NCEES Calculator Policy Checker & Guide


NCEES Calculator Policy Compliance Checker

Check Your Calculator’s Compliance

Unsure if your calculator is allowed for the FE or PE exam? Select the brand and enter your model number to instantly verify its status against the official ncees calculator policy.


Please select a brand.


Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.
Please enter a model name.


What is the NCEES Calculator Policy?

The NCEES calculator policy is a set of rules established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying to ensure exam integrity and fairness. To protect the security of its exams, NCEES strictly limits the types of calculators that can be brought into the testing room for exams like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). This policy is crucial for every examinee to understand, as using a non-compliant calculator can lead to disqualification. The policy is reviewed annually, so it’s always important to check the latest rules before your exam date.

This policy primarily affects engineering and surveying students and professionals preparing for licensure exams. The main misconception is that any scientific calculator is acceptable. However, the NCEES calculator policy explicitly bans devices with advanced features like wireless communication, QWERTY keyboards, or the ability to store extensive text or programs, which could provide an unfair advantage.

NCEES Calculator Policy Rules and Guidelines

The core of the ncees calculator policy is not a mathematical formula but a list of approved models. The policy is based on inclusion rather than exclusion; only calculators on the approved list are permitted. The general rule is that devices must not compromise the integrity of the exam. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the criteria.

  • No Communication: Calculators must not have any wireless or infrared communication capabilities.
  • No Text/Program Storage: Devices with the ability to store notes, formulas, or programs (like many graphing calculators) are forbidden. The popular TI-89 is a classic example of a prohibited calculator.
  • No QWERTY Keypads: Any calculator with a letter-style keyboard is not allowed.
  • Approved Models Only: NCEES maintains a specific list of approved manufacturers and model series. If your calculator isn’t on this list, it’s not allowed.

This strict adherence to the ncees calculator policy ensures a level playing field for all candidates.

Policy Rule Summary
Rule/Variable Meaning Unit/Type Typical Range/Value
Brand The manufacturer of the calculator. Text Casio, HP, Texas Instruments
Model Series The specific family of the calculator model. Text/Numeric fx-115, fx-991, HP 33s, HP 35s, TI-30X, TI-36X
Communication Ability Capability to connect to other devices (e.g., infrared, Bluetooth). Boolean Must be ‘False’
Programmability Ability to store user-created programs or extensive notes. Boolean Must be ‘False’ (for advanced cases)

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Understanding the ncees calculator policy is best done through examples.

Example 1: The Compliant Engineer
Sarah is preparing for her FE Exam. She owns a Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro. She uses our checker tool.

  • Input Brand: Texas Instruments (TI)
  • Input Model: TI-36X Pro
  • Result: APPROVED
  • Interpretation: Sarah can confidently bring her calculator to the exam. The “TI-36X” in the model name makes it compliant with the current ncees calculator policy.

Example 2: The Non-Compliant Student
Mike has used his trusty HP 50g graphing calculator throughout college. He assumes it will be fine for the PE exam.

  • Input Brand: Hewlett Packard (HP)
  • Input Model: HP 50g
  • Result: NOT APPROVED
  • Interpretation: The HP 50g is a powerful graphing calculator with features (like an SD card slot and programmability) that are explicitly banned by the ncees calculator policy. Mike needs to purchase an approved model like the HP 35s. For more information on exam prep, see our guide on PE exam resources.

How to Use This NCEES Calculator Policy Checker

This tool simplifies verifying your calculator against the official ncees calculator policy.

  1. Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s manufacturer (Casio, HP, or TI) from the dropdown list.
  2. Enter the Model: Type the model name exactly as it appears on your calculator (e.g., “fx-991EX CLASSWIZ” or “TI-30XS MultiView”).
  3. Review the Result: The tool will instantly provide a clear “APPROVED” or “NOT APPROVED” status based on the current rules.
  4. Check Intermediate Values: The box below the main result confirms the details you entered and the policy finding. This is useful for copying and saving a record of your check.

Reading the results is straightforward. A green “APPROVED” means you’re good to go. A red “NOT APPROVED” means the calculator model is not on the NCEES list and cannot be used. This tool helps avoid a stressful situation on exam day. For a complete study plan, check out our FE exam study plan.

Distribution of Approved Calculator Types

Bar chart showing the number of approved calculator model families by brand.

This chart illustrates the families of models permitted under the NCEES calculator policy. Note that each “family” (e.g., TI-36X) includes multiple specific calculator models.

Key Factors That Affect NCEES Calculator Policy Approval

Several key factors determine whether a calculator is compliant with the ncees calculator policy. Understanding these will help you choose the right tool.

  1. Manufacturer and Model Series: This is the primary factor. The policy explicitly names the allowed brands (Casio, HP, TI) and the specific model series within them (e.g., fx-115, TI-36X).
  2. Programmability and Storage: Calculators with extensive programming capabilities or storage for text and formulas (like the TI-89 or HP Prime) are banned. The policy aims to test your knowledge, not your ability to store information.
  3. Communication Technology: Any form of wireless communication, including Infrared (IR) ports, is strictly prohibited to prevent cheating.
  4. QWERTY Keypad: Calculators with a typewriter-style keypad are not allowed, as this feature is associated with data entry and communication devices.
  5. Power Source: While not a direct rule for approval, calculators must be battery-operated or dual-powered. Exam centers do not provide power outlets for calculators. A reliable battery is a must.
  6. Physical Condition: The calculator must be in good working order with a legible display. Test proctors can inspect devices and may reject any that appear modified or suspicious. The strict ncees calculator policy is in place to ensure a fair testing environment.

A great resource for comparing models is our calculator comparison chart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is the NCEES calculator policy so strict?
To protect the integrity of the exams. By standardizing the tools, NCEES ensures that no candidate has an unfair advantage through stored programs, notes, or communication.
2. Can I use a calculator model not on the approved list, even if it’s a basic scientific one?
No. The ncees calculator policy is exclusionary. If a model is not explicitly listed, it is not permitted, regardless of its simplicity.
3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?
The test proctor will confiscate it, and you will have to take the exam without a calculator. In some cases, your exam could be invalidated. It’s a risk not worth taking.
4. Is the Casio fx-115ES Plus approved?
Yes. All models that include “fx-115” in their name are approved under the current ncees calculator policy. You can confirm this with our policy checker above.
5. Is the TI-36X Pro approved?
Yes. The Texas Instruments “TI-36X” series is explicitly approved. This is one of the most popular choices for the FE and PE exams.
6. Does the policy change? How often should I check?
Yes, the policy is reviewed annually. You should always check the official ncees calculator policy a few months before your exam date to ensure your model is still compliant.
7. Are graphing calculators ever allowed?
No. Graphing calculators as a category (like the TI-Nspire or TI-84 series) are prohibited because of their advanced storage and programmability features.
8. Where can I find the official NCEES calculator policy?
The definitive source is the NCEES website at ncees.org. Our tool is designed to reflect their official, up-to-date policy for your convenience. More details are in their exam rules guide.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Preparing for your licensure exam involves more than just understanding the ncees calculator policy. Here are some resources to help you succeed.

© 2026 Professional Date Services. All information is provided for guidance and should be verified with official NCEES sources.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *