Pe Exam Approved Calculators

NCEES Policy Tools

Instantly verify if your calculator model is permitted for the NCEES PE, FE, and other professional exams. Our tool cross-references your model with the official list of pe exam approved calculators to give you a clear answer.

What are PE Exam Approved Calculators?

The term “PE exam approved calculators” refers to a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during its examinations. To protect the integrity of the exams and ensure fairness, NCEES strictly controls the technology allowed in the testing room. The policy prohibits devices with capabilities for communication (internet, Bluetooth), extensive text storage, or programming that could compromise exam security. Therefore, knowing the list of pe exam approved calculators is critical for any candidate preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exams.

This policy impacts all exam takers, from civil to mechanical to electrical engineering disciplines. Using a non-approved calculator will result in its confiscation and could lead to dismissal from the exam. It is not about finding the most powerful calculator, but the most powerful *compliant* calculator. The official NCEES calculator policy is the definitive source, and our checker tool is designed to simplify searching that list.

The NCEES Calculator Approval Logic Explained

NCEES does not approve calculators on a model-by-model basis. Instead, it approves specific *model series* from three major brands: Casio, Texas Instruments, and Hewlett Packard. This simplifies the policy but requires you to understand the naming conventions. Our checker helps you determine if your model fits into these approved series.

Approved Calculator Series & Brands

Brand	Approved Model Series Designation	Specific Models (Not Allowed)	Typical Use Case
Casio	“fx-115” and “fx-991”	Models without this designation (e.g., graphing calculators)	Broad functionality, popular for students.
Texas Instruments (TI)	“TI-30X” and “TI-36X”	TI-89, Nspire, or other graphing calculators.	Very popular in the US, familiar interface.
Hewlett Packard (HP)	Only HP 33s and HP 35s	HP Prime, HP 50g, etc.	Favored by some for RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) entry.

Practical Examples of Using the Checker

Example 1: Checking a Common Approved Model

• Input: “TI-36X Pro”
• Primary Result: APPROVED
• Interpretation: The Texas Instruments “TI-36X Pro” clearly contains the “TI-36X” designation. This is one of the most popular pe exam approved calculators.

Example 2: Checking a Disallowed Graphing Calculator

• Input: “TI-89 Titanium”
• Primary Result: NOT APPROVED
• Interpretation: Although it’s a Texas Instruments calculator, the “TI-89” model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. It is a graphing calculator with disallowed features.

How to Use This PE Exam Approved Calculators Checker

1. Enter the Model: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field above. Be as precise as possible.
2. Review the Status: The tool will instantly provide a status: APPROVED, NOT APPROVED, or UNCERTAIN.
3. Check the Details: The intermediate values provide context, explaining which brand and series your model falls under and the relevant NCEES rule.
4. Plan Accordingly: If your calculator is not approved, you must purchase one from the list of pe exam approved calculators and practice with it extensively before your exam date.

Key Factors When Choosing a PE Exam Calculator

While the list of pe exam approved calculators is limited, there are still choices to be made. Here are key factors to consider:

• Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. If you used a specific TI model in college, a TI-36X Pro will feel more natural than a Casio.
• Functionality: Models like the Casio fx-991EX or TI-36X Pro offer advanced features like matrix operations, vector calculations, and numerical solving, which can be invaluable.
• Keystroke Efficiency: Some users find Casio models require fewer keystrokes for common operations compared to TI equivalents. This can save precious seconds during the exam.
• Power Source: Solar-powered calculators with a battery backup (like the TI-30X IIS) offer peace of mind, ensuring your device won’t die mid-exam.
• Display Type: “Mathprint” or “Natural Display” calculators show equations as they appear in textbooks, reducing the chance of input errors.
• Cost: Prices can vary. While you shouldn’t cheap out, you don’t need the most expensive model. A mid-range option like the TI-36X Pro offers a great balance of features and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is my TI-84 Plus approved for the PE exam?
No. The TI-84 Plus is a graphing calculator and is explicitly not on the list of pe exam approved calculators. It has storage and programming capabilities that are disallowed.

2. What is the single best calculator for the PE exam?
Many engineers consider the TI-36X Pro or the Casio fx-115ES/fx-991EX models to be the top contenders due to their powerful, non-programmable features. The “best” one is subjective and depends on your personal preference.

3. Can I bring a backup calculator?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a backup calculator. However, it must also be on the NCEES approved list. You can typically only have one on your desk at a time.

4. Why is the NCEES calculator policy so strict?
The policy exists to ensure fairness and prevent any possibility of cheating. By standardizing the tools, NCEES ensures that no examinee has an unfair advantage from advanced hardware.

5. Does the policy for PE exam approved calculators ever change?
Yes, NCEES reviews the policy annually. However, the core list of approved series (TI-30X/36X, Casio fx-115/991, HP 33s/35s) has been stable for many years.

6. What’s the difference between the fx-115 and fx-991 series from Casio?
They are very similar. The fx-991 models are typically the international or more feature-rich versions, while the fx-115 models are often marketed for North America. Both series are on the list of pe exam approved calculators.

7. Is there an on-screen calculator during the CBT exam?
Yes, the computer-based testing (CBT) interface includes a basic on-screen calculator. However, it is far less efficient than a physical, approved calculator. You should not rely on it.

8. I found a calculator online that says “PE Exam Approved”. Is that enough?
No. Always verify the model against the official NCEES policy or use a reliable tool like this one. Marketing claims can be misleading. Checking against the list of pe exam approved calculators is the only way to be sure.

• FE Exam Preparation Guide – A comprehensive guide to passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, a common precursor to the PE.
• Engineering Unit Converter – A useful tool for converting between various engineering units, helpful for practice problems.
• Best Calculator for PE Exam Review – A deep dive into the pros and cons of top models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX.
• NCEES Calculator Policy Deep-Dive – An in-depth article analyzing the history and reasoning behind the current NCEES rules.
• HP 35s RPN Simulator – Practice Reverse Polish Notation with this simulator if you’re considering an HP calculator.
• CBT Exam Strategies – Learn the best strategies for tackling the computer-based testing format used by NCEES.