FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly verify if you have a calculator you can use on the FE exam based on the official NCEES® policy.
Please enter a model number.
Approved Models by Brand
| Brand | Approved Model Series | Key Models |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | All TI-30X models | TI-30Xa, TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView |
| Texas Instruments | All TI-36X models | TI-36X Pro |
| Casio | All fx-115 models | fx-115ES PLUS, fx-115 MS, fx-115 ES |
| Casio | All fx-991 models | fx-991EX, fx-991MS |
| Hewlett-Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s | HP 33s, HP 35s (no other HP models) |
What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?
The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) calculator policy is a set of strict rules defining which specific calculator models are permitted during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. The primary goal of this policy is to protect the integrity of the exams by ensuring no examinee has an unfair advantage. This is achieved by banning devices with capabilities for communication (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), extensive programming, or storing large amounts of text or formulas. Using a calculator you can use on fe exam is not just a recommendation; it is a mandatory requirement.
This policy applies to everyone taking the computer-based test. Test center staff are trained to verify every calculator, and bringing a non-approved model will result in you being unable to use it. In the worst-case scenario, it could lead to your dismissal from the exam and forfeiture of your exam fee. Therefore, checking your model with a tool like this is a critical step in your exam preparation.
The NCEES Approval “Formula” Explained
There isn’t a mathematical formula for approval, but rather a set of rules defined by NCEES. A calculator you can use on fe exam must belong to one of the approved series from three specific manufacturers. Our checker automates this verification process.
The logic is as follows:
- Check the Brand: The calculator must be a Texas Instruments, Casio, or Hewlett-Packard.
- Check the Model Series: The model name must contain a specific identifier.
| Variable (Brand) | Meaning (Required Identifier) | Unit (Manufacturer) | Typical Range (Approved Models) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | Model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. | TI | TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro, etc. |
| Casio | Model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. | Casio | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX, etc. |
| Hewlett-Packard | Model name must be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. | HP | HP 33s, HP 35s |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Approved Calculator
An engineering student is preparing for the exam and owns a Casio fx-115ES Plus. They enter “fx-115es plus” into the calculator checker.
- Input: fx-115es plus
- Output: APPROVED
- Interpretation: The model contains “fx-115”, which is an approved series. The student can confidently bring this calculator you can use on fe exam to the testing center. The Casio fx-115ES Plus is a popular choice due to its wide range of functions.
Example 2: The Prohibited Calculator
Another student has used a TI-89 Titanium throughout college. It’s a powerful graphing calculator they are very familiar with. They enter “TI-89” into the checker.
- Input: TI-89
- Output: NOT APPROVED
- Interpretation: The model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. Graphing calculators like the TI-89 are explicitly forbidden because of their advanced graphing, symbolic calculation (CAS), and programming capabilities. This student must purchase an approved model and become proficient with it before exam day.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
- Locate Your Calculator’s Model Number: This is typically printed on the front of the calculator, often above the screen.
- Enter the Model Number: Type the full model number into the input field above. Don’t worry about capitalization or hyphens; the checker is designed to handle most variations.
- Review the Result: The tool will instantly provide an “APPROVED” or “NOT APPROVED” status.
- Understand the Details: The result card will also show the brand it detected and the normalized model name it checked, so you can confirm the logic. This confirmation is a crucial step to ensure you have a calculator you can use on fe exam.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
NCEES determines the approved list based on specific device capabilities. Understanding these factors helps clarify why your favorite powerful calculator might be banned. Any legitimate calculator you can use on fe exam must adhere to these limitations.
- No QWERTY Keypads: Calculators with a full keyboard are prohibited as they could be used to store notes.
- No Communication Capabilities: Devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, or any other wireless communication method are strictly forbidden.
- No Advanced Programming: While some approved models have basic formula storage, they cannot store extensive user-created programs or text.
- No Computer Algebra Systems (CAS): Calculators that can solve algebraic expressions symbolically (like the TI-89 or HP Prime) are not allowed.
- No Graphing Capabilities: The ability to plot functions is a disqualifying feature.
- Not a Computing Device: Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are obviously not permitted in the exam room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The test center proctor will not allow you to use it. You will have to take the exam without a calculator or use the basic on-screen digital calculator, which is much less efficient. Your exam fee will not be refunded.
NCEES provides a digital on-screen calculator that emulates the TI-30X IIS. While functional, it is generally slower to use than a physical, handheld calculator. It’s best used as a last-resort backup. Relying on it for the entire exam is not recommended for optimal performance.
Yes, you can bring a backup calculator. However, the backup must also be on the NCEES approved list. Both your primary and backup calculators will be inspected.
It is a recommended practice. Proctors may check your calculator’s memory. Since the approved models have very limited memory capabilities anyway, it’s best to perform a full reset before entering the test center to avoid any issues.
The TI-36X Pro is a highly recommended calculator you can use on fe exam because it offers the most features allowed under the NCEES policy, including an equation solver, matrix and vector operations, and a clear “MathPrint” display.
Yes. The NCEES policy states that all “fx-115” models are acceptable. This includes any edition (1st, 2nd) or variation (MS, ES, etc.). Our checker correctly identifies these variations as approved.
Yes, the fx-991EX is an approved calculator you can use on fe exam because its model name contains “fx-991”. It’s another powerful option with a high-resolution display.
The HP 35s is an approved and capable calculator, but it is often recommended for users already familiar with Reverse Polish Notation (RPN). For most users, a Casio or TI model is more straightforward to learn.