FE Exam Calculator Policy: Are Your Calculators Allowed on FE Exam?

Navigating the NCEES calculator policy for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can be tricky. Use our specialized tool to quickly verify if your specific calculator model is among the calculators allowed on FE exam. Avoid surprises on test day by ensuring your device complies with the latest NCEES guidelines.

FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker

Enter your calculator’s brand and model number below to check its eligibility for the FE exam.

What are the calculators allowed on FE exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a critical step for aspiring engineers. A key component of exam preparation, often overlooked until the last minute, is understanding the strict calculator policy. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a very specific list of calculators allowed on FE exam. These are typically non-programmable, non-graphing scientific calculators designed to prevent any unfair advantage or access to external information during the computer-based test.

Who should use this calculator eligibility checker?

• Any engineering student or professional preparing for the FE exam.
• Individuals purchasing a new calculator specifically for the FE exam.
• Test-takers who want to double-check their existing calculator’s compliance.
• Educators advising students on appropriate tools for the exam.

Common misconceptions about calculators allowed on FE exam:

1. “Any scientific calculator is fine.” This is false. While most allowed calculators are scientific, not all scientific calculators are permitted. Programmable features, even if unused, can disqualify a calculator.
2. “My calculator was allowed for my university exams, so it’s fine for the FE.” University policies often differ significantly from NCEES rules. Always check the official NCEES list.
3. “I can just clear the memory of my programmable calculator.” NCEES policy explicitly states that programmable calculators are not allowed, regardless of whether their memory is cleared.
4. “Graphing calculators are okay if I don’t use the graphing function.” Graphing calculators are generally prohibited. The NCEES list is very specific.

Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy for the FE Exam

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is among the calculators allowed on FE exam isn’t a mathematical equation, but rather a strict set of rules and an approved list provided by NCEES. Our calculator implements a lookup logic based on these rules.

Step-by-step derivation of eligibility:

1. Brand Check: The first step is to verify if the calculator’s brand is one of the three approved manufacturers: Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), or Texas Instruments (TI). If the brand is not one of these, the calculator is immediately deemed “Not Allowed.”
2. Model Number Match: If the brand is approved, the system then checks the specific model number against a comprehensive list of approved models for that brand. This list is meticulously maintained by NCEES.
3. Feature Exclusion (Implicit): While not explicitly checked by user input in this tool, the NCEES list implicitly excludes calculators with certain features like:
   • Programmable capabilities (storing formulas, text, or custom programs).
   • Communication capabilities (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, etc.).
   • Text-editing functions.
   • QWERTY keypads.
   • Paper tape.
   • External power cords.

   The approved list ensures that only basic, non-programmable scientific calculators are permitted.

4. Final Determination: If both the brand and model number are found on the official NCEES approved list, the calculator is “Allowed.” Otherwise, it is “Not Allowed.”

Variables and their meaning in the context of calculators allowed on FE exam:

Table 1: Key Variables for FE Exam Calculator Eligibility

Variable	Meaning	Unit/Type	Typical Range/Examples
Calculator Brand	The manufacturer of the calculator.	Text (e.g., Casio, HP, TI)	Casio, Hewlett Packard, Texas Instruments (only these three are approved)
Calculator Model	The specific model number of the calculator.	Text (e.g., FX-115ES Plus, 35s, 36X Pro)	FX-115ES Plus, HP 35s, TI-36X Pro (specific models only)
Approved List Status	Whether the brand/model combination is on the official NCEES list.	Boolean (True/False)	True (Allowed), False (Not Allowed)
Programmable Feature	Ability to store user-defined programs or text.	Boolean (True/False)	False (for allowed calculators)

Practical Examples: Verifying Calculators Allowed on FE Exam

Let’s walk through a couple of real-world scenarios using our eligibility checker for calculators allowed on FE exam.

Example 1: A Commonly Approved Calculator

An examinee owns a Casio FX-115ES Plus 2nd Edition and wants to confirm it’s allowed.

• Input:
  • Calculator Brand: Casio
  • Calculator Model Number: FX-115ES Plus 2nd Edition
• Output:
  • Primary Result: ALLOWED
  • Brand Match: Yes
  • Model Match: Yes
  • NCEES Approved List Status: On Approved List
• Interpretation: This calculator is explicitly listed by NCEES and is perfectly acceptable for the FE exam. The examinee can proceed with confidence.

Example 2: A Disallowed Calculator

Another examinee has a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE, a popular graphing calculator from their college courses.

• Input:
  • Calculator Brand: Texas Instruments
  • Calculator Model Number: TI-84 Plus CE
• Output:
  • Primary Result: NOT ALLOWED
  • Brand Match: Yes
  • Model Match: No
  • NCEES Approved List Status: Not on Approved List (Disqualified due to graphing/programmable features)
• Interpretation: Although Texas Instruments is an approved brand, the TI-84 Plus CE is a graphing calculator and is not on the NCEES approved list. The examinee would need to acquire one of the calculators allowed on FE exam, such as a TI-36X Pro, before test day.

