Acceptable Calculators for FE Exam: The Official Guide

Instantly check if your calculator is approved by the NCEES and understand the detailed policy.

FE Exam Calculator Acceptability Checker

What are the Acceptable Calculators for the FE Exam?

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict calculator policy to ensure the integrity and fairness of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Only specific, non-programmable, non-communicating calculators are permitted. Using a non-approved device can lead to dismissal from the exam and voiding of your results. This policy prevents any advantages from stored information or external communication. Therefore, checking if you have one of the acceptable calculators for FE exam is a critical step in your preparation.

The NCEES Calculator Policy Formula

The “formula” for an acceptable calculator isn’t mathematical, but a set of rules based on the manufacturer and model series. The policy is designed to be straightforward. As of the latest review, the only models allowed for use are from Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Texas Instruments (TI).

Official List of Approved Calculator Models

To protect the exam’s integrity, NCEES has approved only the following models. Any calculator not on this list is forbidden.

Official NCEES Approved Calculator List

Manufacturer	Approved Models / Series	Rule
Casio	fx-115 and fx-991	Any model that includes “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name (e.g., fx-115ES PLUS, fx-991EX).
Texas Instruments	TI-30X and TI-36X	Any model that includes “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name (e.g., TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro).
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s and HP 35s	ONLY these two specific models are allowed. No other HP models are permitted.

Practical Examples of Using the Policy

Understanding the rules is easier with examples. Let’s see how different models fare against the NCEES policy.

Example 1: An Approved Calculator

• Input Model: “Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro”
• Analysis: The model name contains “TI-36X”, which is an approved series.
• Result: APPROVED. This is one of the most popular and acceptable calculators for fe exam.

Example 2: A Non-Approved Calculator

• Input Model: “TI-89 Titanium”
• Analysis: This is a graphing calculator. It is not part of the “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” series. Graphing, communication, and advanced programming features are strictly prohibited.
• Result: NOT APPROVED.

How to Use This Acceptable FE Calculator Checker

Using this tool is simple and designed to give you a quick, reliable answer.

1. Find Your Model Name: Look at the front of your calculator. You will see a model name like “fx-991EX” or “TI-30XIIS”.
2. Enter the Model: Type the full model name into the input field above.
3. Check the Result: Click the “Check My Calculator” button. The tool will instantly tell you if your calculator is on the approved list and provide details.
4. Reset if Needed: Click “Reset” to clear the fields and check another model.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Acceptance

NCEES restricts calculators based on features that could provide an unfair advantage. Here are the key disqualifying factors:

• Graphing Capability: Calculators that can plot functions (like the TI-84 or Nspire series) are banned.
• Communication Features: Any device with infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi capabilities is prohibited.
• QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-like keyboards are not allowed.
• External Storage: Devices that use SD cards, USB drives, or have other ways to load external data are forbidden.
• Power Source: While most are battery/solar, plug-in calculators are not permitted.
• Unlisted Models: If a calculator model, like the popular HP Prime, is not explicitly on the list, it is not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Your device will be confiscated, and you may be dismissed from the testing center without your exam being scored.

2. Can I bring two approved calculators?

Yes, you are generally allowed to bring a primary and a backup calculator, as long as both are on the NCEES approved list.

3. Does the testing center provide a calculator?

No, you are responsible for bringing your own NCEES-approved calculator.

4. Why is the Casio “fx-115” a series and not just one model?

Casio releases many variations under the fx-115 designation, such as the fx-115ES PLUS and the newer fx-115ES PLUS 2nd Edition. As long as “fx-115” is in the name, it’s considered one of the acceptable calculators for fe exam.

5. Is my HP 50g allowed?

No. For Hewlett Packard, only the specific models HP 33s and HP 35s are permitted. The HP 50g is a powerful graphing calculator and is not allowed.

6. How often does the NCEES calculator policy change?

The list is reviewed annually, but changes are infrequent. It’s always best to check the official NCEES website for the most current policy before your exam date.

7. What is the difference between the TI-36X Pro and TI-30XS?

Both are approved. The TI-36X Pro is generally considered more advanced, with a multi-line display and more built-in functions, including a solver. The TI-30XS is also very capable and popular.

8. Where is the best place to buy an acceptable calculator for the FE exam?

They are widely available at office supply stores, major online retailers, and university bookstores.