Can You Use a Calculator on the FE Exam?
An interactive tool and guide to the official NCEES calculator policy.
FE Exam Calculator Approval Checker
Select the calculator you plan to use on exam day.
Official NCEES-Approved Calculator Models
The NCEES has a strict policy to ensure fairness and prevent any potential for cheating. Only the models listed below are permitted in the exam room. Any calculator not on this list is prohibited. This is the definitive answer to “can you use a calculator on the fe exam?”.
| Manufacturer | Approved Model Series | Popular Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | All TI-30X and TI-36X models | TI-36X Pro, TI-30X IIS |
| Casio | All fx-115 and fx-991 models | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX |
| Hewlett Packard | Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models | HP 35s, HP 33s |
Approved Calculator Feature Comparison
Deep Dive into the FE Exam Calculator Policy
Understanding the FE Exam Calculator Policy
The question, “can you use a calculator on the FE exam?”, is one of the most critical logistical questions for any aspiring engineer. The answer is a definitive yes, but with very strict limitations. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the body that administers the FE exam, implements a stringent calculator policy to maintain the integrity of the examination. The core principle is to ensure that no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with communication capabilities, vast storage, or programmable functions (e.g., graphing calculators like the TI-89 are banned). This policy guarantees a level playing field, focusing the test on your engineering knowledge, not your ability to use a powerful computational device. Common misconceptions include believing any “scientific” calculator is acceptable or that the policy is lenient; both are false and can lead to you being unable to use your calculator on exam day.
NCEES Calculator Policy Rules and Logic
The “formula” for determining if you can use a calculator on the FE exam is not a mathematical equation but a logical checklist based on the NCEES-approved list. The device must not have capabilities beyond what is considered a standard scientific calculator. Here is a breakdown of the rules:
- No QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards are prohibited.
- No Wireless Communication: Devices with infrared, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication are not allowed.
- No Graphing Capabilities: Calculators that can plot functions, like the TI-Nspire or TI-84 series, are strictly forbidden.
- Specific Model Approval: The calculator must belong to one of the three approved brands and model series.
| Rule | Meaning | Rationale | Typical Range of Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand/Model Match | The model name must explicitly contain “fx-115”, “fx-991”, “TI-30X”, “TI-36X”, or be an HP 33s/35s. | Ensures only vetted and non-programmable models are used. | Casio, Texas Instruments, HP |
| No Communcation | The device cannot connect to other devices or networks. | Prevents cheating by accessing external information. | No IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. |
| No Advanced Storage | Cannot store extensive notes, formulas, or applications. | Tests the candidate’s knowledge, not the calculator’s memory. | Limited equation recall is OK. |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let’s consider two common scenarios to illustrate the policy in action. Understanding these will clarify whether you can use a calculator on the FE exam.
Example 1: The Prepared Student
Anna is preparing for her FE Civil exam. Early in her studies, she researches the FE exam calculator policy and purchases a Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro. She uses this calculator for all her practice problems and exams. On exam day, the proctor verifies her calculator model against the approved list, and she is permitted to use it without any issues. Her preparation gives her confidence and saves time.
Example 2: The Unprepared Student
Ben has used a TI-89 Titanium throughout his university career. It’s powerful and he’s very familiar with it. He assumes it will be fine for the FE exam. When he arrives at the testing center, the proctor informs him that the TI-89 is a prohibited graphing calculator. Ben is forced to use the basic on-screen digital calculator, which he is unfamiliar with, causing him to lose valuable time and confidence during the exam. This is a crucial lesson in why checking the NCEES approved calculators list is not just a suggestion, but a requirement.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
This tool is designed to provide a quick and clear answer to “can you use a calculator on the FE exam?”. Follow these simple steps:
- Select Your Model: Choose your calculator model from the dropdown list. The list includes the most popular approved models as well as some common non-approved examples.
- Review the Result: The tool will instantly provide a “YES” or “NO” answer based on the NCEES calculator policy.
- Check Intermediate Values: The results section also confirms the model you selected and its official NCEES approval status.
- Read the Policy: Use the tables and article content to fully understand why your calculator is or is not approved. Consulting resources like a FE exam study guide can further clarify exam-day procedures.
Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Choice
Beyond simple approval, several factors should influence which calculator you choose for the FE exam. Making the right choice is a key part of your FE exam prep tips.
- Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use efficiently. Choose your calculator early and practice with it extensively.
- Display Type: Some calculators, like the Casio fx-115ES Plus, feature a “Natural Textbook Display” that shows equations as they appear in textbooks, which can reduce input errors.
- Solver Functionality: Models like the TI-36X Pro have powerful equation solvers that can save a significant amount of time on the exam.
- Battery Life: The FE exam is long. A calculator with a reliable solar-plus-battery combination provides peace of mind.
- Cost: All approved calculators are relatively affordable, but prices can vary. There’s no need to purchase the most expensive model if a cheaper one meets your needs.
- Key Layout and Feel: The tactile feedback and layout of the keys can impact your speed and accuracy under pressure. If possible, try a few models before buying. This is an important part of figuring out if you can use a calculator on the FE exam effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can bring more than one NCEES-approved calculator into the exam. This is highly recommended in case your primary calculator’s battery dies or it malfunctions.
You will not be allowed to use it. You will have to rely on the on-screen calculator provided in the exam interface, which may be less familiar and efficient for you.
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.
The TI-89 and similar models have graphing, symbolic algebra, and programming capabilities that could provide an unfair advantage. The policy ensures that candidates are tested on their knowledge, not their calculator’s power.
Yes, you are permitted to use an approved calculator for the entire duration of the exam. Knowing your device well is essential. For some, the choice of the best calculators for engineers starts with the FE-approved list.
NCEES reviews the policy annually, but it has remained stable for many years. It’s always best to check the official NCEES website for the most current policy before your exam date.
Proctors may check your calculator, but the approved models do not have the extensive memory capabilities of prohibited models. It’s good practice to ensure any stored equations from your practice are cleared, but it’s rarely an issue.
The definitive list is always on the NCEES official website. This tool and article are based on that list, but confirming with the source as your exam approaches is a wise step. The question of what calculators are allowed on the FE exam is too important to leave to chance.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
For more information on your engineering journey, explore these resources:
- FE Exam Study Guide: A comprehensive guide to structuring your study plan for success.
- Best Calculators for Engineers: A review of top calculators for both students and professionals, including FE-approved models.
- Civil FE Exam Topics: A detailed breakdown of the subjects covered in the FE Civil examination.
- Mechanical FE Exam Review: Key concepts and review materials for the FE Mechanical exam.