FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker: What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam?
Navigate the NCEES calculator policy with ease. Use our tool to verify if your calculator is approved for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker
Enter your calculator details below to check its eligibility for the NCEES FE Exam. This tool helps you understand what calculators are allowed on the FE exam based on official NCEES guidelines.
Choose the brand of your calculator. NCEES primarily approves models from these three manufacturers.
Enter the exact model number (e.g., fx-115ES PLUS, 35s, TI-36X Pro). Case and spacing are not critical for this checker.
CAS functionality (e.g., symbolic differentiation/integration) is generally NOT allowed on the FE exam.
Programmable calculators are generally NOT allowed on the FE exam, even if the programs are cleared.
Eligibility Results
This checker determines what calculators are allowed on the FE exam by comparing your input against the official NCEES approved calculator policy and common disqualifying features.
Distribution of NCEES Approved Calculator Models by Major Brand
| Category | Brand | Model Examples | Status | Key Reason / Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved Scientific | Casio | fx-115ES PLUS, fx-991EX | Approved | Standard scientific functions, non-programmable, no CAS. |
| Approved Scientific | HP | HP 35s | Approved | Advanced scientific, non-programmable, no CAS. |
| Approved Scientific | TI | TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS Multiview | Approved | Advanced scientific, non-programmable, no CAS. |
| Disallowed (CAS) | TI | TI-Nspire CX CAS, TI-89 Titanium | Disallowed | Features Computer Algebra System (CAS). |
| Disallowed (Programmable) | HP | HP 50g, HP 48GII | Disallowed | Programmable functionality. |
| Disallowed (Graphing) | TI | TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus | Disallowed | Graphing calculators are generally not allowed unless specifically listed. |
What is “What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam”?
The phrase “what calculators are allowed on the FE exam” refers to the critical policy set forth by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) regarding the use of calculators during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This policy is designed to ensure fairness, prevent cheating, and maintain the integrity of the exam. Candidates are only permitted to use specific models of non-programmable, non-CAS (Computer Algebra System) calculators from a pre-approved list.
Who Should Be Concerned About What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam?
- FE Exam Candidates: Anyone preparing to take the FE exam must strictly adhere to the NCEES calculator policy to avoid disqualification.
- Engineering Students: Students in engineering programs should familiarize themselves with these rules early, as many common academic calculators are not permitted.
- Educators and Tutors: Those guiding students through FE exam preparation need to provide accurate information on what calculators are allowed on the FE exam.
Common Misconceptions About What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam
Many candidates hold misconceptions that can lead to issues on exam day:
- “Any scientific calculator is fine.” This is false. Only specific models from Casio, HP, and TI are allowed, even if other scientific calculators have similar functions.
- “I can just clear my programmable calculator.” Also false. Programmable calculators are prohibited regardless of whether their memory has been cleared.
- “Graphing calculators are always disallowed.” While most graphing calculators are disallowed due to programmability or CAS, some basic scientific models with graphing capabilities (if non-programmable and non-CAS) might be approved, but it’s rare and specific. Always check the NCEES list.
- “My calculator is old, so it must be allowed.” Age is not a factor. The specific model and its features determine eligibility.
“What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam” – Policy and Criteria Explanation
Unlike traditional mathematical formulas, determining what calculators are allowed on the FE exam involves a rule-based evaluation against the NCEES policy. The “formula” is a logical check, not a numerical one.
Step-by-Step Derivation of Calculator Eligibility
- Identify Calculator Brand and Model: The first step is to accurately identify the manufacturer and specific model number of the calculator.
- Check Against NCEES Approved List: The identified model is compared against the official, current NCEES list of approved calculators. This list is the primary determinant.
- Evaluate for Disqualifying Features: Regardless of whether a calculator is on the approved list, it must not possess certain features. These include:
- Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality
- Programmability (ability to store custom programs, formulas, or text)
- QWERTY keyboard
- Wireless communication capabilities
- Paper tape
- Sound production
- Determine Final Status: If the calculator is on the approved list AND lacks all disqualifying features, it is “Approved.” If it is on the approved list but has a disqualifying feature (unlikely for listed models but possible for variants), it is “Disallowed.” If it is not on the approved list OR has any disqualifying feature, it is “Disallowed.” If it’s not on the list and doesn’t have obvious disqualifying features, it’s “Unsure / Check NCEES.”
