FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
Check Your Calculator’s Approval Status
Select your calculator’s brand and enter the model number to see if it’s one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam.
About the FE Exam Calculator Policy
A common point of stress for candidates is understanding the official NCEES calculator policy. To ensure fairness and prevent any potential for cheating, NCEES (the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) strictly limits the types of calculators allowed on the FE exam. Bringing an unapproved calculator is a costly mistake that can prevent you from taking the test.
| Brand | Approved Model Series / Specific Models |
|---|---|
| Casio | All models starting with fx-115 and fx-991. Example: fx-115ES Plus. |
| Texas Instruments | All models starting with TI-30X and TI-36X. Example: TI-36X Pro. |
| Hewlett-Packard | Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted. No other HP models are allowed. |
What are the Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam?
The phrase “calculators allowed on the FE exam” refers to a specific, short list of calculator models that have been approved by NCEES for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. This policy is not a suggestion; it is a strict rule. Test centers will verify your calculator, and if it is not on the approved list, you will not be permitted to use it. Many popular and advanced calculators, especially graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus or TI-Nspire, are explicitly banned. For more details on what to study, see our FE exam study guide.
This rule exists to maintain the integrity of the exam. The approved calculators are powerful enough for exam calculations but lack features like graphing, symbolic calculation (CAS), or text/internet storage that could provide an unfair advantage. Anyone preparing for the FE exam must ensure their calculator complies with the NCEES calculator policy.
The NCEES Calculator Policy Explained
There isn’t a mathematical formula for determining if a calculator is allowed, but rather a set of rules based on the model name. The policy is centered on specific prefixes and model numbers. Understanding these rules is key to choosing from the list of calculators allowed on the FE exam.
| Component | Meaning | Details & Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | The manufacturer of the calculator. | Only Casio, Texas Instruments, and HP are included. |
| Model Identifier | The specific text in the model name that NCEES checks for. | “fx-115”, “fx-991” (Casio), “TI-30X”, “TI-36X” (TI). |
| Specific Model | For brands with no wild-card rule, only exact models are listed. | “HP 33s”, “HP 35s” are the only two allowed HP models. |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: A Non-Approved Calculator
- Scenario: An engineering student loves their Casio fx-9750GII graphing calculator from college.
- Action: They use the checker and enter “Casio” and “fx-9750GII”.
- Result: The tool shows “NOT ALLOWED”.
- Interpretation: Even though it’s a Casio, its model name does not contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. Graphing calculators are banned. The student must purchase one of the approved calculators allowed on the FE exam, such as a TI-36X Pro, to be able to take the test.
Example 2: An Approved Calculator
- Scenario: A candidate is buying a new calculator specifically for the exam and chooses the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro.
- Action: They double-check by entering “Texas Instruments” and “TI-36X Pro”.
- Result: The tool shows “ALLOWED”.
- Interpretation: The model name contains “TI-36X”, which matches the NCEES policy. This is an excellent choice and one of the most popular FE exam approved calculators.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
- Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s manufacturer (Casio, Texas Instruments, or HP) from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the Model: Type the full model number into the input field. Be precise. For example, enter “fx-115ES Plus”, not just “fx-115”.
- View the Instant Result: The tool automatically checks your input against the NCEES rules and displays “ALLOWED” in green or “NOT ALLOWED” in red.
- Review the Details: The intermediate results confirm your input and the official status, helping you understand why your model is or is not one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam. This is crucial for understanding the complete engineering licensure process.
Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Choice
While the NCEES policy narrows the field, you still have choices. Here are key factors to consider when selecting from the list of calculators allowed on the FE exam:
- 1. NCEES Approval: This is non-negotiable. The calculator MUST be on the approved list. Always check the official NCEES website for the most current policy before exam day as it can change.
- 2. Functionality: Models vary. The Casio fx-115ES Plus and TI-36X Pro offer powerful features like matrix operations, vector math, and equation solvers that are very useful for the exam. The HP models offer Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), which is preferred by some experienced engineers.
- 3. Ease of Use & Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. Don’t buy a new, complex calculator the week before the exam. Practice with your chosen calculator for weeks or months to build speed and confidence.
- 4. Display Quality: Some calculators, like the Casio models with “Natural Textbook Display” or TI’s “MathPrint,” show equations and fractions as they are written in textbooks, reducing input errors.
- 5. Power Source: Consider models that are dual-powered (solar with a battery backup). You don’t want your calculator dying mid-exam. If it’s battery-only, install a fresh battery before the test.
- 6. Cost and Availability: Most approved models are affordable (typically $15-$30). The HP models can be more expensive and harder to find. They are all available online or at major office supply stores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Graphing calculators are banned because they have advanced features like Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), extensive storage for notes, and communication capabilities (like IR ports), which could provide an unfair advantage or be used for academic dishonesty.
The test center proctor will not allow you to take the calculator into the testing room. You will have to take the exam without it or use the basic on-screen calculator, putting you at a significant disadvantage. You will not get a refund for your exam fee.
You are only allowed one calculator in the testing room. You can store a backup (which must also be an approved model) in your locker, but if your primary calculator fails, you may need permission to access it, which can cost valuable exam time.
Yes, NCEES reviews the policy annually. While the core models have been stable for years, it’s always best to check the official NCEES website for the current list of calculators allowed on the FE exam a few weeks before your scheduled test date.
Yes. Proctors may check to ensure your calculator’s memory is cleared. It’s a good practice to know how to perform a full reset on your specific model and do it before you enter the test center.
The HP 35s is an excellent and powerful calculator, but it’s best suited for those already familiar with HP’s system, particularly RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) logic. If you’ve never used an HP calculator, the learning curve may be steep, and a Casio or TI model might be a safer choice.
Yes, according to the current policy, any Casio model whose name contains “fx-115” is approved. This includes the popular fx-115ES Plus, fx-115 MS, and other variants. This is why checking is so important for all FE exam approved calculators.
The definitive source is always the NCEES website. Our tool and list are based on that policy, but you should always confirm on their site before your exam. A review of the PE exam requirements will show the same policy applies there.