FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam has a strict calculator policy. Use this tool to quickly verify if your calculator model is permitted by the NCEES.

Check Your Calculator Model

NCEES Approved Calculator List

For your convenience, here is a searchable list of the calculator models and families approved by NCEES for the FE exam. The policy generally approves specific model series rather than individual models.

List of calculator families approved by NCEES for the FE exam. Always check the official NCEES website for the most current policy.

Manufacturer	Approved Model Series/Name	Key Rule
Texas Instruments	TI-30X	Model name must contain “TI-30X”. Examples: TI-30X, TI-30XS MultiView.
Texas Instruments	TI-36X	Model name must contain “TI-36X”. Example: TI-36X Pro.
Casio	fx-115	Model name must contain “fx-115”. Examples: fx-115ES Plus.
Casio	fx-991	Model name must contain “fx-991”. Examples: fx-991EX.
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s	Only this specific model.
Hewlett Packard	HP 35s	Only this specific model.

What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?

The FE Exam Calculator Policy is a set of rules established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) that dictates which calculator models are permissible to use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. To protect the integrity of the exam, NCEES limits the types of calculators allowed to prevent any potential for unfair advantages, such as devices with communication capabilities or extensive stored memory. This policy ensures a level playing field for all examinees.

Anyone preparing to take the FE exam must use this policy to ensure the calculator they purchase and practice with is approved. Using a non-approved calculator is a violation of exam rules and can result in the voiding of your exam. A common misunderstanding is that any “scientific” calculator is fine, but the rules are very specific to the model series listed by NCEES.

The Approval “Formula” and Explanation

There isn’t a mathematical formula for the calculator you can use on the FE exam, but rather a logical one based on matching a model name to a set of rules. The process is a simple string comparison.

The “formula” can be described as:

IsApproved = Check(UserInput, ApprovedList)

Where UserInput is the model name you provide, and ApprovedList is the NCEES database of rules. The checker determines if your model name contains the required keywords.

Key Components of the Approval Logic

Component	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Manufacturer	The brand of the calculator.	Text	Casio, Texas Instruments, Hewlett Packard
Model Series	The family of the calculator model.	Alphanumeric	fx-115, fx-991, TI-30X, TI-36X, HP 33s, HP 35s
User Input	The model name entered by the user.	Alphanumeric	e.g., “Casio fx-115ES Plus”

Practical Examples

Example 1: Checking an Approved Calculator

• Input: “TI-36X Pro”
• Logic: The input string contains “ti-36x” (after converting to lowercase). This matches the Texas Instruments rule.
• Result: APPROVED

Example 2: Checking a Non-Approved Calculator

• Input: “TI-89 Titanium”
• Logic: The input string “ti-89” does not contain “ti-30x” or “ti-36x”. It is therefore not on the approved list.
• Result: NOT APPROVED

How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker

Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to determine if you have a calculator you can use on the FE exam.

1. Enter Model Name: Type the model name of your calculator into the input field. Be as specific as possible.
2. Click “Check”: Press the “Check Approval Status” button to run the verification.
3. Interpret Results: The result box will appear, clearly stating whether the model is “Approved” or “Not Approved” based on the NCEES policy. The intermediate values show you exactly how the determination was made.
4. Consult the List: For a broader view, use the searchable table to see all approved model families.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval

NCEES determines the list of approved calculators based on several key factors to maintain exam security and fairness:

• No QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards are prohibited.
• No Wireless Communication: Devices with infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi capabilities are not allowed.
• Limited Programmability: While some approved calculators have basic programming features, they are not as extensive as high-end graphing calculators.
• No External Storage: Calculators that use cards or are otherwise expandable are forbidden.
• Screen Type: Most approved models have simpler, non-touchscreen displays.
• Power Source: Calculators must be battery-powered or solar-powered. You cannot plug them into an outlet. Ensure you have fresh batteries before the exam!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring more than one calculator to the exam?

Yes, you can bring a primary and a backup calculator, but both must be on the NCEES-approved list.

2. What if my batteries die during the exam?

You are responsible for ensuring your calculator is in working order. This is why bringing an approved backup is highly recommended. You cannot share a calculator with another examinee.

3. Is the TI-84 or TI-89 allowed?

No. High-end graphing calculators like the TI-84 and TI-89 are not permitted because of their advanced graphing, storage, and communication features.

4. Does the approved list ever change?

Yes, NCEES reviews and updates the calculator policy annually. Always check the official NCEES website for the latest list before your exam date.

5. Where is the best place to buy an FE exam calculator?

Approved models are widely available at major online retailers like Amazon and office supply stores. The most popular models include the TI-36X Pro and the Casio fx-115ES Plus.

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

Exam proctors may check your calculator. It’s a good practice to clear any stored programs or data, although the approved models have limited memory anyway.

7. Why can’t I use a calculator with a QWERTY keyboard?

Calculators with QWERTY keyboards are banned as they resemble computers and could potentially be used for storing text or other unauthorized information.

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

Yes, the computer-based test interface includes a digital version of the TI-30X IIS. However, most candidates prefer using a physical calculator they are familiar with. You should practice with your chosen physical calculator to maximize your speed.