PE Exam Approved Calculators
NCEES Calculator Approval Checker
Enter your calculator’s brand and model to verify if it is one of the PE exam approved calculators for the current exam year.
Popular PE Exam Approved Calculators
While many models are allowed, the following table highlights some of the most frequently used and recommended PE exam approved calculators by engineers.
| Manufacturer | Popular Approved Models | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-36X Pro | Multi-line display, robust solver functionality. |
| Casio | fx-115ES Plus / fx-991EX | “Natural Textbook Display” for easier equation entry. |
| Hewlett-Packard | HP 35s | Supports both RPN and algebraic entry. |
Approved Models by Brand (Illustrative)
Caption: This chart illustrates that while only a few model series are approved, they cover a range of popular scientific calculators.
What Are PE Exam Approved Calculators?
PE Exam approved calculators are a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has permitted for use during the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. To protect the integrity and fairness of the exam, NCEES enforces a strict calculator policy. This policy ensures that no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication features, QWERTY keyboards, or extensive memory storage. Using a non-approved device can result in dismissal from the exam and voided results.
This policy is crucial for every aspiring Professional Engineer. Knowing whether your device is one of the official **PE exam approved calculators** is not just a recommendation; it’s a mandatory requirement for sitting the exam. The list is reviewed annually, so it’s essential to check the latest policy before your exam date. Common misconceptions include thinking that any “scientific” calculator is allowed or that the policy is the same as for college courses, which is often not the case. Graphing calculators like the TI-89 are explicitly forbidden.
NCEES Calculator Policy and “Formula”
There isn’t a mathematical formula for approval, but rather a set of strict criteria. The “calculation” is a simple check against the approved list. NCEES has determined that only specific models from three manufacturers are allowed. The policy is designed to prohibit calculators with features that could compromise exam security.
The core rules for **PE exam approved calculators** are:
- Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models. The model name must include “fx-115” or “fx-991”.
- Hewlett Packard: Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted. No other HP models are allowed.
- Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models. The model name must include “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.
The table below explains the “variables” or characteristics NCEES evaluates when setting its policy.
| Variable (Feature) | Meaning | Allowed Status | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| QWERTY Keyboard | A full text keyboard. | Forbidden | Yes / No |
| Wireless Communication | Infrared, Bluetooth, or other wireless capabilities. | Forbidden | Yes / No |
| External Storage | Ability to use SD cards, USB drives, etc. | Forbidden | Yes / No |
| Camera / Audio / Video | Any multimedia recording or playback features. | Forbidden | Yes / No |
| Pre-approved Model Series | Belongs to the Casio, HP, or TI series listed. | Required | Match / No Match |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Understanding the application of the policy is key. Here are two common scenarios for engineers preparing for the exam.
Example 1: The Recent Graduate
An engineer who recently graduated used a TI-89 Titanium throughout college. It’s powerful and she’s very familiar with it. She enters “Texas Instruments” and “TI-89” into the checker.
- Input: Brand: Texas Instruments, Model: TI-89 Titanium
- Output: NOT APPROVED
- Interpretation: Despite being a powerful TI calculator, the TI-89 is a graphing calculator with features that are not allowed. She must purchase one of the approved **PE exam approved calculators**, like a TI-36X Pro, and become proficient with it before the exam. For more guidance, she might look into a PE Exam study guide.
Example 2: The Experienced Engineer
A civil engineer is taking the PE exam later in his career. He finds his old Casio calculator in a drawer. The model name on the front is “fx-115ES Plus”.
- Input: Brand: Casio, Model: fx-115ES Plus
- Output: APPROVED
- Interpretation: Since the model name contains “fx-115”, it falls under the NCEES policy and is an acceptable choice. He can confidently use this calculator for his exam preparation and on exam day. He can now focus on the PE exam registration steps.
How to Use This PE Exam Approved Calculators Checker
This tool is designed for simplicity and speed. Follow these steps to ensure you are compliant with the NCEES rules.
- Enter Calculator Brand: Type the manufacturer’s name (e.g., Casio) into the “Calculator Brand” field.
