FE Exam Calculator Policy Checker
Are you preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam? Don’t risk your exam being invalidated because of a non-compliant calculator. The NCEES has a very strict policy on which calculators are allowed. Use our simple checker below to see if your model is on the approved list of calculators allowed on fe exam.
Check Your Calculator Status
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What are the Calculators Allowed on FE Exam?
The “calculators allowed on FE exam” are a specific, limited list of non-programmable, non-communicating calculator models approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). To protect the exam’s integrity, NCEES enforces a strict policy that prevents the use of advanced calculators that could store formulas, text, or communicate externally. This ensures a level playing field for all examinees.
Anyone taking the FE, PE, or FS exams must use one of these approved models. A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is acceptable. This is false; only the specific models or model families listed by NCEES are permitted in the testing room. Bringing a non-approved calculator, like a popular TI-89 graphing calculator, will result in you not being able to use it.
The NCEES Calculator Policy Explained
There isn’t a mathematical formula for determining if a calculator is allowed, but rather a clear, rule-based policy. The core principle is that a calculator’s model name must match the NCEES-approved list. The policy is based on manufacturer and model series identifiers. Understanding the calculators allowed on fe exam policy is critical.
The check is performed as follows:
- The user’s input (the calculator model) is cleaned up (extra spaces removed, converted to lowercase).
- The cleaned model name is checked against the approved brand and model rules.
- A specific check for explicitly banned models (like the HP 48 series) is also performed as a safeguard.
| Rule Component | Meaning | Governing Rule | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casio Models | Must belong to the fx-115 or fx-991 series. | Model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX |
| Texas Instruments Models | Must belong to the TI-30X or TI-36X series. | Model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. | TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro |
| Hewlett Packard Models | Only two specific models are allowed. | Model must be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. | HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Prohibited Features | Features that provide an unfair advantage are banned. | No graphing, internet, QWERTY keyboards, or text-saving. | TI-89, HP Prime, Casio ClassPad |
Eligibility Decision Flowchart
Caption: A visual representation of the decision logic used to determine if a calculator meets NCEES guidelines.
Practical Examples
Example 1: A Compliant Calculator
- Input: “Casio fx-115ES Plus”
- Primary Result: ALLOWED
- Interpretation: This model is approved because its name contains “fx-115”, which complies with the NCEES policy for Casio calculators allowed on fe exam.
Example 2: A Non-Compliant Calculator
- Input: “Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium”
- Primary Result: NOT ALLOWED
- Interpretation: This model is a graphing calculator and is not part of the “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” series. Graphing calculators are strictly forbidden.
How to Use This Calculator Checker
- Enter Model: Type the model name of your calculator into the input field above. Be as precise as possible.
- Check Status: Click the “Check Eligibility” button or simply type in the field. The result will appear instantly.
- Review Results: The tool will display “ALLOWED” in a green box or “NOT ALLOWED” in a red box. An explanation based on the official NCEES policy will be provided.
- Decision-Making: If your calculator is not allowed, you must purchase one of the approved models before your exam date. Using a compliant calculator is a non-negotiable part of the calculators allowed on fe exam rules.
Key Factors in the NCEES Calculator Policy
Several factors drive the NCEES policy on calculators allowed on fe exam. Understanding them helps clarify why your options are limited.
- Preventing Unfair Advantage: The primary goal is to prevent any examinee from having an advantage. The policy bans calculators with features like graphing, symbolic algebra, or extensive text storage.
- Standardization: By limiting the models, NCEES creates a standardized testing environment where the focus is on engineering knowledge, not on who has the most powerful calculator.
- No Communication Capabilities: Calculators with any form of wireless or wired communication (like IR ports, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth) are strictly prohibited to prevent cheating.
- No QWERTY Keyboards: Models with a full keyboard (like the HP 48 series) are banned as they facilitate text entry and storage, which is against the rules.
- Exact Model Match: The policy is strict. A “TI-30” is not the same as a “TI-30X”. The model identifier must match the approved series (e.g., contains “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”).
- Annual Review: NCEES reviews the policy and the list of approved calculators annually to adapt to new technology and maintain exam security. It’s crucial to check the latest policy before your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are graphing calculators like the TI-89 banned?
Graphing calculators are banned because they have advanced functionalities such as storing text, solving symbolic equations, and graphing functions, which could provide an unfair advantage during the FE exam. The policy ensures all candidates rely on their knowledge and the provided reference handbook.
2. Can I bring a backup calculator to the exam?
Yes, you are allowed to bring more than one NCEES-approved calculator. It’s a good practice to have a backup in case your primary one malfunctions or its battery dies. Both must be on the approved list.
3. Is the Casio fx-115ES Plus the same as the fx-115ES Plus 2nd edition?
Yes. According to the NCEES policy, any Casio model that has “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name is acceptable. Both of these models would be permitted.
4. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
You will not be allowed to use it in the exam room. The proctors will check your calculator. If it’s not on the list of calculators allowed on fe exam, you will have to take the exam without it or use the on-screen digital calculator.
5. Is there an on-screen calculator available during the exam?
Yes, a digital on-screen calculator, modeled after the TI-30XS, is available during the computer-based exam. However, most candidates find it slower and less convenient than a physical, handheld calculator they are familiar with.
6. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
While the approved calculators have very limited memory capabilities, it’s a good practice to clear the memory before entering the test center to show compliance with the spirit of the rules.
7. Where is the best place to buy one of the calculators allowed on fe exam?
Approved calculators are widely available at major online retailers like Amazon, office supply stores like Staples, and department stores like Walmart or Target. The most popular models include the TI-36X Pro and the Casio fx-115ES Plus. You can check out our guide to engineering tools.
8. Does this same calculator policy apply to the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam?
Yes, the NCEES calculator policy is the same for both the FE and PE exams. Familiarizing yourself with an approved model during your FE studies is a great investment for your future PE exam. Read more on our exam preparation strategies page.