PE Exam Approved Calculators Checker


PE Exam Approved Calculators Checker

Is Your Calculator Approved for the PE Exam?

Enter your calculator’s model number below to instantly verify if it complies with the current NCEES calculator policy. This tool checks your model against the official list of PE exam approved calculators.


Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.


What Are PE Exam Approved Calculators?

The term “PE exam approved calculators” refers to a specific list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. To ensure fairness and prevent cheating, NCEES enforces a strict calculator policy. This policy explicitly bans calculators with advanced features like wireless communication, internet access, or QWERTY keypads. The goal is to level the playing field, ensuring all candidates rely on their knowledge rather than on stored information or powerful computational devices. Understanding this policy is a critical step in your PE exam preparation.

The NCEES Calculator Policy Formula and Explanation

There isn’t a mathematical formula for approval, but rather a set of clear rules. The policy is based on manufacturer and model series. As of the latest update, the policy can be summarized as follows:

  • Casio: All models that include “fx-115” or “fx-991” in their name.
  • Hewlett Packard: Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted.
  • Texas Instruments: All models that include “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in their name.

Any calculator not matching these specific identifiers is not allowed. This includes popular graphing calculators like the TI-83, TI-84, and TI-89.

NCEES Calculator Policy Rules
Manufacturer Approved Model Identifier(s) Status
Texas Instruments Contains “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” Approved
Casio Contains “fx-115” or “fx-991” Approved
Hewlett Packard Must be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s” Approved
Any Any other model number Not Approved

Practical Examples

Here’s how the approval check works in practice:

  • Example 1: An examinee enters “TI-36X Pro“. The tool checks that the name includes “TI-36X”. The result is Approved.
  • Example 2: An examinee enters “Casio fx-991EX“. The tool finds “fx-991” in the model name. The result is Approved.
  • Example 3: An examinee enters “HP 50g“. This model is not the “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. The result is Not Approved because it has advanced graphing and communication features.
  • Example 4: An examinee enters “TI-84 Plus“. This model does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. The result is Not Approved.

Getting familiar with one of the approved models is a key part of any good PE exam study guide.

Approved Calculator Models by Brand

A visual representation of the NCEES policy, highlighting the specific model families allowed for each major brand.

How to Use This PE Exam Approved Calculators Checker

  1. Enter Model Name: Type the model name of your calculator into the input field above. Be as specific as possible (e.g., “Casio fx-115es plus”).
  2. Check Status: Click the “Check Approval Status” button.
  3. Review Results: The tool will instantly display a large “Approved” or “Not Approved” message. An explanation will provide context based on the NCEES policy.
  4. Reset: Click the “Reset” button to clear the input and results for a new search.

Using this tool helps avoid the risk of showing up on exam day with a non-compliant device. It’s an essential check for anyone preparing for the FE exam calculators as well, which follows the same policy.

Key Factors That Affect the NCEES Policy

The NCEES calculator policy is not arbitrary. Several key factors influence its design to protect the integrity of the exams.

  • Exam Security: The primary goal is to prevent any form of cheating. Calculators with communication capabilities (infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are strictly forbidden.
  • Fairness: By standardizing the type of calculator, NCEES ensures no examinee has an unfair advantage from a more powerful device.
  • Preventing Stored Information: Models with large storage capacities or text-editing features (like many graphing calculators) are banned to prevent examinees from bringing in notes or formulas.
  • Simplicity and Verifiability: A short, clear list of approved model series makes it easy for proctors to quickly verify calculators on exam day.
  • Focus on Knowledge: The exam is designed to test engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills, not a candidate’s ability to operate a complex calculator.
  • Regular Review: NCEES reviews the policy annually to adapt to new technology and ensure the rules remain relevant and effective. This is why checking the latest NCEES policy updates is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my TI-89 calculator not allowed?
The TI-89 has a computer algebra system (CAS), graphing capabilities, and significant memory for storing notes, which is why it is on the list of banned PE exam approved calculators.
2. What is the most popular approved calculator?
The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is widely considered one of the best and most popular choices. It has a multi-line display and powerful, intuitive functions that are permitted under the NCEES rules.
3. Do I need to clear the memory on my approved calculator?
Exam proctors may check your calculator. While the approved models have limited memory, it’s a good practice to reset your calculator to factory defaults before entering the exam room to avoid any potential issues.
4. Can I bring a backup calculator?
You may bring a backup calculator, but it must also be an approved model. You can typically store it with your personal belongings and may be able to swap it if your primary one fails, subject to the proctor’s discretion.
5. Is the policy the same for the FE and PE exams?
Yes, the NCEES calculator policy is identical for both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. Our page on approved engineering calculators has more details.
6. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
You will not be allowed to use it. The proctor will confiscate it for the duration of the exam, and you will have to take the exam without a calculator or use the basic on-screen version provided.
7. Are solar-powered versions of approved models allowed?
Yes. As long as the model number fits the approved criteria (e.g., TI-36X, fx-115), any variation, including solar-powered “plus” versions, is acceptable.
8. Where can I find the official policy?
The definitive source is the NCEES website. You should always cross-reference with the official NCEES calculator policy page before your exam.

Continue your exam preparation with these helpful resources:

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