FE Exam Calculator Policy Compliance Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator is permitted for the NCEES FE and PE exams based on the latest fe exam using calculator policy.
Check Your Calculator’s Compliance
Enter the full model name as it appears on the calculator.
What is the FE Exam Using Calculator Policy?
The fe exam using calculator policy is a set of strict rules established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to ensure fairness and prevent cheating during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. The policy specifies exactly which calculator models are permitted. Using a non-approved calculator can lead to dismissal from the exam and invalidation of your results.
The primary goal is to create a level playing field for all examinees by ensuring that no one has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, storage, or programming capabilities. This is why devices with features like wireless communication, QWERTY keyboards, or internet access are strictly forbidden.
FE Calculator Policy Rules and Explanation
Instead of a mathematical formula, the fe exam using calculator policy is a rule-based system. A calculator’s compliance is determined by its brand and model name, as well as a lack of prohibited features. The rules are updated periodically, so always check the latest NCEES guidelines.
Compliance Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Allowable Range / Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | The manufacturer of the calculator. | Text | Only Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Texas Instruments (TI) have approved models. |
| Model Identifier | The specific text in the model name that NCEES approves. | Text | “fx-115”, “fx-991” (Casio), “HP 33s”, “HP 35s” (HP), “TI-30X”, “TI-36X” (TI). |
| Prohibited Features | Any feature that automatically disqualifies a calculator. | Boolean (Yes/No) | Features like QWERTY keyboards, wireless, internet, or extensive text storage are not allowed. |
Practical Examples of the Policy
Example 1: A Compliant Calculator
- Input Model: Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
- Input Features: No prohibited features.
- Logic: The model name contains “TI-36X”, which is on the approved list for Texas Instruments.
- Result: COMPLIANT. This is one of the most popular calculators for the FE exam.
Example 2: A Non-Compliant Calculator
- Input Model: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium
- Input Features: Has a QWERTY keyboard.
- Logic: The presence of a QWERTY keyboard is an automatic disqualification, regardless of the model name.
- Result: NOT COMPLIANT. Graphing calculators with advanced features like this are not permitted.
Official NCEES Approved Calculator Models
| Manufacturer | Approved Model Families/Names | Popular Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | All models with “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the name. | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX |
| Hewlett Packard (HP) | Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models. | HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Texas Instruments (TI) | All models with “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the name. | TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro |
How to Use This FE Calculator Policy Checker
Using this tool to check the fe exam using calculator policy is simple and gives you an immediate, clear answer.
- Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s manufacturer from the dropdown list.
- Enter the Model: Type the model name exactly as it appears on your calculator. This is the most crucial step.
- Check for Prohibited Features: Tick any boxes for features your calculator has. Honesty here is key to getting an accurate result.
- Review the Result: Click “Check Compliance” to see the verdict. The tool will tell you if your calculator is compliant and explain why.
Key Factors That Affect FE Calculator Compliance
Several factors determine if a calculator is approved. Understanding them is vital for complying with the fe exam using calculator policy.
- Model Name is Critical: For Casio and TI, the model name must contain specific identifiers (e.g., “fx-115”, “TI-36X”).
- Specific HP Models Only: Unlike other brands, only two specific HP models (HP 33s and HP 35s) are allowed. No other HP calculators are permitted.
- No Text Entry: Calculators with QWERTY-style keyboards for text entry are strictly forbidden as they can be used to store notes.
- No Communication: Any form of wireless or wired communication capability (Infrared, Bluetooth, USB) will disqualify a calculator.
- No Graphing Capabilities: Advanced graphing calculators (like the TI-84 or TI-Nspire series) are not allowed because their powerful functions could provide an unfair advantage.
- No External Media: Calculators that use SD cards or any other form of external storage are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is the fe exam using calculator policy so strict?
The policy exists to maintain the integrity of the exam and ensure no candidate has an unfair advantage from using a device with advanced storage or communication capabilities.
2. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?
You will not be allowed to use it. In the worst-case scenario, your exam could be invalidated, and you might be barred from future exams.
3. Does NCEES provide a calculator?
For computer-based tests, an on-screen digital calculator (modeled after the TI-30X IIS) is available. However, it is generally slower to use than a physical, handheld calculator.
4. My calculator model is very similar to an approved one, can I use it?
No. The policy is based on exact model names. For Casio and TI, the name *must* contain the approved identifiers. For HP, it must be exactly the HP 33s or HP 35s.
5. Can I bring a backup calculator?
You can, but the backup calculator must also be on the NCEES approved list. Both calculators will be inspected by the proctors.
6. What if my calculator’s battery dies during the exam?
You are responsible for ensuring your calculator is in working order. It’s a good idea to install fresh batteries before the exam. If it fails, your only option will be the slower on-screen calculator.
7. Are solar-powered calculators reliable enough for the exam?
Yes, many approved models like the Casio fx-115ES Plus are solar-powered with a battery backup and are very reliable for the exam environment.
8. Is there a list of specifically banned calculators?
NCEES only provides a list of approved models. Generally, any graphing calculator or device with communication features is banned, such as the TI-89, HP Prime, or any smartphone.