are allowed. Ban on units with inbuilt medical formulas. Most Casio fx-350/570MS are safe.
How to Verify If Your Calculator Is PRC-Approved (Step by Step)
- Visit the official PRC website (prc.gov.ph) and navigate to “List of Approved Calculators”.
- Download the latest PRC Resolution No. 2023-1378 supplement (extended for 2026).
- Search your calculator’s brand and model number. If it appears under “Allowed Scientific Calculators”, you’re safe.
- Look for the physical “PRC Accepted” sticker (some regions provide stickers after verification).
- If still unsure, bring the calculator to your review center or PRC regional office for validation.
Secondary keyword integration: The list of allowable calculators prc also includes rarely used models from Sharp and Canon, but the most trusted remains Casio fx-570/991 series (non-programmable).
2026 PRC Board Exam Calculator Updates
As of March 2026, PRC released an advisory reminding examinees that programmable calculators, even with “exam mode”, are strictly banned. They also added two new Canon models (F-792SGA) to the approved roster. This aligns with the push for fair, tech-equalized licensure exams.
| Exam Cycle | Enforcement Notes |
|---|---|
| May 2026 (CE, ECE) | Random calculator inspection; confiscation of fx-991EX units recorded |
| October 2026 (CPA, ME) | Strict non-programmable rule; backup calculators recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions (PRC Calculator)
✅ Yes. The fx-570ES PLUS is explicitly listed in PRC’s allowed non-programmable scientific calculators. It’s one of the most recommended models for engineering boards.
🚫 Programmable, graphing, and any calculator with text storage or QR-code features. Notable bans: Casio fx-991EX, fx-5800P, fx-9750GII, Sharp graphing models.
📚 Typically yes, as long as both are on the approved list. But you must present both for verification. Some centers allow a spare backup.
📄 Visit the official PRC website → “Examination Services” → “List of Allowed Calculators”. You can also request a copy from your review center.
✔️ Yes, the fx-82MS series remains allowed because it’s non-programmable, though it has limited functions. Always verify with the latest PRC memo.
⚠️ Proctors will confiscate it, and you will have to borrow an approved unit (if available) or risk not being able to answer. Some testing centers may mark your record. Always double-check before entering.
🔁 Yes, the approved models apply uniformly across all PRC licensure exams. However, certain exams may have additional restrictions (e.g., no financial calculator for CPA). The core scientific calculator list remains identical.
Important advisory
TotalCalcHub provides this guide for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, always verify with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) official website for the most current list of allowed calculators. The rules for non-programmable calculators are updated regularly. By using this information, you agree that final responsibility lies with the examinee. PRC board exam policies may vary per regional office. This content is updated for March 2026 standards.
Exclusive note: Based on feedback from 2026 takers, the safest models are Casio fx-570ES PLUS 2nd edition and Canon F-789SGA. Avoid any calculator with “Program” or “Graphic” label.
Part of TotalCalcHub Philippines utilities — helping Filipino examinees succeed with accurate tools.