Variable Explanations for FE Exam Calculator Eligibility
Understanding what calculators are allowed on the FE exam requires clarity on these key variables:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range / Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
CalculatorBrand |
Manufacturer of the calculator. | N/A (Categorical) | Casio, HP, Texas Instruments (TI), Other |
CalculatorModel |
Specific model designation. | N/A (Alphanumeric) | fx-115ES PLUS, HP 35s, TI-36X Pro |
HasCASFunctionality |
Boolean indicating if the calculator has a Computer Algebra System. | Boolean | True (Disallowed), False (Potentially Allowed) |
IsProgrammable |
Boolean indicating if the calculator can store user-defined programs or text. | Boolean | True (Disallowed), False (Potentially Allowed) |
NCEESApprovedList |
The official list of calculator models explicitly approved by NCEES. | N/A (List) | Specific models from Casio, HP, TI. |
DisqualifyingFeatures |
A set of features that automatically make a calculator ineligible. | N/A (Set of Rules) | CAS, Programmability, QWERTY keyboard, Wireless, etc. |
ApprovalStatus |
The final determination of whether the calculator is allowed. | N/A (Categorical) | Approved, Not Approved (Feature), Not Approved (Model), Unsure |
Practical Examples: What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam?
Let’s look at real-world scenarios to illustrate what calculators are allowed on the FE exam.
Example 1: Casio fx-115ES PLUS
- Inputs:
- Brand: Casio
- Model: fx-115ES PLUS
- Has CAS Functionality?: No
- Is Programmable?: No
- Evaluation:
- The Casio fx-115ES PLUS is explicitly listed on the NCEES approved calculator list.
- It does not have CAS functionality.
- It is not programmable.
- Output: Approved. This is one of the most popular choices for the FE exam due to its comprehensive scientific functions and compliance with NCEES rules.
Example 2: TI-Nspire CX CAS
- Inputs:
- Brand: Texas Instruments (TI)
- Model: TI-Nspire CX CAS
- Has CAS Functionality?: Yes
- Is Programmable?: Yes (often, though CAS is the primary issue)
- Evaluation:
- The TI-Nspire CX CAS is NOT on the NCEES approved list.
- It explicitly has CAS functionality, which is a major disqualifier.
- It is also programmable.
- Output: Not Approved (CAS Functionality). Despite being a powerful calculator for academic use, its CAS feature makes it strictly prohibited for the FE exam.
Example 3: HP 35s
- Inputs:
- Brand: Hewlett Packard (HP)
- Model: HP 35s
- Has CAS Functionality?: No
- Is Programmable?: No (though it has RPN and equation solver, it’s not considered “programmable” by NCEES standards for disqualification)
- Evaluation:
- The HP 35s is explicitly listed on the NCEES approved calculator list.
- It does not have CAS functionality.
- It is not considered programmable in a way that violates NCEES rules.
- Output: Approved. The HP 35s is another excellent choice, particularly favored by those who prefer Reverse Polish Notation (RPN).
How to Use This “What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam” Calculator
Our FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker is designed to be straightforward and help you quickly understand what calculators are allowed on the FE exam. Follow these steps:
- Select Calculator Brand: From the “Calculator Brand” dropdown, choose the manufacturer of your calculator (Casio, HP, TI, or Other).
- Enter Calculator Model: In the “Calculator Model” text field, type the exact model number of your calculator. For example, “fx-115ES PLUS” or “35s”.
- Indicate CAS Functionality: Check the box next to “Does your calculator have Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality?” if your calculator possesses this feature.
- Indicate Programmability: Check the box next to “Is your calculator programmable (stores custom programs/text)?” if your calculator has this capability.
- Click “Check Eligibility”: Press the “Check Eligibility” button to instantly see your results. The calculator will update in real-time as you change inputs.
- Read the Primary Result: The large, highlighted box will display the overall eligibility status: “Approved,” “Not Approved (Feature),” “Not Approved (Model),” or “Unsure / Check NCEES.”
- Review Intermediate Results: Below the primary result, you’ll find details on why a calculator was approved or disallowed, including its status on the NCEES list and checks for CAS and programmability.
