Acceptable Calculators For Fe Exam

Is Your Calculator Allowed for the FE Exam?

Check if your calculator model is one of the acceptable calculators for the FE exam based on the NCEES calculator policy.

Policy Summary: NCEES allows only specific calculator models from Casio, HP, and Texas Instruments to ensure fairness and prevent unapproved aids during the FE exam. We check your input against these rules.

Allowed Calculator Models Distribution

NCEES Calculator Policy Overview

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict policy regarding the types of calculators permitted during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Only certain models are deemed acceptable calculators for the FE exam to ensure no unfair advantage.

What is the NCEES Calculator Policy for the FE Exam?

The NCEES calculator policy is a set of rules defining which calculator models are acceptable for use during the FE exam (and other NCEES exams like the PE). The policy aims to maintain the integrity of the exam by restricting devices that have large memories, programming capabilities beyond simple functions, or communication features.

This policy affects anyone taking the FE exam. It’s crucial to check the latest NCEES policy before your exam date, as it can be updated. Common misconceptions include believing any scientific calculator is fine, or that programmable calculators are allowed if cleared – this is not the case; only specific models are acceptable calculators for the FE exam.

The core idea is to allow calculators that are powerful enough for the exam’s calculations but not so advanced that they could store formulas or communicate externally.

Who Should Use This Checker?

Anyone preparing for the FE exam should use this checker or consult the official NCEES website to confirm their device is one of the acceptable calculators for the FE exam. Bringing a non-compliant calculator will result in it being confiscated, and you may not be allowed to take the exam.

Common Misconceptions

• “Any scientific calculator is okay.” False. Only specific NCEES-approved models are allowed.
• “I can clear the memory of my advanced calculator.” False. The model itself must be on the approved list, regardless of memory state for most unapproved models.
• “The policy is the same every year.” While stable, NCEES can update the policy, so always check the latest version before your exam.

Acceptable Calculators for FE Exam: The Rules

The NCEES policy currently allows the following calculator models:

• Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models (Must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the name). Examples: fx-115 ES PLUS, fx-991EX CLASSWIZ.
• Hewlett Packard: The HP 33s and HP 35s models (no other HP models are allowed).
• Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models (Must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the name). Examples: TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro.

No other calculator models are permitted. Devices with QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, or those that are part of a tablet or phone are explicitly banned.

Summary of Acceptable Calculators for FE Exam

Brand	Allowed Models/Series	Key Identifiers	Notes
Casio	fx-115 and fx-991 series	“fx-115” or “fx-991” in model name	Many variations exist within these series.
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s, HP 35s	“HP 33s” or “HP 35s” exact model	Only these two HP models are allowed.
Texas Instruments	TI-30X and TI-36X series	“TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in model name	Includes solar and battery versions within these series.

This table summarizes the types of acceptable calculators for the FE exam by brand and series/model.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let’s see how this works with specific examples:

1. Example 1: Casio fx-115ES PLUS
   A student has a Casio fx-115ES PLUS. They select “Casio fx-115 or fx-991 series” or type it in “Other”. The checker confirms this is one of the acceptable calculators for the FE exam because it includes “fx-115”.
2. Example 2: TI-89 Titanium
   Another student has a TI-89 Titanium. This is a powerful graphing calculator. When they enter “TI-89 Titanium” or realize it’s not a TI-30X or TI-36X, the checker will indicate it is NOT an acceptable calculator for the FE exam.
3. Example 3: HP Prime
   A student has an HP Prime graphing calculator. This is not the HP 33s or HP 35s. The checker will confirm it is NOT one of the acceptable calculators for the FE exam.

How to Use This Acceptable Calculators for FE Exam Checker

1. Select or Enter Model: Choose your calculator’s brand and series from the dropdown. If it’s not listed, select “Other/Not Listed” and type the full model name into the text box that appears.
2. Check Calculator: Click the “Check My Calculator” button.
3. View Results: The tool will tell you if your model is likely “ALLOWED”, “NOT ALLOWED”, or if you need to “CHECK NCEES POLICY” carefully, especially for “Other” entries.
4. Review Details: The intermediate results will give more context and a link to the official NCEES policy.

Always double-check with the official NCEES calculator policy page before your exam, as it is the final authority on acceptable calculators for the FE exam.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Acceptability

Several factors determine if a calculator is acceptable for the FE exam:

• Model Name/Series: It must match the NCEES approved list (fx-115/fx-991, HP 33s/35s, TI-30X/36X).
• Keyboard Type: No QWERTY keyboards are allowed.
• Communication Capabilities: Calculators with infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any wireless communication are prohibited.
• Power Source: While most allowed are battery/solar, the model itself is the key, not just the power source.
• External Storage: No devices with ports for external memory cards or connections to other devices (like USB) are allowed, beyond what’s standard for the approved models.
• Display: While not explicitly limited beyond model type, very large or multi-line displays are more common on non-approved graphing calculators. The approved models have reasonably sized displays.

Understanding these helps you see why the list of acceptable calculators for the FE exam is so specific.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the FE exam?

A1: If you bring a calculator that is not on the list of acceptable calculators for the FE exam, it will likely be confiscated by the exam proctors, and you may not be allowed to use any calculator during the exam, or in worst cases, face other penalties.

Q2: Can I use two acceptable calculators during the FE exam?

A2: Typically, you are allowed to bring one NCEES-approved calculator. Bringing two might be questioned. It’s best to bring one primary and perhaps a backup of the *same* approved model, but check the latest NCEES exam-day policies.

Q3: Are calculator covers allowed?

A3: Calculator covers, cases, and instruction manuals are usually not permitted in the exam room. You’ll likely need to remove the cover before entering.

Q4: Why does NCEES restrict calculator models so much?

A4: To ensure fairness and prevent examinees from using calculators with stored formulas, text, or communication capabilities that could give an unfair advantage.

Q5: Is the Casio fx-991EX CLASSWIZ an acceptable calculator for the FE exam?

A5: Yes, because it includes “fx-991” in its name, it falls under the allowed Casio series.

Q6: Is the TI-36X Pro an acceptable calculator for the FE exam?

A6: Yes, as it includes “TI-36X” in its name, it is one of the acceptable calculators for the FE exam within the Texas Instruments allowed series.

Q7: What if my calculator model is very similar but not exactly matching the allowed series names?

A7: It must contain “fx-115”, “fx-991”, “TI-30X”, or “TI-36X”, or be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. If it’s close but not exact (e.g., TI-34X), it is likely NOT allowed. Always check the NCEES site if unsure.

Q8: Where can I find the most up-to-date list of acceptable calculators for the FE exam?

A8: The official and most current list is always on the NCEES website, under their calculator policy section (ncees.org).

Related Tools and Internal Resources

For more information about the FE exam and preparation, check out these resources: