Which of the following is not allowed during the exam?

During the Michigan Court Reporting Certification Exam, specific regulations are in place to ensure that candidates demonstrate their skills without outside assistance or distractions. The correct response highlights that all listed items—including personal items, reference materials, and calculators—are not permitted during the exam.

Permitting personal items could lead to distractions or even the potential for cheating, as these items could contain unauthorized materials or tools that might provide undue advantage. Similarly, allowing reference materials contradicts the purpose of the exam, which is to evaluate the candidate's knowledge and skills independently. Calculators, while useful for certain calculations, would not be appropriate in this context, as the exam assesses the candidate's ability to transcribe accurately under time constraints without external aids.

This overarching principle aims to maintain the integrity of the certification process, thereby ensuring that all candidates are evaluated on an equal playing field without any form of assistance.