Calculator for the ABHP Exam

["George J. Vargo, Ph.D., CHP" <vargo@physicist.net>]

Since the RADSAFE digest to which I posted this earlier looks like it went
through the shreader, I'm going to send it again because I feel it is
important. 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
509-375-0984
509-371-9014 (fax)
vargo@physicist.net
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