FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator model is on the NCEES list of calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Check Your Calculator’s Status
Select your calculator model from the list. The check covers the policy for {primary_keyword}.
What are calculators allowed on the fe exam?
The phrase “calculators allowed on the fe exam” refers to the strict policy set by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) that dictates which specific calculator models are permitted for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams. This policy is not a suggestion; it is a critical rule that all examinees must follow. Bringing a non-approved calculator will result in being denied use of the device, or worse, having your exam invalidated. The purpose of the policy is to maintain the integrity of the exam and ensure fairness for all candidates by preventing the use of devices with advanced communication, graphing, or text-storing capabilities.
This policy should be checked by anyone preparing to take the FE exam. A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is acceptable, but this is false. Many popular and powerful calculators, like the TI-89 or TI-Nspire series, are explicitly banned. Therefore, a core part of your exam preparation must involve verifying that your chosen calculator is on the approved list for {primary_keyword} and practicing extensively with it.
Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy
There isn’t a complex mathematical formula for determining if a calculator is allowed. Instead, the NCEES provides a clear, model-based list. The policy for {primary_keyword} is broken down by manufacturer. The core principle is that only calculators from specific model series are permitted.
The rule is derived by checking your calculator’s model name against the NCEES-published list. Any deviation from the specified models means the calculator is not allowed. The logic is a simple true/false check against the official list, which is the foundation of a sound {primary_keyword} strategy.
| Manufacturer | Rule | Examples | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | Model name MUST contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX | Allowed |
| Texas Instruments | Model name MUST contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. | TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS | Allowed |
| Hewlett-Packard | Model MUST BE EXACTLY “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. | HP 35s, HP 33s | Allowed |
| Any (Graphing/CAS) | Calculators with graphing, communication, or QWERTY keyboards are banned. | TI-89, HP 50g, TI-Nspire | Not Allowed |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Over-Prepared Student
An engineering student has used a TI-89 Titanium throughout their college career. It’s powerful and they are very familiar with it. They select “TI-89 Titanium” in the calculator above. The tool immediately shows “NOT APPROVED”. The reason is that the TI-89 has a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and graphing capabilities, which are explicitly forbidden by the NCEES FE exam calculator policy. The student now knows they must acquire an approved model, like the TI-36X Pro, and start practicing with it immediately to be ready for exam day.
Example 2: The Cautious Engineer-in-Training
An engineer-in-training is buying a calculator specifically for the exam. They’ve heard good things about the Casio fx-115ES Plus. They use this tool and select it from the list. The result is a clear “APPROVED”. This gives them the confidence to purchase the calculator, knowing it fully complies with the rules for {primary_keyword}. They can now focus their efforts on learning its functions rather than worrying about compliance. This is a key part of successful FE exam prep.
How to Use This {primary_keyword} Calculator
This tool simplifies the process of checking your calculator against the official NCEES FE exam calculator policy. Follow these simple steps:
- Select Your Model: Click the dropdown menu. The list is organized by brand and includes both approved and commonly used non-approved models for your convenience.
- View the Result: As soon as you select a model, the result box will update instantly. It will clearly display “APPROVED” in green or “NOT APPROVED” in red.
- Review the Summary: Below the main result, a summary box provides context, confirming your selection and the policy it was checked against.
- Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear your selection. Use the “Copy Results” button to copy a summary to your clipboard for your records. Making sure you have one of the calculators allowed on the fe exam is a simple but vital step.
Key Factors That Affect {primary_keyword} Results
While the “result” of being approved or not is binary, choosing the right device among the calculators allowed on the fe exam involves several factors. Your choice can significantly impact your speed and accuracy on exam day.
| Factor | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|
| Familiarity & Ease of Use | The best calculator is the one you know inside and out. If you’ve used a TI-36X Pro for years, stick with it. Switching to a new model right before the exam can cause unforced errors. The goal is to make calculator operation second nature. |
| Key Functions (Solvers, Matrices) | Some approved models have more powerful functions than others. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX are popular because they have robust equation solvers, matrix operations, and vector functions, which can save a tremendous amount of time on the exam. |
| Display Style (MathPrint/Natural Display) | Calculators like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus feature “natural” or “MathPrint” displays that show equations and fractions as they appear in textbooks. This can dramatically reduce input errors compared to older single-line displays. |
| Power Source | Consider if the calculator is battery-only, solar with battery backup, or just solar. A dual-power source (solar + battery) provides peace of mind. If it’s battery-only, always install a fresh set of batteries right before the exam. |
| Cost and Availability | The approved calculators are generally affordable, ranging from $15 to $50. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are widely available online and in retail stores. The HP models can sometimes be harder to find. |
| Specific Exam Needs | While all approved calculators can handle the necessary math, some are better suited for specific disciplines. For example, the RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) on the HP 35s is favored by some practicing engineers but has a steeper learning curve. |
Approved Models Chart and Analysis
The NCEES approves a select range of models from three manufacturers. Texas Instruments and Casio offer the widest variety of compliant models under their series-based approval rules. This chart visualizes the number of distinct, popular models or series available from each approved brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the official list of calculators allowed on the fe exam?
The official list includes: Casio fx-115 and fx-991 series, Texas Instruments TI-30X and TI-36X series, and the Hewlett-Packard HP 33s and HP 35s models. Always check the official NCEES website for the most current list before your exam.
Why is my TI-89 graphing calculator not allowed?
The TI-89, along with other graphing and CAS (Computer Algebra System) calculators, is banned because it can store text, formulas, and programs, and perform symbolic calculations, which could provide an unfair advantage. The FE exam calculator policy strictly forbids these capabilities.
Can I bring two calculators to the exam?
Yes, you are permitted to bring more than one calculator, as long as both models are on the NCEES approved list. This can be a wise strategy in case one fails or its batteries die.
What happens if I show up with a non-approved calculator?
You will not be allowed to use it. The proctors will check your calculator, and if it is not on the approved list, you will have to take the exam without it. You will not be provided with a loaner.
Is the Casio fx-115ES Plus a good choice?
Yes, the Casio fx-115ES Plus is an excellent choice and one of the most popular calculators for the FE exam. It’s approved, affordable, and has a user-friendly “Natural Textbook Display”. It is one of the most frequently recommended calculators allowed on the fe exam.
Which is better, the TI-36X Pro or the Casio fx-115ES Plus?
Both are top-tier choices. The TI-36X Pro is often praised for its powerful solver and overall functionality. The Casio is known for its intuitive display. The best choice often comes down to personal preference and which one you are more comfortable using. This is a common question regarding {primary_keyword}.
Does the NCEES calculator policy ever change?
Yes, the policy is reviewed annually by NCEES. While the core models have been consistent for several years, it is crucial to verify the current policy on the official NCEES website as part of your final exam preparation.
Is the calculator policy the same for the PE exam?
Yes, the NCEES calculator policy applies to all its exams, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), and Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exams.