Ncees Approved Calculator

Check Your Calculator’s Eligibility

Select your exam type and enter your calculator model to instantly verify if it’s an NCEES approved calculator.

Verification Details

Policy Rule: The NCEES calculator policy permits specific models from Casio, HP, and Texas Instruments to ensure fairness and exam integrity. Your model is checked against this official list. A device must not have features like QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, or access to external data.

Approved Model Overview

The table and chart below summarize the models currently allowed under the NCEES calculator policy.

List of NCEES Approved Calculator Models

Manufacturer	Allowed Model Series	Key Examples
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models	fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s and HP 35s models only	HP 33s, HP 35s
Texas Instruments	All TI-30X and TI-36X models	TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro

What is an NCEES Approved Calculator?

An ncees approved calculator is a device that has been officially sanctioned by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for use during its professional licensing exams. These exams include the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), Fundamentals of Surveying (FS), and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS). The core purpose of having a strict policy is to maintain the integrity and fairness of the examination process for all candidates. Every person taking the exam must use a tool from the same, limited list.

This policy ensures that no examinee has an unfair advantage through a calculator with advanced communication capabilities, large storage, or programming features that could compromise exam security. If you are preparing for one of these exams, verifying you have an ncees approved calculator is a critical step in your preparation. Using a non-approved device is a serious violation that can result in the voiding of your exam results.

Common Misconceptions

A frequent mistake is assuming any “scientific” calculator is acceptable. Many powerful scientific and graphing calculators, like the TI-89 or HP Prime, are explicitly forbidden due to their computer algebra systems (CAS), graphing capabilities, and QWERTY keyboards. The term ncees approved calculator refers to a specific, exclusive list of models, not a general category of device.

NCEES Calculator Policy and Explanation

Instead of a mathematical formula, the selection of an ncees approved calculator is governed by a set of policy rules. The NCEES reviews and updates its calculator policy annually to adapt to new technology while safeguarding exam integrity. The fundamental rule is that only calculator models on their pre-approved list are permitted in the testing room. This approach prevents any ambiguity and provides a clear guideline for all examinees.

The policy is based on several key principles designed to restrict functionality to purely computational tasks. An ncees approved calculator must NOT have the following features:

• Ability to communicate with other devices (infrared, Bluetooth, etc.).
• QWERTY-style keyboards.
• Inclusion as part of a laptop, tablet, or phone.
• Ability to store and access external text or files.
• Advanced features like a Computer Algebra System (CAS) that can solve algebraic equations symbolically.

Policy Rule Summary

Rule	Meaning	Reasoning	Applies To
Model Whitelist	Only specific model series from Casio, HP, and TI are allowed.	Ensures all calculators have a known, limited feature set.	All exams
No QWERTY	Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are banned.	Prevents storing and retrieving text notes.	All exams
No Communication	Devices must be standalone and unable to connect wirelessly.	Prevents cheating or receiving external assistance.	All exams
No CAS	Computer Algebra Systems that perform symbolic math are banned.	Tests the candidate’s ability, not the calculator’s.	All exams

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: FE Exam Candidate with a Casio fx-115ES Plus

An engineering student is preparing for the FE exam. They own a Casio fx-115ES Plus. To ensure compliance, they use this checker. They select “FE/EIT Exam” and type “Casio fx-115ES Plus” into the model field. The tool immediately returns an “APPROVED” status. The reason is that the model name “fx-115” is part of the approved Casio series, making it a valid ncees approved calculator. The student can now practice with confidence, knowing their tool is compliant.

Example 2: PE Exam Candidate with a TI-89 Titanium

A practicing engineer is studying for the PE Civil exam and is very familiar with their TI-89 Titanium from college. They enter “TI-89 Titanium” into the checker. The tool returns a “NOT APPROVED” status. The explanation clarifies that while it’s a powerful calculator, it is not an ncees approved calculator because it has a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and other features that violate the policy. The engineer now knows they must purchase and learn how to use an approved model, such as the TI-36X Pro, to be eligible for the exam.