- Enter Calculator Model: Type the exact model number (e.g., fx-991EX) into the “Calculator Model” field. Be precise.
- Review Real-Time Results: The result will appear instantly. “APPROVED” means you’re set. “NOT APPROVED” means you need a different calculator. “CHECK POLICY” suggests your input might be ambiguous.
- Analyze Details: The intermediate results confirm your input and provide the specific policy rule that applies. This helps you understand *why* your calculator is or is not approved. Checking this early is as important as reviewing the PE exam format and specs.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
Several key factors determine whether a calculator is approved. The NCEES policy is designed to eliminate any possibility of cheating or unfair advantages. If you’re wondering about your options, consider browsing our guide to the best calculators for engineers.
- Brand and Model Series: This is the number one factor. The calculator *must* be one of the models explicitly listed by NCEES (Casio fx-115/fx-991, HP 33s/35s, TI-30X/36X).
- QWERTY Keyboards: Any calculator with a typewriter-style keyboard is strictly forbidden.
- Communication Capabilities: Devices with infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any form of wireless communication are banned.
- Power and Programmability: While some approved calculators are programmable (like the HP 35s), their capabilities are limited compared to high-end graphing calculators. NCEES bans models with extensive programming or symbolic calculation abilities.
- External Memory: Calculators that use tapes, cards, or any form of external memory are not allowed.
- Power Source: Calculators must be battery-operated and silent. Solar power is acceptable as long as it’s self-contained. Bringing a backup is always a smart move, and our article on the FE exam calculator policy has more tips on that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the calculator policy the same for the FE and PE exams?
Yes, the NCEES calculator policy applies to all NCEES-administered exams, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), Fundamentals of Surveying (FS), and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams.
2. Can I bring two calculators to the exam?
Yes, you are permitted to bring more than one approved calculator into the testing room. This is highly recommended in case your primary device fails or the batteries die. Both must be on the list of **PE exam approved calculators**.
3. My calculator is a Casio fx-991, but it has extra letters at the end (e.g., fx-991EX). Is it allowed?
Yes. The NCEES policy states that for Casio models, as long as “fx-115” or “fx-991” is part of the model name, it is approved. The trailing letters usually denote the region or a minor revision and do not disqualify the calculator.
4. Why isn’t the TI-89 or Nspire allowed? They are common in engineering.
The TI-89 and TI-Nspire series are powerful graphing calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) capabilities, which can solve equations symbolically. They also have features like text storage and advanced programming that are forbidden by the NCEES policy to maintain exam integrity.
5. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
Proctors may check your calculator to ensure it meets specifications. While the approved models have limited memory, it’s a good practice to clear any stored programs or data (on models like the HP 35s) to avoid any potential issues during check-in.
6. What is the most popular PE exam approved calculator?
The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is widely regarded as one of the best and most popular choices. Many engineers are already familiar with the TI interface from college, and it offers powerful features within the NCEES rules.
7. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
You will not be allowed to use it. If you are caught using a non-approved device during the exam, you could be dismissed from the testing center and your exam results will be invalidated. It is your responsibility to bring a compliant device.
8. Does the on-screen digital calculator follow the same rules?
For computer-based testing (CBT), NCEES provides a digital on-screen calculator. This calculator is a software version of one of the approved models (typically a TI-30X series), ensuring it adheres to the same policy as the physical **PE exam approved calculators**.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Continue your exam preparation with our other specialized resources and guides:
- FE Exam Prep Hub: A central resource for those starting their licensure journey with the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- PE Exam Discipline Breakdown: Detailed information on the various PE exam disciplines to help you choose the right one for your career path.
- State-by-State Licensure Guide: A comprehensive look at the specific engineering licensure requirements for each state.
- Careers as a Professional Engineer: Explore career paths and opportunities available after achieving your PE license.
- PE Exam Study Schedule: A customizable schedule to help you plan your study time effectively for the PE exam.
- Engineering Unit Conversion Calculator: A handy tool for quick conversions between common engineering units during your studies.