How to Use This Calculators Allowed on FE Exam Checker

Our tool is designed for simplicity and accuracy, helping you quickly determine if your calculator meets NCEES requirements. Follow these steps to use the FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker:

1. Select Calculator Brand: From the “Calculator Brand” dropdown menu, choose the manufacturer of your calculator. Options include Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Texas Instruments (TI). If your brand is not listed, select “Other / Not Listed.”
2. Enter Calculator Model Number: In the “Calculator Model Number” text field, type the exact model number of your device. This is crucial for an accurate match. Examples include “FX-115ES Plus,” “HP 35s,” or “TI-36X Pro.”
3. Check Eligibility: As you type or select, the calculator will automatically update the results. You can also click the “Check Eligibility” button to manually trigger the calculation.
4. Read the Results:
   • Primary Result: This large, highlighted section will clearly state “ALLOWED” (in green) or “NOT ALLOWED” (in red).
   • Intermediate Results: Below the primary result, you’ll see details like “Brand Match,” “Model Match,” and “NCEES Approved List Status,” providing more context for the determination.
5. Copy Results (Optional): If you wish to save or share your results, click the “Copy Results” button. This will copy the main findings to your clipboard.
6. Reset: To clear all inputs and start a new check, click the “Reset” button.

Decision-making guidance: If your calculator is “NOT ALLOWED,” it is imperative that you obtain one of the calculators allowed on FE exam well in advance of your test date. Familiarize yourself with its functions to avoid any last-minute stress or disadvantage during the exam.

Key Factors That Affect Calculators Allowed on FE Exam Results

The NCEES calculator policy is stringent and can change. Several factors influence which calculators allowed on FE exam are permitted and why others are not.

1. NCEES Policy Updates: The most significant factor is the NCEES’s official policy. They periodically review and update their list of approved calculators. Always refer to the latest NCEES guidelines or use an up-to-date tool like this one.
2. Programmable Features: Any calculator with the ability to store user-defined programs, formulas, or extensive text is generally prohibited. This is to prevent examinees from storing notes or solutions.
3. Graphing Capabilities: Graphing calculators are almost universally disallowed. The visual aid they provide is considered an unfair advantage, and the FE exam is designed to test fundamental understanding, not graphing prowess.
4. Communication Features: Calculators with wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared) or data transfer capabilities are strictly forbidden to prevent external communication or access to information.
5. QWERTY Keypads: Calculators resembling mini-computers with QWERTY keypads are not permitted, as they could facilitate text entry and storage.
6. External Power/Connectivity: Calculators requiring external power cords or having ports for external devices (other than a standard charging port for rechargeable models) are typically disallowed. Battery-operated, self-contained units are preferred.
7. Specific Model Variations: Even within an approved series, a slight model variation (e.g., “Plus” vs. “Plus II” vs. “Plus 2nd Edition”) can sometimes lead to different eligibility. Always check the exact model number.

Staying informed about these factors is crucial for ensuring your chosen calculator is among the calculators allowed on FE exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Calculators Allowed on FE Exam

Q: Can I bring two calculators to the FE exam?

A: Yes, NCEES allows examinees to bring two approved calculators to the exam. This is a common strategy to have a backup in case one malfunctions. Both must be from the list of calculators allowed on FE exam.

Q: What happens if I bring a disallowed calculator to the FE exam?

A: If you bring a calculator that is not on the NCEES approved list, it will be confiscated by the test proctor, and you will not be allowed to use it during the exam. This can severely impact your performance, so always check beforehand.

Q: Are all Casio, HP, and TI calculators allowed?

A: No. While these are the only three approved brands, only specific models from each brand are permitted. Many models from these manufacturers (especially graphing or programmable ones) are not among the calculators allowed on FE exam.

Q: Where can I find the official NCEES list of approved calculators?

A: The official list is available on the NCEES website (NCEES.org). It’s always a good idea to cross-reference with their site, especially for the most current policy. Our tool is based on this official list.

Q: Can I use a calculator app on my phone or tablet?

A: Absolutely not. Electronic devices like phones, tablets, smartwatches, or any device with internet access or communication capabilities are strictly prohibited in the testing center. Only standalone, approved physical calculators are allowed.

Q: What is the best calculator for the FE exam?

A: While “best” is subjective, popular choices among the calculators allowed on FE exam include the Casio FX-115ES Plus (or 2nd Edition), HP 35s, and TI-36X Pro. These models offer a good balance of functionality for engineering calculations without being programmable or graphing.

Q: Does the NCEES calculator policy apply to the PE exam as well?

A: Yes, NCEES also has a calculator policy for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which is generally similar but may have slight variations or specific allowances depending on the exam discipline. Always check the specific PE exam policy. For more details, see our PE Exam Calculator Policy Guide.

Q: How often does NCEES update the list of calculators allowed on FE exam?

A: NCEES reviews its calculator policy periodically, typically annually or as new calculator models are released. It’s wise to check the policy a few months before your exam date to ensure no changes have occurred.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

To further assist you in your engineering licensure journey, explore these related resources:

• FE Exam Study Guide: Comprehensive resources to help you prepare for all sections of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
• FE Exam Registration Process: A step-by-step guide to registering for your FE exam, including deadlines and requirements.
• FE Exam Syllabus Review: Detailed breakdown of the FE exam syllabus for various disciplines, helping you focus your study efforts.
• Engineering Career Paths: Explore different engineering specializations and potential career trajectories after licensure.
• PE Exam Calculator Policy Guide: Understand the calculator rules for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam, a crucial next step after the FE.
• Benefits of Engineering Licensure: Learn about the professional advantages and opportunities that come with becoming a licensed engineer.