FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker

Your guide to the calculators allowed on the FE exam

Check Your Calculator’s Status

Enter your calculator model to see if it’s approved by NCEES for the FE exam.

Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy

The NCEES sets a strict policy for calculators allowed on the FE exam to ensure fairness and exam integrity. This article provides a deep dive into everything you need to know about this policy.

What is the NCEES policy on calculators allowed on the FE exam?

The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) calculator policy is a set of rules that specifies exactly which calculator models are permitted during its exams, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The goal is to prevent the use of devices with advanced communication features, extensive memory, or programming capabilities that could provide an unfair advantage. Anyone preparing for the exam must be familiar with the list of calculators allowed on the FE exam to avoid issues on test day.

A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is fine. This is incorrect. Only the specific models and series listed by NCEES are permitted. Using a non-approved calculator can lead to disqualification.

NCEES Calculator Policy Rules Explained

Instead of a complex mathematical formula, the policy is a set of clear rules based on manufacturer and model series. The core principle is to allow powerful scientific calculators while banning graphing, programmable, or communicating devices. Understanding these rules is key to selecting one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam.

Summary of NCEES Calculator Rules

Manufacturer	Rule	Examples	Prohibited Features
Casio	All models must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the name.	fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX	Graphing, QWERTY keyboard
Texas Instruments	All models must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the name.	TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS MultiView	Communicating (Wi-Fi, IR)
Hewlett Packard	Only two specific models are allowed: the HP 33s and HP 35s.	HP 33s, HP 35s	Extensive programming, data storage

Practical Examples of Approved & Unapproved Calculators

Example 1: Approved Calculator

• Model: Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
• Reasoning: This model is explicitly allowed because its name contains “TI-36X”. It has advanced scientific functions suitable for the exam, like matrix operations and equation solvers, but lacks prohibited features like graphing or a QWERTY keyboard.
• Result: APPROVED

Example 2: Unapproved Calculator

• Model: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium
• Reasoning: This model is a graphing calculator. It has a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and extensive programming capabilities, which are explicitly forbidden by the NCEES policy. It does not fit the “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” naming convention.
• Result: NOT APPROVED

How to Use This Calculator Checker

This tool simplifies the process of confirming if you are using one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam.

1. Enter Model Name: Type the full model name of your calculator (e.g., “Casio fx-115ES Plus”) into the input field above.
2. Check Status: Click the “Check Status” button.
3. Review Result: The tool will instantly tell you if your calculator is Approved, Not Approved, or if the model could not be definitively identified.
4. Decision-Making: If your calculator is not approved, you must acquire an approved model for your exam. The table below lists all currently accepted calculators for the FE exam. For more study tips, check out this FE Exam Study Guide.

Complete List of Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam

To ensure you are prepared, here is the definitive list of NCEES approved calculator models. Any calculator you bring to the testing center must be on this list.

Official NCEES Approved Calculator Models

Manufacturer	Approved Models
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models (e.g., fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX ClassWiz)
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s and HP 35s
Texas Instruments	All TI-30X and TI-36X models (e.g., TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro)

Key Factors That Affect the FE Calculator Policy

The NCEES policy on calculators allowed on the fe exam is not arbitrary. It’s based on several key factors designed to protect the integrity of the examination process.

1. Graphing Capabilities: Calculators that can graph functions are banned because they can be used to solve problems visually, bypassing the need to understand the underlying mathematical principles.
2. Communication Technology: Any device with infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi capabilities is strictly prohibited to prevent communication between examinees or access to external information.
3. QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are banned as they facilitate text storage and programming.
4. Power and Solvers: The policy allows for powerful solvers (e.g., equation, matrix solvers) found on models like the TI-36X Pro because these are considered advanced computational tools, not a method of storing information. This is a crucial distinction in the FE exam calculator policy.
5. Memory and Storage: While approved calculators have memory registers, they lack the large-scale storage for notes, formulas, or programs found on disallowed models.
6. Standardization: Limiting the models ensures all examinees have access to a similar level of computational technology, creating a level playing field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring two approved calculators to the exam?

No, NCEES policy generally permits only one calculator in the exam room. You should bring one reliable, approved model with fresh batteries.

2. What happens if my calculator’s battery dies during the exam?

You are responsible for ensuring your calculator is in working order. It’s highly recommended to install new batteries before exam day. Proctors will not provide batteries or a replacement calculator.

3. Is the Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam?

Yes. Since its model name contains “fx-991”, it falls under the approved Casio series and is one of the most popular NCEES approved calculators.

4. Why is the TI-89 not allowed?

The TI-89 is a powerful graphing calculator with a Computer Algebra System (CAS), which can perform symbolic algebra. This functionality is explicitly banned by NCEES.

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

Yes, the exam proctors will likely check and require you to clear the memory of your calculator before the exam begins to ensure no programs or data are stored.

6. Is the HP 50g allowed?

No. The only HP models allowed are the HP 33s and HP 35s. The HP 50g is a graphing calculator and is not permitted.

7. Can I use a calculator app on my phone or watch?

Absolutely not. Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any general-purpose electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the testing center. Relying on such a device is a guaranteed way to be disqualified.

8. Where can I buy one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam?

Approved models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are widely available online and at major office supply or electronics retailers. Don’t wait until the last minute; get familiar with your calculator well before the exam. For more preparation advice, see our FE exam registration tips.

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