PE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
Is Your Calculator Allowed on the PE Exam?
Official NCEES Approved Calculator List
| Brand | Approved Model Series | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | All fx-115 and fx-991 models | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX, fx-115MS |
| Texas Instruments | All TI-30X and TI-36X models | TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS MultiView, TI-30X IIS |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s models only | HP 33s, HP 35s |
Approved Model Series by Brand
The Ultimate Guide to Calculators Allowed on PE Exam
Navigating the rules for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam can be complex, especially regarding the tools you can bring. One of the strictest policies concerns the types of **calculators allowed on pe exam**. Using a non-approved calculator is a critical error that can result in disqualification. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the NCEES calculator policy and helps you determine if your device is compliant.
What are the Rules for Calculators Allowed on PE Exam?
The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) defines a strict policy that dictates which calculator models are permitted during their exams, including the PE and FE exams. The core purpose of this policy is to maintain the integrity of the test by ensuring no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with communication, text-editing, or advanced programming capabilities. The list of **calculators allowed on pe exam** is intentionally narrow and specific.
Who Should Use This Guide?
This guide is essential for any engineer preparing to take the NCEES PE exam, FE exam, or any other NCEES-administered test. Understanding the list of **calculators allowed on pe exam** is not just a recommendation; it’s a mandatory requirement for every test-taker.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misunderstanding is that any “scientific calculator” is acceptable. This is incorrect. High-powered scientific calculators like the TI-89, TI-Nspire, or HP Prime are explicitly banned because of their graphing and symbolic calculation capabilities. The policy isn’t about the power of the calculator but its specific model name and features. This is a crucial aspect of the policy for **calculators allowed on pe exam**.
NCEES Calculator Policy and Explanation
Instead of a mathematical formula, the NCEES policy is a set of rules based on manufacturer and model series. To be one of the **calculators allowed on pe exam**, a device must have a model name that exactly matches the approved list. The policy is a simple but strict whitelist.
The logic is as follows:
- The calculator must be manufactured by Casio, Texas Instruments, or Hewlett Packard.
- If it’s a Casio, its model name must include “fx-115” or “fx-991”.
- If it’s a Texas Instruments, its model name must include “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.
- If it’s a Hewlett Packard, it must be exactly the “HP 33s” or “HP 35s” model.
This strict adherence to model series is the core of the validation process for all **calculators allowed on pe exam**.
Policy “Variables” Table
| Term | Meaning | Unit | Allowed Values (Whitelist) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | The manufacturer of the calculator. | Text | Casio, Texas Instruments, Hewlett Packard |
| Model Series | The specific product family designated by NCEES. | Text/Numeric | fx-115, fx-991, TI-30X, TI-36X, HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Status | The final verdict on whether the device is permitted. | Boolean | Allowed / Not Allowed |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: A Banned Calculator
- Input Model: “TI-84 Plus”
- Logic: The model name “TI-84 Plus” does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. It is a graphing calculator, which is explicitly banned.
- Output: NOT ALLOWED
- Interpretation: Even though it’s a Texas Instruments calculator, it is not on the approved list of **calculators allowed on pe exam** and cannot be brought into the testing center. For other options, you can check our {related_keywords} guide.
Example 2: An Approved Calculator
- Input Model: “Casio fx-115ES Plus”
- Logic: The model name contains “fx-115”, which is an approved series for Casio.
- Output: ALLOWED
- Interpretation: This calculator fully complies with the NCEES policy. It is one of the most popular **calculators allowed on pe exam** and is a safe choice for exam day.
How to Use This Calculator Checker
Using this tool to verify your device is straightforward and instant. Follow these steps to ensure you are compliant with the rules for **calculators allowed on pe exam**.
- Enter Model Name: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field above. Be as specific as possible (e.g., “TI-36X Pro”).
- Check the Result: The tool will instantly display an “ALLOWED” or “NOT ALLOWED” message.
- Review Details: The results area will also show which rule your calculator model matched (or failed to match). The brand’s bar in the chart below the checker will also be highlighted.
- Reset if Needed: Click the “Reset” button to clear the input and results to check another model.
For more detailed preparation strategies, explore our resources on {related_keywords}.
Key Factors That Affect the NCEES Calculator Policy
The list of **calculators allowed on pe exam** is not arbitrary. Several factors influence the NCEES decision-making process to ensure fairness and security.
- Exam Security: The primary driver is preventing cheating. NCEES bans any device that has the ability to store extensive text, communicate wirelessly (IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), or access the internet.
- Prohibited Features: Calculators with QWERTY keyboards, those that make noise, or require an electrical outlet are forbidden. This is a core part of defining the allowed models. Learn more at our exam security page.
- Fairness and Equity: By standardizing the available tools, NCEES ensures that no candidate has a technological advantage. The focus remains on a candidate’s engineering knowledge.
- Ease of Verification: The “model name” rule makes it simple for proctors to quickly verify if a calculator is approved during check-in, reducing delays and disputes.
- Annual Review: NCEES reviews the policy annually. While the core list has been stable for years, it’s always wise to check the official NCEES website for the most current list before your exam. The policy for **calculators allowed on pe exam** is subject to change.
- Functionality Creep: As manufacturers release new models, some may add features that blur the line. NCEES must evaluate these new devices to see if they still fit within the spirit of the policy. For a full breakdown, see our article on {related_keywords}.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring two calculators to the PE exam?
You are allowed to bring one NCEES-approved calculator into the testing room. You can bring a backup, but it must be stored with your personal belongings unless your primary calculator fails. Both must be on the approved list of **calculators allowed on pe exam**.
2. What happens if my calculator battery dies during the exam?
It’s highly recommended to install fresh batteries before the exam or bring a solar-powered model. If your calculator fails, you may be allowed to retrieve your backup from storage, but this is subject to the proctor’s discretion and testing center rules.
3. Is the TI-36X Pro allowed on the PE exam?
Yes, absolutely. The TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular and recommended **calculators allowed on pe exam**. Its model name contains “TI-36X”, making it compliant.
4. Why is my TI-89 or TI-Nspire not allowed?
These models are powerful graphing calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) capabilities, which allow them to solve symbolic equations. These advanced features are explicitly forbidden by the NCEES policy.
5. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?
Yes, it’s a good practice. Proctors may inspect your calculator, and while the approved models have limited memory, clearing it beforehand prevents any potential issues or questions about stored programs.
6. Is the Casio fx-991EX allowed?
Yes. All models in the “fx-991” series are approved. The fx-991EX is a modern and compliant choice for the PE exam. This is a key point for those looking for **calculators allowed on pe exam**.
7. Are there any exceptions to the calculator policy?
No. The NCEES calculator policy is applied uniformly across all U.S. states and territories for the PE and FE exams. There are no exceptions for personal preference or familiarity with a non-approved model.
8. Where can I find the official, most current policy?
Always refer to the official NCEES website for the definitive list. While tools like this are helpful, the NCEES site is the final authority on **calculators allowed on pe exam**. For your convenience, you can find a link on our resources page.