Portable Computers/Programmable Calculators

The AM and CM examinations have always sought to reproduce design office conditions as much as is practicable, and the Examinations Panel is reluctant to impose any arbitrary ban on design methods other than is essential for practical reasons.

Candidates should note, therefore that they may, if they wish, use a portable computer or programmable calculator so long as it

• Requires no external power supply.
• Is silent in use.
• Is sufficiently small to cause no disruption to other candidates or the smooth conduct of the examination.

Candidates must note, however that computer printouts and drawings will not be acceptable as part of the candidate’s paper and will not be marked. Any calculations initially performed by computer should be reproduced manually in the candidate’s script in a form that can be marked by the examiners.

The Examinations Panel wishes to stress that, when assessing calculations, Examiners look primarily for an understanding of fundamental engineering concepts. Computer output, however clear, concise or comprehensive it may be, does nothing to satisfy the Examiners in this regard.

Previously prepared Material

Candidates may not include any previously-prepared calculations, notes, sketches, diagrams, computer output or other similar material in their answer books or A3 drawings. Any previously- prepared information submitted by candidates will be ignored by the examiners.

Electronic Communications (gaining an unfair advantage)

During the examination, electronic contact between a candidate and anyone outside the examination venue is strictly forbidden. Any candidate who is suspected of cheating by attempting, during the examination, to communicate with any other person using electronic communication via e-mail, the internet or similar means, using a computer, mobile phone or device with similar capability, will be reported to the Institution’s Professional Conducts Committee. The Committee has the power to revoke the candidate’s membership of the Institution and bar them permanently from reinstatement.

Similar action will be taken in the case of any candidate attempting to obtain information about the exam by communicating with a colleague in a country in which, because of time differences around the world, the exam has already finished before the candidate’s examination has started.

January 2006