- Use the “Reset” Button: If you want to check another calculator, click “Reset” to clear all fields and start fresh.
- Copy Results: Use the “Copy Results” button to easily save the output for your records or to share.
This tool provides a quick reference for what calculators are allowed on the FE exam, but always cross-reference with the official NCEES website for the most current policy.
Key Factors That Affect “What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam” Results
Understanding the nuances of the NCEES policy is crucial for knowing what calculators are allowed on the FE exam. Several factors play a significant role:
- Official NCEES Approved List: This is the most critical factor. NCEES maintains a specific, limited list of approved calculator models. If your calculator is not on this list, it is generally not allowed, regardless of its features.
- Computer Algebra System (CAS) Functionality: Any calculator with CAS capabilities (e.g., symbolic manipulation, solving equations with variables) is strictly prohibited. This is a common reason why advanced graphing calculators are disallowed.
- Programmability: Calculators that allow users to store custom programs, formulas, or extensive text are forbidden. This prevents candidates from pre-loading solutions or reference material. Even if the memory is cleared, the capability itself is often enough to disqualify.
- QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators featuring a QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard are not permitted. This is another measure to prevent the storage and retrieval of large amounts of text.
- Wireless Communication Capabilities: Any calculator with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication features is strictly disallowed to prevent external communication during the exam.
- Paper Tape/Printing Capabilities: Calculators that can print or produce a paper tape are not allowed.
- Sound Production: Calculators that make noise (beyond a silent key click) are generally not permitted to avoid disturbing other test-takers.
- Display Type: While not a primary disqualifier, calculators with very large, high-resolution, or color displays (especially those resembling small computers) are often associated with other disallowed features like CAS or programmability.
Always prioritize checking the official NCEES list and ensuring your chosen model lacks any of these disqualifying features when considering what calculators are allowed on the FE exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam
Q: Can I bring any scientific calculator to the FE exam?
A: No. Only specific models from Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Texas Instruments (TI) are allowed. You must consult the official NCEES approved calculator list.
Q: What happens if I bring a disallowed calculator to the FE exam?
A: You will not be permitted to use it. You may be asked to store it away, or in some cases, you could be dismissed from the exam. It’s crucial to know what calculators are allowed on the FE exam beforehand.
Q: Are graphing calculators allowed on the FE exam?
A: Generally, no. Most graphing calculators have features like CAS or programmability that are strictly prohibited. Only a few basic scientific models with graphing capabilities (if non-programmable and non-CAS) might be approved, but it’s rare. Always check the NCEES list.
Q: Can I use a programmable calculator if I clear its memory?
A: No. Programmable calculators are disallowed regardless of whether their memory has been cleared. The capability to store programs or text is the disqualifying factor.
Q: Where can I find the official NCEES approved calculator list?
A: The most current list is always available on the official NCEES website (NCEES.org). It’s updated periodically, so always check before your exam date.
Q: What are the most popular approved calculators for the FE exam?
A: The Casio fx-115ES PLUS (or fx-115ES PLUS 2nd Edition), HP 35s, and TI-36X Pro are consistently among the most popular and recommended choices for the FE exam.
Q: Can I bring two approved calculators to the FE exam?
A: Yes, NCEES allows candidates to bring two approved calculators to the exam. This is a good strategy in case one malfunctions.
Q: Does the NCEES policy on what calculators are allowed on the FE exam change?
A: While the core principles remain consistent, the specific list of approved models can be updated. It’s essential to check the NCEES website for the latest policy well in advance of your exam.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Preparing for the FE exam involves more than just knowing what calculators are allowed on the FE exam. Explore our other resources to help you succeed:
- FE Exam Study Guide: Comprehensive resources to help you structure your study plan and master key concepts.
- Engineering Exam Preparation: General strategies and tips for excelling in various engineering certification exams.
- NCEES Exam Dates and Registration: Find out about upcoming exam dates, registration deadlines, and how to sign up for your FE exam.
- FE Exam Review Courses: Discover recommended review courses and materials to boost your understanding and confidence.
- FE Exam Practice Problems: Access a library of practice problems to hone your problem-solving skills for the exam.
- Engineering Career Paths: Explore different engineering disciplines and potential career opportunities after passing your FE exam.