Can You Use A Graphing Calculator On The Fe Exam

Instantly check if your calculator model is approved by NCEES for the FE exam and understand the official policy.

FE Exam Calculator Approval Checker

Approved Calculators by Manufacturer

Chart illustrating the families of approved calculators by major brands.

Official NCEES Approved Calculator List

The following table summarizes the only models and model families permitted for use on the FE exam. If your calculator is not listed here, it is not allowed. This is a crucial detail when asking ‘can you use a graphing calculator on the fe exam’.

Manufacturer	Approved Models/Series	Key Identifier
Texas Instruments	All TI-30X and TI-36X models	Model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models	Model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”
Hewlett Packard (HP)	HP 33s and HP 35s	Model must be exactly “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”

This table is based on the official NCEES calculator policy. Always check the NCEES website for the most current rules before your exam.

What is the NCEES Calculator Policy?

The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) calculator policy is a set of strict rules defining which calculators are permissible 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 exam integrity by preventing the use of devices with capabilities that could provide an unfair advantage. This directly answers the question, can you use a graphing calculator on the fe exam, with a definitive “no.”

This policy is for all engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical. The core tenet is that calculators with advanced communication, text-storage, or graphing capabilities are forbidden. This is why models like the TI-89, TI-Nspire, or HP Prime are explicitly disallowed. You must use one of the approved models. Failure to comply can result in dismissal from the exam and potential invalidation of your results.

Understanding the NCEES Calculator Rules

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed is not a mathematical equation, but a series of logical checks based on the NCEES policy. The policy is exclusionary by design: if a calculator is not on the approved list, it is forbidden. Answering ‘can you use a graphing calculator on the fe exam’ requires understanding these rules.

The step-by-step logic is as follows:

1. Check the Manufacturer: Is the calculator made by Texas Instruments, Casio, or Hewlett Packard? If not, it is almost certainly not allowed.
2. Check the Model Series (TI & Casio): For Texas Instruments, does the model name contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”? For Casio, does the model name contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”? If yes, it is approved.
3. Check the Specific Model (HP): Is the model exactly an “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”? Only these two specific HP models are allowed.
4. General Prohibitions: Does the calculator have a QWERTY keyboard, wireless capabilities, a stylus, or come from a smartphone app? These are all prohibited, regardless of model.

Variable Table for Calculator Approval

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Manufacturer	The brand that produces the calculator.	Text	Casio, Texas Instruments, HP
Model String	The specific model number/name printed on the calculator.	Alphanumeric	e.g., “fx-115 ES Plus”, “TI-36X Pro”
Graphing Capability	Ability to plot functions on a coordinate plane.	Boolean (Yes/No)	Must be ‘No’.
QWERTY Keyboard	A full text-entry keyboard.	Boolean (Yes/No)	Must be ‘No’.

Practical Examples: Allowed vs. Prohibited Calculators

Let’s look at real-world scenarios to clarify the policy. The question of whether you can you use a graphing calculator on the fe exam comes down to your specific model.

Example 1: The Approved Student

• Input Model: Casio fx-115ES Plus
• Analysis: The model name “fx-115ES Plus” contains the approved series identifier “fx-115”.
• Output: APPROVED. This is one of the most popular calculators for the FE exam. For more info, see our FE Exam Study Guide.

Example 2: The Prohibited Student

• Input Model: TI-89 Titanium
• Analysis: This is a powerful graphing calculator. It does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name and has graphing capabilities.
• Output: NOT APPROVED. Using this calculator would lead to disqualification. Understanding the PE Exam Requirements also shows similar restrictions.

How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker

Using this tool is straightforward and designed to give you a quick, reliable answer. Follow these steps to determine if your calculator meets the FE exam criteria.

1. Enter Model Number: Type the full model number of your calculator into the input field above. Be as specific as possible (e.g., “TI-36X Pro” instead of just “TI”).
2. Review the Result: The tool provides an instant result: “APPROVED” (green) or “NOT APPROVED” (red). This is your direct answer to “can you use a graphing calculator on the fe exam” for your specific device.
3. Check Policy Highlights: The section below the result provides key context about the NCEES rules that led to the decision.
4. Consult the Full List: For further confirmation, you can review the complete approved list in the table on this page. Many future engineers explore Engineering Career Paths and knowing these details is part of professional preparation.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval

Several features are automatic disqualifiers according to the NCEES policy. Understanding these factors is key to knowing why you can you use a graphing calculator on the fe exam is not permitted.

• Graphing Capabilities: This is the most common reason for a calculator being disallowed. Any device that can plot equations is forbidden.
• Communication Technology: Calculators with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared communication capabilities are strictly prohibited to prevent cheating.
• QWERTY Keyboards: If the calculator has a keyboard layout like a computer (QWERTY), it’s not allowed as it facilitates text storage.
• Stylus or Pen Input: Touch-screen models that require a stylus are not permitted.
• Power Source: Calculators must be battery-operated and self-contained. Plug-in models are not allowed. You should check your batteries before exam day! Explore our FE Civil Exam Topics guide for more prep tips.
• Stored Text/Data: Models with large storage for notes, formulas, or applications (beyond standard scientific functions) are banned.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you use a graphing calculator on the FE exam at all?

No. The NCEES policy explicitly prohibits all calculators with graphing capabilities to ensure a fair testing environment. This is a hard rule with no exceptions.

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

The exam proctors will confiscate the calculator. You will have to take the exam without it or, in some cases, you may be dismissed from the testing center entirely.

3. Is the TI-36X Pro an approved calculator?

Yes, the TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular and recommended calculators for the FE exam. Its model name contains “TI-36X”, making it compliant with the policy. Check our guide on FE Mechanical Exam Prep for model-specific tips.

4. Is there an on-screen calculator provided during the CBT exam?

No, NCEES does not provide an on-screen calculator. You must bring your own physical, NCEES-approved calculator.

5. Why is the HP 35s allowed when other advanced HP calculators are not?

The HP 35s, while powerful, does not have graphing or communication capabilities. It was specifically reviewed and approved by NCEES, unlike models like the HP Prime.

6. Does the calculator policy ever change?

Yes, NCEES reviews the policy annually. However, the core principles (no graphing, no communication) have remained consistent for years. It’s always best to check the official NCEES website before your exam date.

7. My calculator is a ‘Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz’. Is it allowed?

Yes. Since the model name contains “fx-991”, it falls under the approved Casio series and is allowed for the exam. This is a critical step in the EIT Certification process.

8. I forgot my calculator. Can I borrow one?

No. Sharing of calculators is strictly forbidden during the exam. You must bring your own approved device.

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