Fwd:Calculator for the ABHP Examination

[elizabeth_algutifan@wssrap-host.wssrap.com]

I agree with George. Although I've only passed Part I so far, I found that
having two $10 scientific calculators at the exam was exactly what I needed.  I
guess all I would add is to solve problems at home with the same calculator(s)
you plan to use in the examination so you're not adding to your nervousness by
having to hunt for the 1/x function, etc.  Good luck to all of us 1999 CHP
candidates!

Elizabeth Algutifan
Elizabeth_Algutifan@wssrap-host.wssrap.com
____________________Forward Header_____________________
Subject:    Calculator for the ABHP Examination 
Author: <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Date:       2/9/99 8:30 PM

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

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