Can You Use Calculator On Fe Exam

Instantly verify if your calculator is permitted on the NCEES FE exam.

What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict FE exam calculator policy to ensure a fair and secure testing environment. This policy explicitly dictates which calculator models are allowed during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The core principle is to prohibit devices that could provide an unfair advantage, such as those with graphing capabilities, internet access, or programmable features. Understanding and adhering to the FE exam calculator policy is not just a suggestion—it’s a critical requirement for every examinee. Attempting to bring a non-approved calculator can lead to dismissal from the exam and forfeiture of your exam fee. This policy applies to all FE exam disciplines.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is acceptable. However, NCEES approves only specific model families from brands like Texas Instruments, Casio, and Hewlett Packard. Models like the popular TI-89 or TI-Nspire series are strictly forbidden due to their advanced features. It is your responsibility to verify your specific model against the official NCEES list before exam day.

FE Exam Calculator Approval Logic

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed is a straightforward check against the NCEES approved list. The policy is based on model names. Any calculator used must contain a specific identifier in its name. Our FE exam calculator checker automates this process for you.

NCEES Approved Calculator Models

Brand	Approved Model Series Identifiers	Notes
Texas Instruments	TI-30X, TI-36X	Any model must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name.
Casio	fx-115, fx-991	Any model must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name.
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s, HP 35s	Only these two specific models are allowed. No other HP models.

Distribution of Approved Calculator Models by Brand

A visual representation of approved calculator series by manufacturer.

Practical Examples

Example 1: A Permitted Calculator

An engineering student plans to take the FE exam and owns a Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro. They enter “TI-36X Pro” into the FE exam calculator checker.

• Input: TI-36X Pro
• Logic: The input string contains “TI-36X”, which is an approved series identifier.
• Output: ALLOWED. The result indicates the calculator is compliant with the NCEES policy.

Example 2: A Prohibited Calculator

Another student has a TI-89 Titanium graphing calculator from their college courses. They check this model.

• Input: TI-89 Titanium
• Logic: The input does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. Graphing calculators are explicitly banned.
• Output: NOT ALLOWED. The tool flags the calculator as non-compliant, preventing a potential issue on exam day.

How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker

1. Enter Your Model: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field above. Be as specific as possible (e.g., “Casio fx-115ES Plus”).
2. View Real-Time Results: The tool automatically checks your input against the NCEES guidelines and provides an instant “ALLOWED” or “NOT ALLOWED” status.
3. Review the Details: The results section will provide a brief explanation for the decision, confirming which rule your calculator model satisfies or violates.
4. Reset and Check Another: Use the ‘Reset’ button to clear the fields and check another model if you have multiple calculators.

Using this tool can save you from a major headache. For more study help, see these FE exam study tips.

Key Factors in the FE Exam Calculator Policy

Several factors drive the NCEES’s decisions on which calculators to permit. Understanding these can clarify why your favorite calculator might be banned.

• No QWERTY Keypads: Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards are forbidden.
• No Programmability: You cannot use calculators that allow you to store custom programs or extensive text.
• No Communication: Devices with infrared, Bluetooth, or any wireless communication capabilities are strictly prohibited.
• No Graphing: Calculators capable of plotting functions are not allowed as this could trivialize some calculus-based problems.
• Official List is Law: The only factor that truly matters is whether the model is on the official NCEES list. This FE exam calculator tool is based on that list. For official registration, visit the FE exam registration page.
• Annual Review: NCEES reviews the policy annually, so it’s wise to check the rules close to your exam date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why can’t I use my graphing calculator on the FE exam?

Graphing calculators are prohibited because they can store formulas, notes, and solve complex equations graphically, which can provide an unfair advantage and compromise the integrity of the exam.

2. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?

If you are caught with a non-approved calculator, the test center staff will confiscate it, and you may be dismissed from the exam, with your exam fee forfeited.

3. Is the TI-36X Pro the best FE exam calculator?

Many students find the TI-36X Pro to be an excellent choice due to its powerful features (like matrix operations and equation solving) while still being compliant. However, the “best” calculator is the approved one you are most comfortable using. For more advice, check out these FE exam tips.

4. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?

While the approved models have limited memory, it’s a good practice to reset your calculator before entering the test center to avoid any potential issues or accusations.

5. Can I bring two approved calculators?

Policies can vary, but typically you are allowed to bring one primary and one backup calculator, as long as both are on the NCEES approved list. It’s best to confirm with the latest Pearson VUE center rules.

6. Is the list of approved calculators the same for all engineering disciplines?

Yes, the NCEES FE exam calculator policy is universal across all disciplines (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.).

7. My calculator is an “fx-115,” but has extra letters. Is it okay?

Generally, yes. The rule for Casio models states that the name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. So models like “fx-115ES PLUS” are allowed. Our checker can verify this for you.

8. Where can I find the official NCEES policy?

The most current and official FE exam calculator policy is always available on the NCEES website at ncees.org. Reviewing our FE exam study guide can also be beneficial.

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