FE Exam Approved Calculators Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator model is permitted for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
Calculator Compatibility Checker
Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.
Official List of Approved Calculators
The NCEES has a strict policy to ensure fairness and exam integrity. The only models allowed are listed below. Our FE exam approved calculators checker tool uses this official information.
Chart: Approved Model Series by Brand
| Brand | Approved Model Series |
|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | All TI-30X and TI-36X models |
| Casio | All fx-115 and fx-991 models |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s models |
What are FE Exam Approved Calculators?
FE exam approved calculators are a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. To maintain the integrity of the exam and ensure no candidate has an unfair advantage, NCEES prohibits devices with advanced communication, text-editing, or programming capabilities. This means your powerful graphing calculator from college, like a TI-89 or Nspire, is not allowed.
The NCEES Calculator Policy Explained
The “formula” for calculator approval is not a mathematical one, but a set of rules defined by NCEES. The policy is straightforward: only certain models from three specific brands are permitted. Any calculator model not explicitly on this list cannot be brought into the testing room.
Variables of the Policy
| Variable | Meaning | Unit / Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | The manufacturer of the calculator. | Text | Casio, Texas Instruments, Hewlett Packard |
| Model Series | The specific family name in the model number. | Alphanumeric | fx-115, fx-991, TI-30X, TI-36X, HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Approval Status | The binary outcome of whether the model is allowed. | Boolean | Approved / Not Approved |
Practical Examples
Understanding the naming conventions is key. Here are two practical examples:
- Example 1 (Approved): A student has a “Casio fx-115ES PLUS”. Because the model name contains “fx-115”, it is approved for the exam.
- Example 2 (Not Approved): An engineer wants to use their “Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus”. Although it’s a Texas Instruments calculator, its model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. Therefore, it is not approved.
How to Use This FE Exam Approved Calculators Checker
Using our tool is simple and gives you an instant result based on the official NCEES guidelines.
- Find Your Model Number: Look at the front of your calculator. You will see a model number, such as “TI-36X Pro” or “fx-991MS”.
- Enter the Model: Type the full model number into the input field above.
- Check Status: Click the “Check Approval Status” button.
- Interpret the Result: The tool will immediately tell you if your calculator is approved. Green means approved, and red means it is not on the NCEES list. For more details on exam prep, see our FE Exam Study Guide.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
- Correct Brand: The calculator must be a Casio, Texas Instruments, or Hewlett Packard. No other brands are allowed.
- Model Series is Crucial: The most important factor is the model prefix. For Casio, it must be “fx-115” or “fx-991”. For TI, it must be “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.
- No Advanced Features: Calculators with features like a QWERTY keyboard, wireless communication, or the ability to store extensive notes are universally banned.
- HP Models are Specific: Unlike Casio and TI which allow whole series, for HP, only two specific models are approved: the HP 33s and HP 35s. No other HP models are permitted.
- Suffixes Usually Don’t Matter: For Casio and TI, suffixes like “Pro”, “Plus”, “ES”, or “MS” after the main series name generally do not affect approval. The key is the prefix. For help choosing, read about the best calculators for engineers.
- Annual Review: NCEES reviews the policy annually, so it’s always good to check the latest rules before your exam date. Our tool is updated with the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?
You will not be allowed to use it. The proctors will confiscate it, and you will have to take the exam without a calculator or use the basic on-screen version provided.
Is the “Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz” approved?
Yes. Since its model name contains “fx-991”, it falls under the approved Casio series.
Is the “TI-36X Pro” the best FE exam approved calculator?
Many consider it one of the best due to its powerful features like a multi-line display and built-in solver functions, while still being on the approved list. Check out a review of the TI-36X Pro.
Can I bring two approved calculators?
You are allowed to bring one NCEES-approved calculator into the testing room. Spare calculators must be stored with your personal belongings.
Are there any exceptions to the calculator policy?
No, the NCEES calculator policy is applied strictly to all examinees to ensure fairness.
Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?
While the approved models have limited memory, it’s a good practice to reset your calculator before entering the test center to avoid any potential issues.
Where can I find the official NCEES policy?
The official, most up-to-date policy is always available on the NCEES website. Our FE exam approved calculators tool is synchronized with this policy. For more on policies, see the NCEES exam rules overview.
Is a solar-powered calculator okay?
Yes, as long as the model is on the approved list. The power source (solar or battery) does not affect its approval status.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your preparation with our other resources:
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- Engineering Salary Calculator: Estimate your potential earnings after licensure.
- PE Exam Requirements: Learn about the next step in your professional engineering career.