FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator is compliant with the official NCEES FE exam calculator policy. Avoid exam day surprises.
Calculator Compliance Checker
Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.
Deep Dive into the FE Exam Calculator Policy
What is the FE exam calculator policy?
The FE exam calculator policy is a set of strict rules established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) that dictates which calculator models are permissible to use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. The primary purpose of this policy is to ensure fairness and prevent any form of academic dishonesty. By standardizing the tools available, NCEES levels the playing field, ensuring that no examinee has an unfair advantage through a device with advanced features like graphing, programming, or communication capabilities. This policy applies to all individuals taking NCEES-administered computer-based tests (CBT). A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is allowed, but in reality, NCEES maintains a very specific and exclusive list of approved models.
Official NCEES Calculator Models and Explanation
The core of the FE exam calculator policy is a short list of approved models. NCEES does not approve calculators based on features alone but on specific model families. As of the latest update, the policy is as follows:
- Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models. The model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. Example: fx-115ES Plus.
- Hewlett Packard (HP): Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted. No other HP models are allowed.
- Texas Instruments (TI): All TI-30X and TI-36X models. The model name must include “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. Example: TI-36X Pro.
This strict limitation means that popular high-end calculators, especially graphing models like the TI-84 Plus or TI-89, are strictly forbidden. The logic is to allow powerful computational tools without enabling storage of text, complex formulas, or communication, which could compromise the exam’s integrity. Our FE Exam Study Guide can help you practice with an approved calculator.
Approved Calculator Models Table
For clarity, here is a table summarizing the approved models. This table helps you quickly check brands and model series that are part of the current FE exam calculator policy.
| Brand | Allowed Model Series/Names | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | Must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991” | fx-115ES PLUS, fx-991EX |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s ONLY | HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Texas Instruments | Must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” | TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Compliant Student
An engineering student owns a Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro. Before her exam, she uses this checker. She selects “Texas Instruments” and types “TI-36X Pro”. The result immediately shows “APPROVED” in green. The explanation confirms that all “TI-36X” models are compliant with the FE exam calculator policy. She can confidently take her trusted calculator to the exam.
Example 2: The Non-Compliant Student
Another student has used a TI-89 Titanium throughout college. It’s a powerful graphing calculator. He checks it here and receives an immediate “NOT APPROVED” result in red. The tool explains that graphing calculators with communication or extensive programming capabilities are banned. This early warning prevents him from being turned away at the testing center and gives him time to purchase and practice with an approved model, like those listed in our PE exam requirements guide.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
- Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s brand (Casio, HP, or TI) from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the Model: Type the model number exactly as it appears on the front of your calculator into the text field. The checker updates in real-time.
- Read the Result: The large-font result will instantly tell you if your calculator is “APPROVED,” “NOT APPROVED,” or if the model isn’t recognized by the policy rules.
- Review the Details: The intermediate results provide context on why your model is or is not approved based on the official FE exam calculator policy.
Visualization of Approved Model Categories
This chart illustrates the different approved model families for the FE exam.
Key Factors That Affect the FE Exam Calculator Policy
Understanding the reasoning behind the policy can help you appreciate its importance. Here are six key factors:
- Exam Fairness: The most critical factor is creating a level playing field. If some students have graphing calculators with stored notes and others don’t, the test is no longer a fair measure of engineering knowledge.
- Security and Integrity: Calculators with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared capabilities pose a significant security risk. The NCEES must prevent any possibility of external communication during the exam.
- Preventing Stored Information: The policy prohibits devices that can store extensive text, formulas, or solved problems. The FE exam is a test of your knowledge and ability to use the provided reference handbook, not your ability to store information.
- Simplicity and Verifiability: A short, explicit list of models is much easier for exam proctors to enforce than a complex set of rules about features. Proctors can quickly glance at a calculator and know if it’s on the approved list.
- Focus on Fundamentals: The FE exam tests your understanding of fundamental engineering principles. Overly powerful calculators can sometimes mask a lack of foundational knowledge by solving complex problems with a single button press. The FE exam calculator policy ensures you demonstrate your skills.
- Regular Policy Review: NCEES periodically reviews and updates the policy. This means you should always check the latest rules before your exam date, as models can be added or removed. Our Engineering Ethics resources emphasize the importance of adhering to such professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are graphing calculators with extensive memory and programming capabilities, which are explicitly forbidden by the FE exam calculator policy to ensure fairness and exam security.
Policies can vary by testing center, but generally, you are allowed to bring a backup calculator as long as it is also an approved model. It’s a wise precaution in case of battery failure. Check with your specific testing center for their rule.
You will not be allowed to use it. The proctors will confiscate it, and you will have to take the exam without a calculator, which is a significant disadvantage. In the worst-case scenario, it could be considered a violation of exam rules, and your test could be invalidated.
Even for approved models, it is a best practice to clear the memory before entering the exam room. Proctors may inspect your calculator, and having a cleared memory shows you are following the spirit of the FE exam calculator policy.
Yes, the computer-based test interface includes a digital on-screen calculator, which is a version of the TI-30X. However, most candidates prefer using a physical, handheld calculator they are familiar with.
Approved models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are widely available at major online retailers like Amazon, as well as in office supply and electronics stores.
Yes, NCEES reviews the policy annually. While the core models have been stable for years, you should always verify the current FE exam calculator policy on the official NCEES website before your exam date.
Generally, yes. The rule for Casio is that the model name must *contain* “fx-115”. So, models like “fx-115ES PLUS” or “fx-115MS” are compliant. Our checker tool helps you verify this. It is one of the more flexible aspects of the FE exam calculator policy.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
For more help with your engineering exam preparation, check out our other resources:
- Comprehensive FE Exam Study Guide: A complete guide to help you structure your study plan for the FE exam.
- PE Exam Requirements Explained: Learn about the next steps after you pass the FE exam.
- Approved Calculators for the PE Exam: A dedicated resource for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam calculator rules.
- Engineering Ethics and Professional Conduct: Understand the professional standards you’ll be held to as a licensed engineer.
- Key Civil Engineering Formulas: A quick reference for common formulas you’ll need.
- Careers in Engineering: Explore different career paths in the engineering field.