FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
An essential tool for checking the calculators allowed on the FE Exam based on the official NCEES policy.
Is Your Calculator Approved?
Enter the full model name as seen on your calculator.
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 permitted during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This policy ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the exam by preventing the use of devices with advanced communication, programming, or text-storing features. Using a non-approved calculator can lead to your exam being voided, making it critical to verify your device beforehand. This calculator checker helps you determine if your model is on the list of calculators allowed on fe exam.
Official NCEES-Approved Calculator Models
The NCEES calculator policy explicitly lists which models are acceptable. The policy generally revolves around specific series from three manufacturers. Any calculator used must match one of the models listed in the table below.
| Manufacturer | Approved Models/Series | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X & TI-36X | Any model that includes “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name (e.g., TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS MultiView). |
| Casio | fx-115 & fx-991 | Any model that includes “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name (e.g., fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX). |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s & HP 35s | Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted. No other HP models are allowed. |
Practical Examples
Understanding how the check works can clarify the policy.
- Example 1: You enter “TI-36X Pro“. The tool recognizes “TI-36X” and confirms it is APPROVED.
- Example 2: You enter “Casio fx-991ex“. The tool ignores case and spacing, finds “fx-991”, and confirms it is APPROVED.
- Example 3: You enter “TI-89 Titanium“. The tool does not find “TI-30X”, “TI-36X”, “fx-115”, “fx-991”, “HP 33s”, or “HP 35s”. It will report the model as NOT APPROVED.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
Follow these simple steps to verify if your calculator is on the approved list.
- Find Your Model Name: Locate the exact model name printed on the front of your calculator.
- Enter the Model: Type the full model name into the input field above. For example, “Casio fx-115ES Plus”.
- Check the Status: Click the “Check Status” button.
- Review the Result: The tool will instantly display whether your calculator is “Approved” or “Not Approved” according to the NCEES policy.
Key Factors That Affect the NCEES Calculator Policy
The list of calculators allowed on fe exam is not arbitrary. NCEES has specific reasons for its choices, centered around exam security and fairness.
- No Communication: Approved calculators lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared capabilities.
- Limited Storage: The policy prohibits devices that can store extensive text, formulas, or notes.
- No QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards are banned.
- No Graphics Capabilities: Graphing calculators, like the TI-89 or TI-Nspire, are not allowed because their advanced functions can give an unfair advantage.
- Power Source: Calculators must be battery-powered or solar with no power cords.
- Standardization: Limiting models ensures all examinees have access to similar computational tools, leveling the playing field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring a backup calculator to the FE exam?
Yes, NCEES allows you to bring more than one approved calculator. It’s a good practice to have a backup in case of battery failure.
What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
Proctors will check your calculator. If it is not an approved model, you will not be allowed to use it. Attempting to use a non-approved device can result in the voiding of your exam.
Are all Casio fx-115 models approved?
Yes, the rule states that any Casio calculator with “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name is acceptable. This includes variants like the ES Plus, MS, etc.
Why isn’t the TI-89 allowed?
The TI-89 is a powerful graphing calculator with a computer algebra system (CAS) and text storage capabilities, which are features explicitly forbidden by the NCEES policy.
Is there a digital calculator provided during the exam?
Yes, the computer-based testing (CBT) interface includes an on-screen digital calculator, which is a version of the TI-30XS MultiView.
Does the policy ever change?
Yes, NCEES reviews and updates the calculator policy annually. Always check the current policy on the official NCEES website before your exam date.
What if my calculator model has a similar name but isn’t on the list?
If the model name does not explicitly contain the required keywords (e.g., “TI-36X”, “fx-115”), it is not approved. When in doubt, purchase a new, explicitly approved model.
Are calculators with programming functions allowed?
No. Calculators with features that allow for programming or storing user-created formulas are generally not permitted.
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- Use our engineering salary calculator.
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- Explore our career paths for engineers guide.