PE Exam Calculator Selector
Find the perfect NCEES-approved calculator for your needs.
Select the price range you are most comfortable with.
Your experience level can help determine the best model for you.
Consider your PE discipline (e.g., Power requires complex numbers).
What are the Rules for calculators to use for pe exam?
When preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, one of the most critical regulations to understand is the NCEES calculator policy. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) strictly limits the types of calculators permitted in the exam room to protect the integrity of the test. This policy ensures that no candidate has an unfair advantage through devices with prohibited features like wireless communication, QWERTY keyboards, or extensive text-storage capabilities. Only specific, pre-approved models are allowed, and bringing a non-compliant calculator will result in it being confiscated. Understanding which calculators to use for pe exam is a vital part of exam preparation. Using a familiar, approved device can save significant time and reduce stress during the high-pressure exam.
Approved Calculator Models and Comparison
The NCEES policy permits only certain models from three manufacturers: Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Texas Instruments (TI). The core “formula” for choosing a calculator involves comparing these approved models against your personal needs, budget, and exam discipline. While all are capable, they differ in features, user interface, and price. Below is a comparison of the most popular choices.
| Feature | Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro | Casio fx-115ES Plus | Hewlett Packard HP 35s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 4-line “MultiView” Display | 2-line “Natural Textbook Display” | 2-line Alphanumeric Display |
| Key Strengths | Equation solver, matrix/vector math, intuitive interface | Great value, complex number functions, fast processing | RPN or Algebraic entry, programmable, build quality |
| Entry System | Algebraic (EOS) | Algebraic (Natural V.P.A.M.) | RPN & Algebraic |
| Power Source | Solar with battery backup | Solar with battery backup | Battery only (2x CR2032) |
| Typical Price | $20 – $25 | $15 – $20 | $50 – $60 |
Practical Examples of Choosing a Calculator
Example 1: Electrical Power PE Candidate
An engineer preparing for the PE Electrical and Computer: Power exam needs a calculator that handles complex numbers effortlessly. Their budget is flexible.
- Inputs: Budget (Mid-range or Premium), Familiarity (Intermediate), Primary Need (Advanced functions).
- Logic: Both the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are excellent for complex numbers. The HP 35s can also handle them. Given the emphasis on this function, the TI-36X Pro’s intuitive solver and matrix capabilities might give it a slight edge.
- Result: The selector would likely recommend the TI-36X Pro as the top choice, with the Casio fx-115ES Plus as a strong, budget-friendly alternative. For more information, you might review advanced calculator functions.
Example 2: Civil PE Candidate on a Budget
A recent graduate taking the Civil: Structural exam is looking for a reliable, cost-effective calculator that’s easy to use for standard engineering calculations.
- Inputs: Budget (Value-focused), Familiarity (Beginner), Primary Need (General calculations).
- Logic: The primary goal is value and ease of use. The HP 35s is too expensive and its RPN feature has a learning curve. The Casio fx-115ES Plus offers the best balance of features for its low price point.
- Result: The selector would strongly recommend the Casio fx-115ES Plus for its excellent value and comprehensive, yet accessible, function set.
How to Use This PE Exam Calculator Selector
Follow these steps to find the best of the calculators to use for pe exam for you:
- Select Your Budget: Choose the price range that you are most comfortable with. All approved calculators are capable, but price often reflects build quality or advanced features.
- Indicate Your Familiarity: Be honest about your comfort level. If you’re new to these devices, a model with a steep learning curve like the HP 35s’s RPN mode might be challenging to master before the exam. Explore our exam preparation guides for more tips.
- Define Your Primary Need: Think about your specific PE exam discipline. Power engineers need strong complex number functions, while others might prioritize equation solvers or matrix operations.
- Review Your Recommendations: The tool will score and rank the top NCEES-approved calculators based on your inputs, helping you make an informed decision. The primary highlighted result is your best match.
Key Factors That Affect Your Choice of Calculator
- NCEES Approval: This is non-negotiable. Your calculator MUST be on the official NCEES list for the current exam year.
- Exam Discipline Requirements: PE exams like Power or Electronics heavily rely on complex number calculations. Ensure your chosen calculator handles these efficiently.
- Display Type: The TI-36X Pro’s 4-line display is great for viewing entire equations, while Casio’s Natural Textbook Display is excellent for fractions and roots.
- Entry System (RPN vs. Algebraic): Most modern calculators use an algebraic operating system. The HP 35s offers Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), which is faster for some but requires practice. Learn more about different calculator entry systems.
- Build Quality and Key Feel: During a long exam, the tactile feedback of the keys is important. The HP models are often praised for their robust build and responsive keys.
- Personal Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use without thinking. It’s crucial to purchase your calculator months in advance and use it for all your prep work.
Frequently Asked Questions about calculators to use for pe exam
Yes, you can bring more than one approved calculator. It’s a common strategy to bring a primary calculator and a backup of the same or a different approved model.
Exam proctors will check your calculator. If it’s not on the NCEES-approved list, it will be confiscated for the duration of the exam, and you will not be allowed to use it.
Yes. The NCEES policy allows all fx-115 and fx-991 models, which includes the fx-991EX.
Yes, the HP 35s is explicitly allowed. However, you must clear all user-created programs before entering the exam room. Our guide to exam day rules has more details.
The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are highly recommended for the Power exam due to their excellent handling of complex numbers and phasor calculations.
No. Cost does not always equal better performance for the exam. The less-expensive Casio fx-115ES Plus and TI-36X Pro are often favored over the pricier HP 35s by many engineers.
Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) is an entry method that can reduce keystrokes. It’s not necessary, and unless you are already an RPN user, it’s generally better to stick with a standard algebraic calculator for the PE exam.
You should purchase and start using your chosen calculator as soon as you begin studying for the PE exam. Complete familiarity is key to speed and accuracy. See our study timeline planner for more.