Fe Exam Allowed Calculators

Instantly verify if your calculator model is approved by NCEES for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Our guide covers all you need to know about the fe exam allowed calculators policy.

Check Your Calculator Model

Approved Models by Brand

What are FE Exam Allowed Calculators?

The term “fe exam allowed calculators” refers to a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. To maintain the integrity of the exam and ensure no candidate has an unfair advantage, NCEES prohibits devices with advanced communication, text-editing, or programming capabilities. Therefore, powerful graphing calculators like the TI-89 or models with QWERTY keyboards are strictly forbidden.

Anyone preparing to take the FE exam must use a calculator from this approved list. Arriving at the test center with a non-compliant model will result in being unable to use it, and potentially forfeiting the exam fee. This policy makes understanding the list of fe exam allowed calculators a critical part of exam preparation.

Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy

The core of the NCEES policy is to standardize the tools available to all examinees. The rules are not based on brand but on functionality. The policy explicitly disallows calculators with features that could compromise exam security. The approved list is updated periodically, so checking the official NCEES website before your exam is essential.

Key Rules of the NCEES Calculator Policy

Rule/Constraint	Explanation	Reasoning	Applies To
No QWERTY Keyboards	Calculators with a full alphabetical keyboard are banned.	Prevents text-storing and communication.	All Models
No Wireless/IR Communication	Devices that can communicate with other devices are not allowed.	Prevents cheating and sharing information.	All Models
No Text-Editing/Storage	Calculators that function like a word processor or can store extensive notes are prohibited.	Ensures candidates rely on knowledge, not stored formulas.	Graphing calculators, PDAs
Specific Model Families Only	Only models from specific series (e.g., TI-36X, fx-115) are approved.	Simplifies verification for proctors and candidates.	Casio, TI, HP

Practical Examples of Allowed vs. Disallowed Calculators

Understanding the rules is easier with concrete examples. Here’s a common scenario:

Example 1: Approved Model
An engineering student owns a Casio fx-115ES Plus. They use our calculator checker and see it’s on the list of fe exam allowed calculators. It has robust scientific functions, can handle complex numbers, and performs matrix operations, all of which are permissible and highly useful for the exam. This is an approved model.

Example 2: Disallowed Model
Another student has used a TI-89 Titanium throughout college. It’s a powerful graphing calculator with a Computer Algebra System (CAS). Despite its utility in coursework, it is explicitly banned from the FE exam because its advanced graphing and symbolic calculation capabilities provide an unfair advantage. They must purchase one of the fe exam allowed calculators, like a {related_keywords}, to use on exam day.

How to Use This FE Exam Allowed Calculators Checker

This tool is designed for speed and simplicity to help you confirm if your device is one of the fe exam allowed calculators.

1. Enter Your Model: Type the model name of your calculator into the input field above. Try to be specific (e.g., “TI-36X Pro” instead of just “TI”).
2. Check the Result: The tool provides instant feedback. A green “APPROVED” message means your calculator is on the NCEES list. A red “NOT APPROVED” means it is not allowed.
3. Review the Details: The intermediate values confirm the check was for the NCEES FE Exam.
4. Consult the Full List: For complete assurance, always cross-reference with the full table of approved models below and, ultimately, the official NCEES website. A good resource is this {related_keywords}.

Complete List of NCEES Approved Calculator Models

Brand	Approved Model Series/Names
Texas Instruments	All TI-30X and TI-36X models
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models
Hewlett-Packard	HP 33s and HP 35s models

Key Factors That Affect Your Choice of an Approved Calculator

While all fe exam allowed calculators are compliant, they are not all equal. Here are factors to consider when choosing the right one for you:

• Functionality: Ensure the calculator has all necessary functions for your engineering discipline, such as matrix operations, complex number calculations, and equation solvers. The {related_keywords} is a popular, powerful choice.
• Display Type: Some calculators, like the Casio fx-991EX, have a “textbook” display that shows equations as they are written, which can reduce input errors.
• Ease of Use: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. If you’re comfortable with a specific model, stick with it. Don’t switch to a “better” model right before the exam. Familiarity is key to speed.
• Battery vs. Solar: Many models are dual-powered (solar with battery backup). Ensure your batteries are fresh before exam day to avoid any issues.
• Cost: Prices for fe exam allowed calculators can range from under $20 to over $50. The most expensive option isn’t always the best for you.
• Special Features: Some models, like the TI-36X Pro, have built-in constants and conversion tools that can save valuable time during the exam. Explore our {related_keywords} to see a comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring two approved calculators to the exam?

Policies can vary by testing center, but NCEES generally allows you to bring a backup calculator as long as it is also on the approved list. Proctors will inspect both.

2. What happens if my calculator’s memory is not cleared?

Proctors may inspect your calculator and will require you to clear any stored programs or data before the exam begins. It’s best to do this yourself beforehand.

3. Is a specific model, like the TI-36X Pro, better than others?

The TI-36X Pro is highly recommended due to its powerful features and user-friendly interface. However, the “best” calculator is subjective and depends on your familiarity and needs. The Casio fx-115/fx-991 series is also a top contender. The most important thing is practicing with your chosen tool.

4. Where is the official list of fe exam allowed calculators?

The definitive list is always on the NCEES official website (ncees.org). You should always verify there before your exam date as the policy can change.

5. Are there any calculators available on the exam computer?

For the computer-based test (CBT), a digital version of the TI-30X IIS is available on-screen, but relying on it is slower than using a physical calculator you are familiar with.

6. Why are graphing calculators banned from the list of fe exam allowed calculators?

Graphing calculators are banned because they have features that could compromise exam fairness, such as extensive memory for storing notes, symbolic algebra solvers (CAS), and potential communication capabilities.

7. Does the cover of my calculator matter?

You will likely be asked to remove the hard cover from your calculator and store it with your personal belongings during the exam.

8. What if my approved calculator model has a “Plus” or “II” in its name?

NCEES generally approves entire model families. For instance, “All TI-30X models” includes the TI-30X, TI-30Xa, TI-30XIIS, etc. The same rule applies to Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models.