RE: Calculator for the ABHP Examination

["McDonald, Michael P" <mpmcdon@sandia.gov>]

George,

Excellent call!  I used a Casio model fx-115 Scientific calculator (solar
powered) for last years CHP exam. I purchased it over 10 years ago. In fact,
I used the same calculator to take the NRRPT examination in 1991. I think
the calculator cost around $20, and can be found at any office supply store
or electronics store.  It did everything I wanted it to.  I also had my
TI-34 (solar) as a back up. Didn't need it though. 

It's funny, people will go out and purchase big buck calculators (just for
the exam) with all sorts of programming functions, show up for the exam, and
go through steps to clear the calculator's program memory just prior to
starting the exam. Not a good way to start the exam. 

Thanks for your input to the candidates. 

Michael McDonald, CHP, RRPT
mpmcdon@sandia.gov
505-844-0653

-----Original Message-----
From: Vargo, George J [mailto:vargo@pnl.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 1999 7:31 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Calculator for the ABHP Examination


It's that time of year again.  Based on many years of experience in dealing
with
the examination I advise you to get a relatively simple calculator.  In many
respects less is more.  I've seen situations where people bring in way more
calculator than they need and end up wasting a lot of time fiddling around
with
something they really don't know how to use.  My personal advise:
1)  Buy only what you need! (e.g., exponents, logs, trig functions;
elementary
statistical functions may be useful but are not a necessity;  despite what
Ken
Skrable says, you DO NOT need to do numerical integration -- expect a
rebuttal
from him on this point, but we politely agreee to disagree; you will NEVER
need
any programming capability).
2) Know how to use what you buy!  Make sure you know the various modes and
how
to reset the calculator back to its 'out of the box' configuration
3) Bring a backup!  At today's prices you can buy a calculator with more
capability than you need for under $20.  At this price, buying two is only
~10%
of the exam cost -- cheap insurance.  If in doubt, replace the batteries
BEFORE
you leave home and make sure everything works properly.

The best calculator is one that does what you need, doesn't give you any
trouble, and doesn't cost a fortune.

This is my personal opinion and it has not been reviewed or endorsed by the
ABHP.

George J. Vargo, Ph.D., CHP
International Nuclear Safety Program
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
509-375-6836; 509-375-2019 (fax)
vargo@pnl.gov
INSP web site:  http://atom.pnl.gov:2080

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html