FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
Is Your Calculator Approved for the FE Exam?
The NCEES has a strict policy on calculators allowed on the FE exam. Use this tool to quickly check if your calculator model is compliant.
What are the calculators allowed on the FE exam?
The calculators allowed on the FE exam are a specific, limited list of non-programmable, non-communicating scientific calculators approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). To protect the integrity and fairness of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the NCEES enforces a strict calculator policy. This policy ensures that no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with text-storing, communication, or advanced graphing capabilities.
This policy is crucial for all aspiring engineers taking the exam. Using a non-approved calculator will result in its confiscation and could lead to dismissal from the exam site. Therefore, one of the first steps in your FE exam preparation should be to acquire one of the approved calculators and become proficient in its use for all relevant engineering calculations.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that any “scientific calculator” is acceptable. This is incorrect. The NCEES policy is very specific, not just to brands but to particular model series. For example, while many Texas Instruments calculators exist, only those with “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in their model name are permitted. Another myth is that you can use a more powerful calculator for studying and switch to an approved one for the exam. This is a poor strategy; you should practice exclusively with the calculator you will use on exam day to build speed and familiarity.
NCEES Calculator Policy Explained
The NCEES calculator policy is straightforward. It is based on the model name of the calculator. The policy is reviewed annually, but the core rules have remained consistent for several years. To be one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam, your device must belong to one of the approved series from Casio, Texas Instruments, or Hewlett Packard.
Policy Rules Breakdown
- Casio: Any model that has “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name is acceptable. This includes numerous variations like the fx-115ES PLUS or the fx-991EX.
- Texas Instruments: Any model name containing “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” is allowed. This covers popular models like the TI-36X Pro and the TI-30X IIS.
- Hewlett Packard: The policy is most restrictive for HP. Only two specific models are permitted: the HP 33s and the HP 35s. No other HP models are allowed.
| Brand | Approved Model Name Contains | Specific Approved Models | Typical Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | “fx-115” or “fx-991” | All variations (e.g., ES Plus, EX) | Generally Approved |
| Texas Instruments | “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” | All variations (e.g., Pro, IIS) | Generally Approved |
| Hewlett Packard | N/A | HP 33s, HP 35s ONLY | Strictly Limited |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Checking a Casio fx-991EX
- Input Brand: Casio
- Input Model: “fx-991EX ClassWiz”
- Analysis: The model name contains “fx-991”. According to the NCEES policy, this is an approved model.
- Calculator Result: APPROVED
Example 2: Checking a TI-89 Titanium
- Input Brand: Texas Instruments
- Input Model: “TI-89 Titanium”
- Analysis: The model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. The TI-89 is a graphing calculator with capabilities far beyond what is allowed.
- Calculator Result: NOT APPROVED
How to Use This Calculator Checker
This tool simplifies verifying the list of calculators allowed on the FE exam. Follow these steps:
- Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s manufacturer (Casio, Texas Instruments, or Hewlett Packard) from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the Model: Type the model name exactly as it appears on your calculator. For example, “fx-115es plus” or “TI-36X Pro”.
- Review the Result: The tool will instantly provide a status:
- APPROVED: Your calculator is on the NCEES approved list.
- NOT APPROVED: Your calculator is not compliant with the NCEES policy. You will need to purchase an approved model for the exam.
- Use the Reset Button: Click “Reset” to clear the fields and start over.
Key Factors That Affect Approval Status
Understanding why certain models make the list of calculators allowed on the FE exam comes down to a few key factors rooted in exam security.
- Programmability: Calculators with extensive programming capabilities are banned. The HP 35s has some programming features but is an exception approved by NCEES.
- Communication: No calculator with wireless, infrared, or any other communication capability is permitted.
- Text/Data Storage: Devices that can store large amounts of text, formulas, or notes are prohibited to prevent cheating.
- Graphing Capabilities: Graphing calculators like the TI-84 or TI-89 series are explicitly banned. The exam is designed to test your understanding of principles, not your ability to graph a function on a calculator.
- QWERTY Keypads: Any device with a lettered keypad is not allowed.
- Power Source: While solar-powered calculators are popular for their reliability, you must ensure your battery-powered calculator has fresh batteries before the exam. A power failure during the exam would be a significant setback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Casio fx-115ES Plus one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam?
Yes. The model name contains “fx-115”, so it is fully approved for use on the FE exam. This is one of the most popular choices for examinees.
2. Can I use the TI-36X Pro on the exam?
Absolutely. The model name contains “TI-36X”, which falls under the approved Texas Instruments series. This is another highly recommended and powerful option.
3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?
Exam proctors will check your calculator. If it is not on the approved list, it will be confiscated for the duration of the exam. You will have to rely on the on-screen digital calculator, which is much slower and less convenient.
4. Is there an on-screen calculator available during the exam?
Yes, a digital calculator modeled after the TI-30X IIS is available on the testing computer. However, relying on it is not ideal as it requires switching windows and is less efficient than a physical calculator you are familiar with.
5. Why is my TI-84 Plus not allowed?
The TI-84 Plus is a graphing calculator. All graphing calculators are banned because their advanced features, including storing notes and graphing functions, could provide an unfair advantage and compromise exam integrity.
6. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
While the approved models have limited memory, it’s a good practice to clear any stored data or programs (on models like the HP 35s) before entering the test center to demonstrate full compliance with the rules.
7. How often does the NCEES update the list of calculators allowed on the fe exam?
The NCEES reviews and updates the calculator policy annually. However, the core list of approved models has been stable for many years. It is always best to check the official NCEES website for the most current policy before your exam.
8. Is the HP 50g allowed?
No. For Hewlett Packard, only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted. The HP 50g is a powerful graphing calculator and is strictly forbidden.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
For more help with your FE exam preparation, check out these resources:
- FE Exam Study Planner: Organize your study schedule for success.
- Engineering Unit Conversion Calculator: Practice common unit conversions needed for the exam.
- FE Practice Exam Score Estimator: Gauge your readiness with our practice exam scoring tool.
- Guide to FE Exam Disciplines: Learn about the different FE exam disciplines to choose the right one for you.
- Tips for Using the FE Reference Handbook: Master the official reference handbook before exam day.
- Vector Addition Calculator: A tool for practicing vector math problems common on the exam.