FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Wondering, “can you use calculator on FE exam?” Instantly verify if your calculator model is permitted by NCEES.
Check Your Calculator Model
Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.
What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict calculator policy to protect the integrity of its exams. This policy ensures that no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, programming, or text-storage capabilities. If you are preparing for the test, a critical question is whether you can use a calculator on the FE exam. The answer is yes, but only specific models are allowed. Using a non-approved model will result in disqualification.
This policy is updated periodically, so it’s essential to check the rules for the year you are taking the exam. Our checker tool is based on the current NCEES approved list to give you peace of mind.
NCEES Approved Calculator List: The “Formula” for Acceptance
The “formula” for whether you can use a calculator on the FE exam isn’t a mathematical equation, but a list of approved models. NCEES has approved specific series from Casio, Hewlett Packard, and Texas Instruments. Any model outside this list is prohibited.
| Brand | Approved Models / Series | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Only these two specific models are allowed. 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”. |
Practical Examples
Let’s see how the policy applies to common calculator models.
Example 1: A Common Approved Calculator
- Input:
Casio fx-115ES PLUS - Logic: The model name contains “fx-115”.
- Result: APPROVED
Example 2: A Common Unapproved Calculator
- Input:
TI-89 Titanium - Logic: The model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. This is a graphing calculator with prohibited features.
- Result: NOT APPROVED
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
- Find Your Model Name: Look at the front of your calculator. You will see a model name like “TI-36X Pro”, “fx-991EX”, or “HP 35s”.
- Enter the Model: Type the full model name into the input field above. Capitalization and spaces do not matter.
- Check Status: Click the “Check Approval Status” button.
- Review Result: The tool will instantly tell you if your calculator is approved or not based on the official NCEES rules.
Acquiring and practicing with an approved calculator early is a key part of your FE exam strategy.
Key Factors That Prohibit a Calculator
Understanding why certain calculators are banned helps clarify the NCEES policy. You definitely can’t use any calculator on the FE exam. Prohibited features include:
- Graphing Capabilities: Calculators like the TI-Nspire or TI-84 are not allowed.
- Communication: No devices with infrared, Bluetooth, or any wireless capability are permitted.
- QWERTY Keypads: Calculators with a full keyboard are banned.
- External Storage: Devices that use cards or are otherwise programmable with external files are not allowed.
- Cameras or Printers: Any device that can copy or print exam materials is strictly forbidden.
- Mobile Phones: A phone’s calculator app is not allowed under any circumstances. Bringing a phone into the exam room can lead to immediate disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring two approved calculators into the exam?
No, NCEES policy allows for only one calculator to be brought into the testing room.
2. What if my calculator runs out of battery?
For computer-based exams, a digital on-screen calculator is available, modeled after the TI-30X IIS. However, it is much slower to use. It is your responsibility to ensure your handheld calculator is working and has fresh batteries.
3. Why is the popular TI-89 or TI-Nspire not allowed?
These are powerful graphing calculators with features that NCEES considers an unfair advantage, such as symbolic calculation (CAS), extensive programming, and data storage.
4. Does the suffix on the model name matter (e.g., ‘Pro’, ‘Plus’, ‘II’)?
For Casio and Texas Instruments, the suffix does not matter as long as the model name contains the core approved series name (fx-115, fx-991, TI-30X, or TI-36X). For example, the TI-36X Pro is allowed because it includes “TI-36X”.
5. What happens if I’m caught with a non-approved calculator?
Your exam will be invalidated, and you may be barred from taking future NCEES exams. It is a serious violation of the rules.
6. Where is the best place to buy an FE exam approved calculator?
Major online retailers and office supply stores carry the most common models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus.
7. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
Exam proctors will likely inspect your calculator. While the approved models have limited memory, it is standard procedure to clear the memory before entering the exam room.
8. Is the NCEES calculator policy the same every year?
NCEES reviews the policy annually. While the core list has been stable for many years, you should always verify the policy for the specific year you are taking the exam on the official NCEES website.