Ncees Approved Calculators

Instantly verify if your calculator is permitted for the FE and PE exams.

Check Your Calculator Model

Approval “Formula”: The NCEES calculator policy is a rule-based check, not a mathematical formula. A calculator is approved if its model name contains specific, permitted identifiers (e.g., “fx-115” for Casio, “TI-36X” for TI) and does not have prohibited features like a QWERTY keyboard or wireless communication.

Approval Data & Statistics

Brand	Approved Model Series	Rule
Casio	fx-115 Series, fx-991 Series	Any model with “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name.
Texas Instruments	TI-30X Series, TI-36X Series	Any model with “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name.
Hewlett-Packard	HP 33s, HP 35s	Only the specific models HP 33s and HP 35s are allowed.

Official list of NCEES approved calculators model series. Any variation of these models is typically allowed (e.g., TI-30XS, fx-115ES Plus).

In-Depth Guide to NCEES Approved Calculators

What are NCEES Approved Calculators?

NCEES approved calculators are a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during its exams, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. The primary goal of this policy is to maintain the integrity of the exams by ensuring no test-taker has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, text-editing, or graphing capabilities. Anyone preparing for these licensure exams must use one of the NCEES approved calculators. Common misconceptions are that any “scientific” calculator is fine, or that models used in college (like the TI-84 or TI-89) are permitted; however, these powerful graphing calculators are strictly forbidden.

NCEES Approved Calculators Policy and Rationale

The “formula” for approval is a set of rules defined by NCEES. Instead of a complex mathematical equation, it’s a simple string-matching and exclusion policy. To be compliant, a calculator must belong to a specific brand and model series. The policy is designed to be straightforward to prevent confusion and ensure fairness. The core of the NCEES calculator policy is preventing cheating by banning devices with features like QWERTY keyboards, internet or Bluetooth connectivity, or the ability to store extensive notes or formulas. This is why most advanced graphing and programmable calculators are not on the list of NCEES approved calculators.

Policy Variables for NCEES Approved Calculators

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range / Value
Brand	The manufacturer of the calculator.	Text	Casio, Texas Instruments, HP
Model Identifier	The specific text string that must appear in the model name.	Text	“fx-115”, “fx-991”, “TI-30X”, “TI-36X”, “HP 33s”, “HP 35s”
Prohibited Features	Functions that disqualify a calculator.	List	Graphing, QWERTY keyboard, wireless, paper tape, etc.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Engineering Student with a Casio
An engineering student owns a “Casio fx-115ES PLUS”. To check its validity, they use the calculator above. They select “Casio” and type in the model. The tool checks that the model string contains “fx-115”. The result is “APPROVED”. The student can confidently take this calculator to the FE exam, as it is one of the most common NCEES approved calculators.

Example 2: Professional with a Graphing Calculator
A professional engineer used a “TI-89 Titanium” throughout their university studies. They assume it’s powerful enough for the PE exam. When they check the model, the tool finds that it does not match the required “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” identifiers. The result is “NOT APPROVED”. This is critical information, as arriving with a TI-89 would result in being denied entry to the exam. They now know they need to purchase one of the official NCEES approved calculators, such as a TI-36X Pro.

How to Use This NCEES Approved Calculators Checker

1. Select the Brand: Choose Casio, Texas Instruments, or HP from the dropdown menu.
2. Enter the Model: Type the model name exactly as it appears on the calculator (e.g., “TI-36X Pro” or “fx-991EX”).
3. Read the Result: The tool will instantly display a green “APPROVED” or red “NOT APPROVED” status.
4. Review Details: The intermediate results show which rule was applied to make the decision. This helps understand why your model is or isn’t on the list of NCEES approved calculators.
5. Use the Chart and Table: Refer to the visual aids to see the complete list of approved model series and which brands offer more options.

Key Factors That Affect the NCEES Calculator Policy

The list of NCEES approved calculators is not arbitrary. It is based on several key factors designed to uphold the integrity of the examination process. Understanding these factors can help you see why certain models are allowed and others are not.

• Text-Editing Capabilities: Calculators with QWERTY keyboards are banned because they make it easy to store notes.
• Communication Capabilities: Any form of wireless communication (Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) is strictly forbidden to prevent outside contact. This is a cornerstone of the NCEES approved calculators policy.
• Graphing Capabilities: Graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus are banned as they can store formulas and solve complex equations automatically, which could undermine the test of a candidate’s knowledge. For guidance on what to study, check our FE exam study guide.
• Power and Memory: The approved models have sufficient scientific functions for the exam without having excessive programmable memory that could be used to store illicit information.
• Market Availability and Longevity: The list favors models that are widely available and have been trusted for years, ensuring accessibility for all candidates. The list of NCEES approved calculators is reviewed annually but changes are infrequent.
• Simplicity and Verifiability: Proctors must be able to quickly verify a calculator’s compliance. Models with simple, recognizable names (e.g., containing “TI-30X”) make this process efficient. Explore our guide on the TI-36X Pro vs Casio fx-115 for a detailed comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my TI-84 Plus not on the list of NCEES approved calculators?

The TI-84 Plus is a graphing calculator, which is explicitly banned by NCEES policy because it can store programs, notes, and solve complex equations graphically.

2. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?

You will not be allowed to use it. If you do not have a backup approved model, you may not be able to take the exam and could forfeit your exam fee.

3. Are all versions of the fx-115 and TI-36X models approved?

Yes. The policy states that any calculator with “fx-115” or “fx-991” (for Casio) or “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” (for Texas Instruments) in its model name is acceptable. This includes variants like “ES PLUS”, “MS”, “Pro”, or “MultiView”.

4. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?

Yes, it’s a good practice. While the approved models have limited memory, proctors may still ask to see that the memory has been cleared. It’s best to do this beforehand. Learning more about this is part of a good PE exam prep course.

5. Can I bring a backup calculator?

Yes, you are typically allowed to bring more than one NCEES approved calculator, but you should check the specific rules for your exam administration. Having a backup is highly recommended.

6. Are solar-powered NCEES approved calculators reliable?

Yes, models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus often feature both solar power and a battery backup, making them very reliable. You won’t have to worry about them failing during the exam.

7. Does the list of NCEES approved calculators ever change?

The list is reviewed annually by NCEES, but major changes are rare. It’s always best to check the official NCEES website for the most current policy before your exam date.

8. Is there one “best” NCEES approved calculator?

The “best” model depends on your personal preference. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus/fx-991EX are highly popular due to their intuitive displays and comprehensive function sets. It’s wise to read a review of the best FE exam calculators before buying.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• FE Exam Score Estimator: A tool to help you gauge your performance on practice exams.
• PE Exam Application Guide: A comprehensive guide on navigating the Professional Engineer application process.
• Common Engineering Equations Sheet: A handy reference for key formulas you’ll need to know (for studying, not for inside the exam!).