Approved technology

Use of CAS calculators and software in 2026 VCE Mathematics examinations

Foundation Mathematics

One scientific calculator may be used in the Foundation Mathematics exam.
 

General Mathematics 

Either one approved CAS calculator or one approved CAS software may be used in General Mathematics Examinations 1 and 2.

One scientific calculator may also be used in General Mathematics Examinations 1 and 2.
 

Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics

Either one approved CAS calculator or one approved CAS software may be used in Mathematical Methods Examination 2 and Specialist Mathematics Examination 2 only.
 

One scientific calculator may also be used in Mathematical Methods Examination 2 and Specialist Mathematics Examination 2.

No calculators of any kind are permitted in Mathematical Methods Examination 1 and Specialist Mathematics Examination 1.

CAS calculators

In 2026, the following CAS calculators are approved by the VCAA for use in General Mathematics Examination 1 and General Mathematics Examination 2, Mathematical Methods Examination 2 and Specialist Mathematics Examination 2.

The full functions of approved CAS calculators may be used (that is, memories do not have to be cleared prior to entering the examination).

Casio

Algebra or ClassPad series.

Hewlett Packard

HP 40/48/49/50 or HP Prime series.

Texas Instruments

TI-89/92/Voyage or TI-Nspire CAS series.

CAS software

For approved schools only, students enrolled in General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics will be permitted to use the following CAS software: Casio ClassPad Manager, HP Prime Emulator, Mathematica, Maple, MATLAB or TI-Nspire and files of that software type stored on a USB for examinations in these studies, where the use of technology is permitted, provided they meet VCAA specifications for the conduct of computer-assisted examinations.

Schools wishing to use CAS software should apply in writing to the VCAA for approval. 
Enquiries should be directed to the VCE Operations Unit: vcaa.assessment.operations@education.vic.gov.au

 

Approved technology has been included based on the following criteria:

  • able to be placed into a ‘restricted mode’ that enables CAS functionality but disables features that are not permitted
  • appropriate support in Australia is available to provide guidance and advice to schools and teachers regarding how to place the approved brand/model in the required ‘restricted mode’. 

The VCAA will review the approved technology list annually.

Approved CAS calculators

The following CAS calculators are approved for use in 2027. For specific subject use, refer to the approved materials and equipment list in the relevant examination specifications.

Casio

  • ClassPad series CASIO fx-CP400 ClassPad II

Hewlett Packard (HP)

  • HP Prime G2

Texas Instruments (TI)

  • TI-Nspire CX CAS (black) 
  • TI-Nspire CX II CAS (blue)

Features that are NOT permitted

Calculators must not allow access during the examination to:

  • Language translation
  • Communication with other machines, students or the internet
  • Retrievable information, including user-defined functions, databanks, dictionaries, mathematical formulas and text.

A calculator that has any of these features (inbuilt or downloaded) must be put into a ‘restricted mode’ that prohibits access to these features during the examination. If the calculator cannot be put into a restricted mode that prohibits access to these features, a different calculator that meets the requirements must be used.

Approved CAS software

The following CAS software is approved for use in 2027:

  • Casio fx-CP400 ClassPad emulator
  • HP Prime emulator
  • TI-Nspire CX Student software
  • Wolfram Mathematica

Students are not permitted to bring a USB or any other storage device into examinations in which they have been approved to use CAS software. 

All schools wishing to use CAS software in 2027 must apply to the VCAA for approval.  Enquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Assessment Operations Unit: vcaa.assessment.operations@education.vic.gov.au

Special Examination Arrangements

Individual students who require access to CAS software not included on the approved CAS software list are able to apply to the VCAA for Special Examination Arrangements in accordance with the VCAA Special Provision Policy. For information visit: Special Examination Arrangements for VCE external assessments

Instructions for use

Detailed instructions outlining the use of CAS calculators and CAS software in external assessments, including how to implement the required settings for each approved technology, will be made available after the 2026 VCE Mathematics examinations.

More information

If you would like more information regarding the use of approved technologies in VCE examinations, please contact the Assessment Operations Unit: vcaa.assessment.operations@education.vic.gov.au