FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker

Instantly verify if your calculator is on the NCEES approved list for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Check Your Calculator Model

What are the Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam?

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict policy regarding the types of calculators allowed during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This policy is in place to protect the integrity of the exam and ensure no candidate has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, text-storage, or programming capabilities. Only specific, non-programmable scientific calculators are permitted. Using one of the many unapproved calculators allowed on the FE exam will result in your exam being voided. It is critical for every candidate to verify their calculator model is on the approved list well before exam day.

Official NCEES Calculator Policy Summary

The NCEES calculator policy explicitly lists the only models that are acceptable. The policy is generally grouped by manufacturer. Any calculator not matching these specific model designations is prohibited.

NCEES Approved Calculator Models

Manufacturer	Approved Model Series	Rule
Texas Instruments	TI-30X, TI-36X	The model name must include “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. Examples include the TI-30X IIS and the popular TI-36X Pro.
Casio	fx-115, fx-991	The model name must include “fx-115” or “fx-991”. Examples include the fx-115ES Plus and the fx-991EX.
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s, HP 35s	Only these two specific models are allowed. No other HP models are permitted.

How to Use This Calculator Checker

Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to determine if your calculator is compliant with the rules for calculators allowed on the FE exam.

1. Find the Model Name: Locate the model name printed on the front of your calculator. It’s usually at the top.
2. Enter the Model: Type the full model name into the input field above. For example, “Casio fx-115ES Plus”.
3. Check Status: Click the “Check Status” button.
4. Review Results: The tool will immediately tell you if your model is ALLOWED or NOT FOUND on the approved list. An allowed result means your calculator model prefix matches the NCEES policy.

Practical Examples

Here are two common scenarios that candidates face:

• Example 1 (Allowed): A student enters “TI-36X Pro”. The tool checks this against the approved list. Since it contains “TI-36X”, the result is ALLOWED.
• Example 2 (Not Allowed): A student enters “TI-89 Titanium”. This is a powerful graphing calculator. The tool checks the model name and finds that it does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. The result is NOT FOUND on the approved list.

For more detailed study plans, see our FE Exam study guide.

Key Factors That Affect Your Choice

When selecting from the list of calculators allowed on the FE exam, several factors can influence your decision:

• Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. Practice with your chosen calculator throughout your studies.
• Display Type: Some models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX have a “textbook” or “natural” display that shows equations as they are written, which can reduce input errors.
• Solver Functionality: Models like the TI-36X Pro have powerful numerical solvers for equations and systems of equations, which can save a significant amount of time.
• Battery vs. Solar: Consider a model with a reliable battery or a dual battery-solar power source to avoid issues on exam day.
• Key Layout and Feel: The tactile feedback and layout of the keys can affect your speed and accuracy.
• Complex Number Capabilities: Ensure your chosen model can handle complex number calculations efficiently, as this is crucial for electrical engineering topics. If you are preparing for that discipline, check out our FE Electrical exam prep course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are graphing calculators like the TI-89 not allowed?

Graphing calculators are prohibited because they have capabilities for storing notes, formulas, and programs, which could provide an unfair advantage and compromise exam security.

Is the Casio fx-115ES Plus 2nd Edition allowed?

Yes. As long as the model name contains “fx-115”, any edition or version is acceptable under the current NCEES policy.

What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?

The test center proctors will confiscate the non-approved calculator, and you will have to take the exam without it. In some cases, your exam could be invalidated. You can learn more about exam day rules here.

Can I bring a backup calculator?

Yes, you can bring a backup calculator, but it must also be an NCEES-approved model.

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

Although the approved models have very limited memory, it is a good practice to clear any stored data or settings before entering the test center to avoid any potential issues.

Which calculator is the best for the FE exam?

The “best” calculator is subjective. However, the TI-36X Pro is widely regarded as one of the top choices due to its powerful solver, intuitive display, and robust feature set. The Casio fx-115ES Plus and fx-991EX are also excellent options. For a comparison, read our review of the best FE calculators.

Where can I find the official NCEES policy?

You can find the definitive list of calculators allowed on the fe exam on the official NCEES website. This tool is based on that policy but you should always double-check the official source before your exam.

Is there a calculator provided on the computer during the exam?

Yes, the computer-based test (CBT) interface includes a digital version of the TI-30X IIS. However, most candidates prefer to use their own physical, more powerful calculator they are familiar with.