Last Updated: January 2026 | Quick Answer: Yes, calculator programs are legal on most AP exams. College Board does not require memory clearing.
Are Calculator Programs Legal on AP Exams? The Official Policy Explained
If you're preparing for AP exams with a TI-84 Plus CE calculator, you've probably heard the rumor: calculator programs aren't allowed on AP tests. Students worry they'll be forced to clear their memory at the door, losing all their programs. Let me show you what College Board's official policy actually says.
Watch: The Truth About Calculator Programs on AP Exams
The Official College Board Policy
Here's what College Board states in their official calculator policy:
"You don't need to clear your calculators' memories before or after the exam."
That's the official statement, straight from College Board's calculator policy page. Not only do you not have to clear your memory—College Board explicitly permits calculators with memory.
As long as your programs don't communicate with other devices or access the internet, they comply with College Board policy.
Which AP Exams Allow TI-84 Calculator Programs?
The majority of AP exams allow graphing calculators and calculator programs. Here's the complete breakdown:
✅ AP Exams That Allow TI-84 Programs:
- AP Calculus AB & BC – 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator allowed
- AP Chemistry – Graphing calculator allowed
- AP Physics 1, 2, C: Mechanics, C: E&M – 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator allowed
- AP Statistics – Graphing calculator with statistical capabilities expected
- AP Precalculus – Graphing calculator required for specific sections
❌ AP Exams That DO NOT Allow Graphing Calculators:
- AP Microeconomics – Only 4-function calculators permitted
- AP Macroeconomics – Only 4-function calculators permitted
- AP Computer Science A – No calculators allowed (except approved accommodations)
- AP Computer Science Principles – No calculators allowed (except approved accommodations)
The TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus CE are both on College Board's approved calculator list for all exams that permit graphing calculators. This is the excerpt from the College Board website:
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What Makes Calculator Programs Legal?
College Board's policy focuses on what calculators cannot do, not what's stored in their memory.
Prohibited calculator features:
- Communication with other calculators or devices
- Internet access
- Built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality on certain exams
Your TI-84 Plus CE programs:
- ✅ Store formulas and constants (explicitly allowed by College Board)
- ✅ Perform calculations (the calculator's purpose)
- ✅ Help you work faster and more accurately
- ❌ Cannot communicate with other devices
- ❌ Cannot access the internet
Programs are compliant as long as they function as digital reference tools without external communication.
Why Does This Myth Persist?
Confusion about calculator programs typically comes from three sources:
- Proctor confusion – Some proctors aren't familiar with the actual policy and make incorrect assumptions
- Outdated information – Old forum posts and rumors spread faster than official policy updates
- Individual school policies – Some schools implement stricter rules than College Board requires
Recommended action: Ask your AP teacher or AP coordinator now to confirm how your school applies the official College Board calculator policy for your specific exam. In most cases, they'll verify that programs are permitted.
How Calculator Programs Help You Score Higher
AP exams test your problem-solving ability and conceptual understanding—not your ability to memorize formulas or perform tedious calculations under time pressure.
Calculator programs handle the "housekeeping math" so you can focus on what actually matters: applying concepts, interpreting results, and solving multi-step problems.
When you're racing against the clock, speed and accuracy make the difference between a 4 and a 5.
Get Your AP Calculator Programs
Ready to use the tools you're allowed to use? Here are my proven TI-84 Plus CE programs for AP exams:
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- AP Calculus AB Bundle – Essential formulas, derivatives, and integrals
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- Chemistry Solver Bundle – Thermochemistry, gas laws, periodic table, equilibrium
⚡ AP Physics Programs
- Physics Mechanics Solver – Kinematics, projectiles, energy, momentum
- E&M Physics Solver Bundle – Electricity, magnetism, circuits
📊 Other AP Subjects
- Precalculus Program – Comprehensive formulas and equations; see excerpt below, taken from College Board
- FREE Starter Bundle – Try before you buy
All programs include:
- Instant download
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- Email support from a tutor with 25+ years of AP experience
Easy Installation
Never installed a TI-84 program before? It takes just minutes:
- Download your programs from mcstutoring.com (instant access)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clear my calculator memory before the AP exam?
No. College Board's official policy states: "You don't need to clear your calculators' memories before or after the exam."
Can proctors force me to clear my programs?
Proctors verify that calculators are on the approved list and don't have prohibited features (internet access, communication capability). College Board policy does not require memory clearing. If questioned, politely reference the official policy.
Are programs considered "cheating"?
No. College Board explicitly permits calculators with built-in formulas and constants. Programs function as digital reference tools and fall under the same category.
Which AP exams don't allow graphing calculators?
AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Computer Science A, and AP Computer Science Principles do not permit graphing calculators (with exceptions for approved accommodations).
Will using programs hurt my understanding?
No. Programs handle routine calculations so you can focus on problem-solving and concept application—which is what AP exams actually test.
What if my school has a stricter policy?
Some schools implement additional restrictions beyond College Board requirements. Check with your AP coordinator NOW about your school's specific implementation of the official calculator policy.
The Bottom Line
Calculator programs are legal on most AP exams. College Board's official policy permits calculator memories. Your TI-84 Plus CE programs are compliant tools that help you demonstrate your knowledge more effectively.
Stop second-guessing yourself. Use every advantage you're allowed to use.
Ready to boost your AP exam performance?
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Shop AP Calculator ProgramsAbout the Author: Martin has 25+ years of teaching experience and nearly 30 years of TI-BASIC programming expertise. He created mcstutoring.com to help students leverage technology for AP exam success.
For the latest policy updates and changes, see our annual AP exam calculator policy updates.