Can I Use My Calculator in the FE Exam?

An essential guide and policy checker for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker

What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?

The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying), which administers the FE exam, has a very strict calculator policy. This policy is in place to protect the integrity of the exam and ensure fairness for all candidates. The core rule is that you can only bring an NCEES-approved calculator model into the testing room. Using an unapproved device is a violation of exam rules and can lead to disqualification. This guide helps answer the critical question: can i use calculator in fe exam?

The list of approved models is reviewed and updated annually, so it’s crucial to check the policy close to your exam date. The policy prohibits devices with capabilities like QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, or access to the internet.

Official NCEES Approved Calculator List (2026)

As of the latest NCEES update, the following calculator models are the only ones acceptable for use during the 2026 exams. Our checker tool is based on these rules.

NCEES Approved Calculator Models

Brand	Approved Models / Series	Key Requirement
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models	The model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”.
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s and HP 35s	No other HP models are permitted.
Texas Instruments	All TI-30X and TI-36X models	The model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.

How to Use This ‘Can I Use Calculator in FE Exam’ Calculator

This tool simplifies the process of checking your calculator’s eligibility. Instead of manually scanning lists, you can get an immediate answer.

1. Select the Brand: Choose Casio, HP, or Texas Instruments from the dropdown menu.
2. Enter the Model: Type your calculator’s model number exactly as it appears on the device (e.g., “fx-115ES Plus”, “TI-36X Pro”).
3. Check Eligibility: Click the “Check Eligibility” button.
4. Review the Result: The tool will instantly tell you if your calculator is “Approved” or “Not Approved” based on the current NCEES policy.

Practical Examples

Example 1: An Approved Calculator

• Input: Brand: Casio, Model: fx-115ES Plus
• Analysis: The model name “fx-115ES Plus” contains “fx-115”, which matches the Casio rule.
• Result: Approved. This calculator is permitted for the FE exam.

Example 2: A Prohibited Calculator

• Input: Brand: Texas Instruments, Model: TI-89 Titanium
• Analysis: The model name “TI-89 Titanium” does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. Graphing calculators like the TI-89 are not allowed.
• Result: Not Approved. This calculator is prohibited.

Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Choice

Beyond simply having an approved model, consider these factors when deciding on and preparing with your calculator for the FE exam.

• Policy Changes: The NCEES reviews the policy annually. Always double-check the official NCEES calculator policy before your exam.
• Familiarity: Purchase your chosen calculator months in advance. Use it for all your study sessions to become proficient with its functions.
• Battery Power: While test centers are temperature-controlled, battery performance can vary. Bring a spare calculator of an approved model or fresh batteries.
• No Sharing: You are not permitted to share calculators with other examinees during the test.
• On-Screen Calculator: An on-screen TI-30XS calculator is available during the computer-based exam. It’s a good backup but using a physical calculator you are familiar with is generally faster.
• Prohibited Features: Understand why other models are banned. They often have features for communication, storing extensive text, or graphing, which compromise exam security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can’t I use my TI-84 or TI-89 graphing calculator?

Graphing calculators like the TI-84 and TI-89 have programming, data storage, and advanced graphing capabilities that are not permitted by the NCEES to ensure a fair and standardized testing environment.

What does “Any Casio calculator must have ‘fx-115’ or ‘fx-991’ in its model name” mean?

It means that as long as the sequence of characters “fx-115” or “fx-991” is part of the model number on the calculator, it is approved. For example, Casio fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX, and fx-115MS are all valid.

What if my calculator model has a suffix like ‘Plus’ or ‘Solar’?

These suffixes generally do not affect approval status as long as the base model number (e.g., TI-36X, fx-115) is on the approved list. Our checker accounts for this. For example, a “TI-30X IIS” is approved because it contains “TI-30X”.

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

Yes, proctors will likely check your calculator to ensure it does not contain any stored programs or notes. It’s a good practice to know how to reset your device to its factory settings.

Can I bring a backup calculator?

You may bring a second, NCEES-approved calculator. However, it must be stored with your personal belongings unless your primary one fails.

What is the best approved calculator for the FE exam?

Many students prefer the TI-36X Pro or the Casio fx-115ES Plus/fx-991EX for their powerful features like multi-line displays and equation solvers. The “best” one is the one you are most comfortable and efficient with.

Will the testing center provide a calculator?

No, you must bring your own physical calculator. They only provide an on-screen digital version of the TI-30XS.

Is the calculator policy the same for the PE exam?

Yes, the NCEES calculator policy applies to the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), and Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exams.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Explore these other resources to help with your exam preparation:

• FE Exam Study Planner: Organize your study schedule effectively.
• Engineering Unit Conversion Calculator: Quickly convert between common engineering units.
• FE Exam Pass Rate Statistics: Understand the historical pass rates for your discipline.
• A Guide to FE Exam Registration: Step-by-step instructions on how to register.
• Understanding FE Exam Scoring: Learn how the exam is scored.
• The Best FE Exam Prep Materials: A review of top study guides and courses.