FE Exam Tools
FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator is one of the allowed calculators for the FE exam based on the latest NCEES policy.
Full List of Allowed Calculators for FE Exam
| Brand | Approved Models/Series |
|---|
Distribution of Approved Calculator Models by Brand
What are the Allowed Calculators for the FE Exam?
The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) maintains a strict policy defining the specific models of calculators that are permissible for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This policy is in place to protect the integrity of the exam by ensuring no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced capabilities like wireless communication, QWERTY keyboards, or extensive programming features. The list of allowed calculators for the FE exam is intentionally short and specific, limiting candidates to a few approved models from brands like Texas Instruments, Casio, and Hewlett Packard.
This policy applies to all engineering students and graduates taking the computer-based FE exam. It’s crucial to understand that bringing a non-approved calculator will result in it being confiscated before the exam, and you will be left to use the on-screen calculator, which can be less efficient. A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is fine. However, many powerful scientific and graphing calculators, like the TI-89 or TI-Nspire, are explicitly banned. Verifying your model is one of the most important steps in preparing for exam day.
NCEES Calculator Policy and Rules Explained
There isn’t a mathematical formula for determining if a calculator is allowed, but rather a set of clear rules based on model names and series. NCEES simplifies the policy by not listing every single approved model individually. Instead, they specify model *series* for some brands and exact model numbers for others. Understanding these rules is key to ensuring your device is one of the allowed calculators for the FE exam. The policy is reviewed annually, so always check the latest rules before your exam.
The core logic of the policy is as follows:
- For Casio: Any calculator with “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its model name is allowed.
- For Texas Instruments: Any calculator with “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its model name is allowed.
- For Hewlett Packard: Only two specific models are allowed: the HP 33s and the HP 35s. No other HP models are permitted.
| Brand | Key Identifier / Model | Rule Type | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-115, fx-991 | Series Identifier | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X, TI-36X | Series Identifier | TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s, HP 35s | Exact Model Match | HP 33s, HP 35s |
Practical Examples of Checking Allowed Calculators
Example 1: A Common Approved Calculator
An engineering student, Alex, owns a Casio fx-115ES Plus. Before the exam, Alex uses this checker tool.
- Input: Alex types “Casio fx-115ES Plus” into the checker.
- Logic: The system detects the string “fx-115” within the input. According to the NCEES policy, any Casio model containing “fx-115” is an allowed calculator for the FE exam.
- Output: The tool displays a large green “ALLOWED” status. The intermediate results confirm the brand as Casio and the model as correct. Alex can confidently bring this calculator to the exam.
Example 2: A Common Banned Calculator
Another student, Maria, has used a Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium throughout college. It’s a powerful graphing calculator.
- Input: Maria enters “TI-89 Titanium” into the checker.
- Logic: The system checks the input. It does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. It is not an HP 33s or HP 35s. Therefore, it does not meet the NCEES criteria.
- Output: The tool displays a red “NOT ALLOWED” status. The explanation clarifies that only TI-30X and TI-36X series calculators are permitted. Maria now knows she must purchase one of the allowed calculators for the FE exam, such as the popular TI-36X Pro, to use during her test.
How to Use This Allowed Calculators for FE Exam Checker
This tool is designed to be simple and fast. Follow these steps to verify your calculator in seconds:
- Locate Your Calculator Model: Find the exact model name printed on the front of your calculator. It might be above the screen or at the top.
- Enter the Model Name: Type the full model name into the input field above. The checker is not case-sensitive, but accuracy helps.
- Review the Result: The tool will instantly provide a status. “ALLOWED” means you are good to go. “NOT ALLOWED” means you need a different calculator for the exam.
- Check the Details: The intermediate results show the brand and model we detected. You can also click the link to view the official NCEES policy directly.
- Reset if Needed: Click the “Reset” button to clear the fields and start over with a different model.
Making sure you have one of the allowed calculators for the FE exam well before your test date can prevent unnecessary stress and surprises. We recommend checking out our FE Exam Study Guide for more preparation tips.
Key Factors That Determine Calculator Approval
NCEES has specific reasons for its calculator policy, focusing on exam security and fairness. Here are the key factors that differentiate the allowed calculators for the FE exam from prohibited ones:
- No Graphing Capability: The most significant restriction. Calculators with large screens that can plot functions (like the TI-84, TI-89, or TI-Nspire) are banned.
- No QWERTY Keypad: Any device with a typewriter-style keyboard is forbidden. This prevents devices that could be used for text communication.
- No Wireless Communication: Calculators with infrared, Bluetooth, or any other communication technology are strictly prohibited to prevent cheating.
- Limited Programmability: While some allowed calculators have minor program functions, they are significantly less powerful than those on high-end models. The goal is to prevent storage of extensive notes or formulas.
- Non-specific Models: For Casio and TI, NCEES approves entire series (fx-115/fx-991 and TI-30X/TI-36X). This makes it easier for students to find an approved model without hunting for one specific version.
- Specific Model Approval: For HP, only the HP 33s and HP 35s are allowed. This is a more restrictive rule, likely due to the advanced features of other HP models. Knowing which best FE exam calculators are on the list is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you are allowed to bring more than one NCEES-approved calculator. This is a good idea in case your primary calculator’s battery dies.
The test center staff will not allow you to take it into the exam room. You will have to store it in a locker and use the on-screen digital calculator provided in the exam software.
Yes, absolutely. The model name contains “TI-36X”, so it falls under the approved Texas Instruments series and is one of the most popular choices for the exam. You can learn more about its functions in our TI-36X Pro guide.
Yes. The model name contains “fx-991”, so it is approved under the Casio series rule. This is another excellent and popular choice among the allowed calculators for the FE exam.
While the proctors may perform a brief inspection, the approved models have limited memory that is not a primary concern for NCEES. You are generally not required to clear the memory, but it’s good practice to be familiar with the process just in case.
Yes, a digital on-screen calculator is available within the exam interface. It is a version of the TI-30XS. However, most candidates prefer using a physical, handheld calculator they are familiar with.
Graphing calculators are banned because their advanced features, such as storing notes, running complex programs, and graphical capabilities, could provide an unfair advantage and compromise the integrity of the exam. The list of allowed calculators for the FE exam is designed to prevent this.
Yes, NCEES reviews and updates the policy periodically. It’s essential to check the official NCEES website for the current policy before your exam date to ensure your model is still on the list of allowed calculators for the FE exam. For more news, see our engineering exam updates page.