NCEES Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator is permitted for the NCEES FE and PE exams.
Is Your Calculator Approved?
Enter your calculator model number below to check its status against the official NCEES calculator policy.
Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.
Official NCEES Approved Calculator List
To protect the integrity of its exams, NCEES limits the types of calculators examinees may bring to exam sites. The list is reviewed annually. Below are the only models acceptable for use.
| Manufacturer | Approved Models/Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | All TI-30X and TI-36X models | Model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. The TI-36X Pro is a popular choice for the PE Exam. |
| Casio | All fx-115 and fx-991 models | Model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. The fx-115ES Plus is widely used. |
| Hewlett-Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s | Only these two specific models are allowed. Note that the HP 35s has been discontinued but is still permitted. |
What is an NCEES Approved Calculator?
An ncees approved calculator is not a specific brand or type of calculator, but rather a device that is included on the official NCEES calculator policy list. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and prevent academic dishonesty during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. Examinees are only permitted to use models from this pre-approved list. The primary goal is to standardize the tools available, ensuring no one has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, graphing, or programming capabilities.
Common misunderstandings often arise, with many students assuming any “scientific” calculator is fine. However, popular and powerful calculators like the TI-83, TI-84, or TI-89 are explicitly banned due to their graphing and programmability features. Using a non-approved calculator will result in its confiscation and could lead to dismissal from the exam. For more information, you should consult an FE Exam Study Guide.
NCEES Calculator Policy and Explanation
There isn’t a mathematical formula for the ncees approved calculator policy. Instead, it’s a set of rules based on manufacturer and model series. The “formula” for approval is a logical check against the approved list. The policy ensures that all calculators have a similar core functionality without providing an unfair advantage.
Policy Variables Table
| Component | Meaning | Approved Specifier | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | The company that produces the calculator. | Casio, Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard | TI, Casio, HP |
| Series | A family of models with similar features. | fx-115, fx-991, TI-30X, TI-36X | TI-36X Pro, fx-115ES Plus |
| Specific Model | An exact model number required for some brands. | HP 33s, HP 35s | HP 35s |
Practical Examples
Understanding the policy is easier with concrete examples.
Example 1: An Approved Calculator
- Input Model: Casio fx-115ES PLUS
- Action: The user enters “fx-115es plus” into the ncees approved calculator checker.
- Result: ✅ APPROVED. The checker confirms this model is part of the “fx-115” series.
Example 2: A Non-Approved Calculator
- Input Model: TI-84 Plus
- Action: The user enters “TI-84 Plus” into the checker.
- Result: ❌ NOT APPROVED. The checker flags this model because it is not part of the “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” series. Graphing calculators are explicitly forbidden.
These examples highlight the importance of checking your exact model. A great resource for this is the PE Exam Registration Guide.
How to Use This NCEES Approved Calculator Checker
- Locate Your Model Number: Find the exact model number printed on the front of your calculator.
- Enter the Model: Type the model number into the input field above. You don’t need to be precise with capitalization or spaces.
- Check the Status: Click the “Check Status” button.
- Interpret the Result: The tool will immediately tell you if your calculator is approved or not approved based on the latest NCEES policy. If not approved, you should consider purchasing a model from the list, like those found in a Civil Engineering Handbook.
Key Factors That Prohibit a Calculator
NCEES restricts calculators based on features that could compromise exam integrity. Here are the key factors that will get a calculator banned:
- Graphing Capability: The ability to plot functions (e.g., TI-84, TI-Nspire).
- QWERTY Keypad: Any calculator with a typewriter-style keyboard is forbidden.
- Wireless Communication: Devices with infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi are not allowed.
- External Storage: Calculators that use cards or are plug-in compatible are banned.
- Excessive Programmability: While the HP 35s has some programming features, models that can store extensive notes or run complex third-party programs are not allowed.
- Power Source: Calculators must be battery-powered or solar with battery backup. They cannot require an electrical outlet. It’s wise to have a Calculator Buying Guide before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is the NCEES calculator policy so strict?
The policy exists to ensure a fair and standardized testing environment for all examinees, preventing anyone from having an unfair advantage from a more powerful device.
2. Can I use the calculator on my computer?
NCEES provides a digital on-screen calculator that emulates a TI-30X IIS. However, it is highly recommended to bring a physical, handheld NCEES approved calculator, as you will be much faster with it.
3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?
The test center proctors will confiscate the calculator. You will either have to proceed without one or use the on-screen version. In some cases, this could be considered a rules violation, leading to dismissal.
4. Is the Casio fx-991EX allowed?
Yes. The policy allows all “fx-991” models, which includes the Casio fx-991EX. It’s a very popular and powerful choice.
5. Is the TI-36X Pro the best NCEES approved calculator?
Many consider the TI-36X Pro to be the best choice because of its advanced features like a multi-line display and equation solver, all within the NCEES rules. However, the “best” calculator often comes down to personal preference and familiarity.
6. Where can I buy an NCEES approved calculator?
They are widely available at office supply stores, major online retailers like Amazon, and electronics stores. Be sure to check our Structural Engineering Formulas guide for more resources.
7. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
Yes, proctors will likely check and may ask you to reset your calculator to ensure no programs or data are stored on it, especially for programmable models like the HP 35s.
8. Is the HP 35s still a good choice even though it’s discontinued?
If you can find one and are comfortable with RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) entry, the HP 35s is an extremely powerful and permitted tool. However, its learning curve and lack of availability lead most users to choose a TI or Casio model. Read our Geotechnical Engineering Basics guide for further insights.