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When I studied at a university, only calculators were allowed to perform some exams. Most of them can't run other software, and it's hard to cheat by using them.

When using a phone, you can install a lot of things.

Math olympiads only allow specific models of calculators for the same reason.

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Casio calculators also have a seperate exam mode where they clear all memory and do not allow the user to get to advanced function such as programming or derivative guessers. On the newer models a special led light on the top would indicate if the calculator is in this mode. You can disable this mode only by plugging in a usb cable and connect it to a pc or other calculator.

On all dutch state exams they simply checked this light on my calculator. But a friend of mine showed me already that there exsics special firmware that can fake this light so yhea 100% security will never exist.

Not sure when you studied at university, but you can take a calculator like a TI-83/84/89 and plug in a bunch of text onto a stored program, essentially a free notes field. It's tedious to do but doesn't take too long. And unless the teacher is paying close attention, it's hard to spot.

I recall in high school teachers would actually go over and look through or reset your calculator if they thought you were spending too much time looking at it.

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