This document (transcribed below) is a final Certificate Test from a Felt & Tarrant operator training school. It was contributed by Mrs Noelle Mackay, who worked as a Comptometrist for the Felt & Tarrant agents (Peacock Bros) in Melbourne, Australia, during the 1960s.
After learning the basic techniques of operating the machine, the students were trained in the conventions and measurements of a broad range of trades and industries, and in the most efficient methods for performing the calculations and conversions involved.
To receive their Certificate they were required to undertake a series of practical calculations requiring high levels of manual skill, mental arithmetic, and business knowledge. Completing these 25 questions in 40 minutes would still present a serious challenge for anyone with an electronic calculator today.
1. What is 5¾% of £123 14s. 7d. ?
2. 13/17, 23/19, 13/11, 29/18, 4" x 2½" @ 37/6 per 100 Super feet.
3. 4 cwts., 3 qrs., 15 lbs., @ 13/9 per ton.
4. 134 dollars, 98 cents @ 4.75½ dollars rate of exchange.
5. 134 cubic feet @ 36/6 per ton of 40 cubic feet.
6. 3 tons, 13 cwts., 2 qrs., 17 Ibs. @ 3/6 bushel of 60 lbs.
7. What percentage is £34 15s. 8d. of £1901 ?
8. 77/12 dozen at 2/11½ per dozen.
9. £56 19s. 8d. less 23%, less 10%, and plus 5%.
10. 1567 only @ 34/6 per gross.
11. £45 16s. 9d., less 35%.
12. 14 reams, 13 quires, 12 sheets @ 34/8 per ream
13. Premiums, £1345—Losses, £65. Find percentage of Losses to Premiums.
14. 156 yards at £12 14s. 6d. per mile.
15. 18/6% on £23 14s. 8d. for 234 days.
16. What percentage of £19 10s. 0d. is 34/6
17. 198 lbs. @ £23 14s. 8d. per ton.
18. £134 15s. 7d. x £3 14s. 6d.
£1456 0s. 0d. x 1
19. a. 98 @ 22/- per 1000. b. Ninety eight thousand @ 3½d. per article.
20. Apportion £54 16s. 8d. over the following amounts:
£138 5s. 4d.
£37 15s. 7d.
£19 12s. 5d.
£234 19s. 4d.
21. a. 367 @ 7/13/16d. each.
b. 248 @ 2/35/8 each.
22. Accumulate:
14.6 x 18
13.9 x 9
2.25 x 24
16.5 x 1.2
23. a. 142' 10" @ 15/6 per foot.
b. 46 lbs. 5 ozs. @ 7/6 per lb.
24. 4/12½, 3/73/16, 5/61/8 @ 12/6 per yard.
25. Find percentage of the following amounts to total:
47
36
24
18
125