How to Use This NCEES Approved Calculator Checker

Using this tool is a straightforward process to ensure your exam day goes smoothly. Follow these steps to verify your calculator:

1. Select Your Exam: Choose the specific NCEES exam you are registered for from the dropdown menu. The core policy is the same for all, but this helps tailor the context.
2. Enter Your Calculator Model: Type the model name exactly as it appears on the calculator (e.g., “TI-36X Pro”, “fx-991EX”).
3. Check the Result: The tool will instantly display a clear “APPROVED” or “NOT APPROVED” banner. This result is based on the latest official NCEES calculator policy.
4. Review the Details: The results section provides a brief explanation for the status, linking it back to the specific rules of the ncees approved calculator policy.
5. Consult the Approved List: The table on this page provides a quick reference to all approved model series from each manufacturer for double-checking.

By using this checker, you eliminate any guesswork and can focus on what truly matters: preparing for your exam content.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Choice

Choosing the right ncees approved calculator from the list is a strategic decision. While all approved models are sufficient, some may be better suited to your workflow. Here are six factors to consider:

1. Familiarity and Prior Experience: The best calculator is often the one you already know. If you’ve used a TI-30X throughout college, sticking with it will save you valuable time on exam day. The learning curve for a new device can be a disadvantage.
2. Key Functions (Solvers, Matrix, Vectors): Some approved models, like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX, have powerful features like equation solvers, matrix operations, and vector calculations that can significantly speed up problem-solving. Assess which features are most relevant to your exam discipline.
3. Display Style (Multi-Line vs. Single-Line): Modern calculators with “natural” or “multi-line” displays show expressions as they appear in a textbook. This makes it easier to track complex calculations and reduces input errors compared to older, single-line models.
4. Power Source (Solar vs. Battery): A solar-powered calculator with a battery backup (like the Casio fx-115ES Plus) offers peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about a dead battery mid-exam. If your choice is battery-only, always install a fresh one before the test.
5. Reverse Polish Notation (RPN): This is specific to the HP 33s and HP 35s models. Some engineers who are used to RPN find it much faster and more intuitive for complex sequential calculations. However, for most people, it requires a significant learning investment.
6. Price and Availability: The cost of an ncees approved calculator can range from under $20 to over $50. The most popular models, like the TI-36X Pro, offer a great balance of features and affordability and are widely available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the TI-36X Pro an NCEES approved calculator?

Yes, absolutely. The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular and recommended models. It falls under the “TI-36X” series and is fully compliant with the NCEES calculator policy. Its robust feature set makes it a top choice for many examinees.

2. Can I bring two approved calculators to the exam?

Yes. NCEES policy allows you to bring more than one approved calculator into the exam room. Having a backup is a smart strategy in case your primary device fails or the battery dies. Both calculators must be on the approved list.

3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?

Bringing a non-approved calculator, such as a graphing calculator like the TI-84, is a violation of exam rules. Proctors will confiscate the device, and you may be dismissed from the exam, with your results potentially being invalidated.

4. Does the NCEES provide a calculator?

For computer-based testing (CBT), NCEES provides an on-screen digital calculator that emulates the TI-30X IIS. However, you are still allowed and encouraged to bring your own physical ncees approved calculator, as most find it much faster and more efficient to use.

5. Are all Casio fx-115 models approved?

Yes. The policy states that “All fx-115” models are approved. This includes variations like the fx-115ES Plus, fx-115ES, etc. As long as “fx-115” is in the model name, it is an ncees approved calculator.

6. Why are graphing calculators not allowed?

Most graphing calculators have features that violate the NCEES calculator policy, such as large storage for notes, programmability, or Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). Limiting models prevents any potential for storing formulas or other unfair advantages.

7. Is my HP Prime an NCEES approved calculator?

No, the HP Prime is not an approved calculator. It has advanced graphing, CAS, and a touchscreen, all of which are prohibited features. Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted from Hewlett Packard.

8. How often does the NCEES calculator policy change?

The NCEES reviews the policy annually. While the list of approved models has been stable for several years, it’s always best to check the official NCEES website or use a current tool like this checker before your exam to confirm the latest rules.

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