FE Exam Calculator Approval Checker
Instantly verify if your model is one of the calculators allowed on fe exam day, based on the official NCEES policy.
Check Your Calculator
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Verification Logic: This tool checks your entered model against the official NCEES list of calculators allowed on fe. For Casio, the model must include “fx-115” or “fx-991”. For Texas Instruments, it must include “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. For HP, it must be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”.
Approved Models per Brand
A visual comparison of the number of approved calculator model series for the FE exam. This chart dynamically highlights the brand you select.
What are the Calculators Allowed on FE Exams?
The “calculators allowed on fe” refers to a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. NCEES enforces this strict policy to maintain exam integrity and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Prohibited devices include graphing calculators, those with internet or communication capabilities, and any device that can store extensive text or formulas, such as the TI-89 or HP Prime series.
This policy is for anyone taking the computer-based (CBT) FE exam. Using a non-approved calculator can lead to dismissal from the testing center and invalidation of your exam results. A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is acceptable, but only the models explicitly listed by NCEES are permitted. Checking the official list is a critical step in your exam preparation.
NCEES Calculator Policy and Explanation
The core of the NCEES policy is to prevent any unfair advantages. By standardizing the tools, NCEES ensures that every examinee relies on their knowledge and the provided FE Reference Handbook rather than on advanced calculator functions or stored data. The list of calculators allowed on fe is reviewed annually, so it’s essential to check the latest policy before your exam.
The rules are based on model name conventions. This makes it straightforward to determine if your device is one of the calculators allowed on fe. Below is a breakdown of the rules.
| Variable (Brand) | Meaning (Rule) | Unit (Applicable Models) | Typical Range (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | Model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. | All models meeting the rule | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX |
| Texas Instruments | Model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. | All models meeting the rule | TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro |
| Hewlett Packard | Model name must be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. | Only two specific models | HP 33s, HP 35s |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: An Allowed Calculator
An engineering student owns a Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro. They enter “Texas Instruments” as the brand and “TI-36X Pro” as the model into the checker. The tool verifies that “TI-36X” is in the model name.
- Input: Brand: Texas Instruments, Model: TI-36X Pro
- Output: ALLOWED
- Interpretation: The student can confidently bring this calculator to the exam. It is one of the most popular calculators allowed on fe and is perfect for studying. For more information, you might want to review {related_keywords}.
Example 2: A Prohibited Calculator
Another student has a powerful Casio ClassPad series graphing calculator. They enter “Casio” as the brand and “ClassPad” as the model.
- Input: Brand: Casio, Model: ClassPad
- Output: NOT ALLOWED
- Interpretation: The model name does not contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. This calculator has graphing and symbolic capabilities, which are explicitly banned by NCEES. The student must purchase one of the approved calculators allowed on fe for the exam.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
Using this tool to check for calculators allowed on fe is simple and instant. Follow these steps:
- Select the Brand: Choose Casio, Texas Instruments, or Hewlett Packard from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the Model: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field. Be precise.
- View the Result: The tool will immediately update, showing “ALLOWED” in green if your calculator is on the NCEES list, or “NOT ALLOWED” in red if it is not.
- Check the Details: The intermediate results section shows the data you entered and the specific policy rule applied.
- Decision-Making: If your calculator is not allowed, you must acquire an approved model. The table below lists all currently approved models to help you choose. Explore our {related_keywords} guide for more tips.
Full List of Approved Calculator Models
| Brand | Approved Models |
|---|---|
| Casio | All models with “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the name (e.g., fx-115ES PLUS, fx-991EX ClassWiz) |
| Texas Instruments | All models with “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the name (e.g., TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro) |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s only |
Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Choice
Choosing between the various calculators allowed on fe involves more than just picking one from the list. Consider these factors:
- Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. Purchase your chosen calculator early and use it for all your study sessions to build speed and confidence. This is more important than minor feature differences.
- Functionality: While all approved calculators perform necessary functions like matrices, vector operations, and complex numbers, the interface and ease of access can differ. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX are often praised for their intuitive menus. Our {related_keywords} article can help.
- Display: Some models, like those with “MultiView” or “Natural Display,” show equations as they appear in textbooks, which can reduce input errors. This is a key feature of many modern calculators allowed on fe.
- Power Source: Consider whether you prefer a battery-only, solar-with-battery-backup, or dual-power model. A reliable power source is crucial for exam day.
- Cost and Availability: Prices can vary. The TI-30X IIS is often the most affordable option, while the HP 35s can be more expensive and harder to find.
- Post-Exam Use: Think about whether you’ll need the calculator for your career. A more robust model like the TI-36X Pro might be a better long-term investment. Consulting a {related_keywords} can offer more perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are graphing calculators like the TI-89 not allowed?
Graphing calculators are prohibited because their advanced features, like symbolic calculation (CAS), data storage, and programmability, could provide an unfair advantage and compromise exam integrity. The NCEES policy on calculators allowed on fe aims to test your knowledge, not your calculator’s power.
2. Can I bring a backup calculator to the exam?
Yes, you are allowed to bring more than one calculator into the testing room, as long as every single one is an approved model. Having a backup is highly recommended in case of battery failure.
3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
Exam proctors will check your calculator. If it is not on the approved list, you will not be allowed to use it. You may be forced to use the on-screen digital calculator (a TI-30X IIS), which is slower and more cumbersome.
4. Does the NCEES calculator policy ever change?
Yes, the list of calculators allowed on fe is reviewed annually by NCEES. While the core models have been consistent for years, it’s always best practice to check the official NCEES website for the current policy before your exam.
5. Is the on-screen calculator good enough?
The on-screen digital calculator is a version of the TI-30X IIS. While functional, it requires you to switch windows and use a mouse, which is significantly slower than a physical calculator. Relying on it is a major disadvantage. Being prepared with one of the physical calculators allowed on fe is a better strategy.
6. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?
The approved models do not have the extensive memory or storage capabilities that are of concern to NCEES. Proctors may perform a brief visual inspection, but the choice of approved models itself is the primary security measure. For more on this, check our guide on {related_keywords}.
7. Is the HP 35s a good choice for the FE exam?
The HP 35s is a powerful calculator but uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) as its default entry system, which is different from standard algebraic entry. If you are not already an expert with RPN, it is highly recommended to choose a different, more standard model from the list of calculators allowed on fe.
8. Where is the best place to buy one of the calculators allowed on fe?
Approved calculators are widely available from major online retailers like Amazon, office supply stores like Staples, and general-purpose stores like Target and Walmart. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are typically easy to find.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- {related_keywords}
A deep dive into the specific functions of the TI-36X Pro for exam day.
- FE Exam Study Planner
Organize your study schedule with our interactive planner tool.