Calculators Allowed On Pe Exam

Instantly determine if your calculator model is one of the calculators allowed on the PE exam. This tool is based on the official NCEES calculator policy to ensure you are prepared for test day.

What are the calculators allowed on the PE exam?

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict policy on which calculators are permitted during its exams, including the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This policy is in place to protect the integrity of the exam by ensuring no candidate has an unfair advantage through devices with communication or extensive data storage capabilities. Only specific, pre-approved models from Casio, Texas Instruments, and Hewlett-Packard are allowed. Using a non-approved calculator will result in its confiscation and could lead to dismissal from the exam center.

The NCEES Calculator Policy Explained

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed is not a mathematical one, but a set of rules based on the manufacturer and model series. The policy is reviewed annually, but the core rules have remained consistent. As of the latest NCEES update, the policy is as follows:

This table outlines the NCEES-approved calculator models for the PE Exam.

Manufacturer	Approved Model Series / Specific Models	Rule
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models	The model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”.
Texas Instruments (TI)	All TI-30X and TI-36X models	The model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.
Hewlett-Packard (HP)	HP 33s and HP 35s	ONLY these two specific models are permitted. No other HP models are allowed.

Practical Examples

Let’s see how this policy works in practice:

• Example 1 (Allowed): An engineer wants to use their Casio fx-115ES PLUS. Because the model name contains “fx-115”, this calculator is allowed.
• Example 2 (Allowed): A student who used a TI-84 in college buys a TI-36X Pro for the exam. Because the model name contains “TI-36X”, this calculator is allowed and is a popular choice for those familiar with TI interfaces.
• Example 3 (Not Allowed): An engineer has a powerful HP 50g graphing calculator. Although it’s an HP, it is not the HP 33s or HP 35s. Therefore, this calculator is not allowed.
• Example 4 (Not Allowed): A candidate brings a TI-89 Titanium. This is a graphing calculator and its model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. It is not allowed.

Visualizing Approved Brands

How to Use This PE Exam Calculator Checker

Using this tool is simple and gives you an instant answer on whether your device is an NCEES approved calculator.

1. Find Your Model Number: Look at the front of your calculator. The model is usually printed prominently at the top.
2. Enter the Model: Type the full model name into the input field above. For example, “TI-30X IIS” or “HP 35s”.
3. Check the Result: Click the “Check Eligibility” button. The tool will immediately tell you if your calculator is “Allowed” or “Not Allowed” based on the official NCEES policy. The result is color-coded for clarity.
4. Review the Policy: If your calculator is not allowed, refer to the table of approved models on this page to find a suitable replacement. For more details, you might consult our PE Exam Study Guide.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval

Understanding why certain calculators are allowed and others are not can help you avoid problems on exam day.

• No QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards are forbidden.
• No Wireless Communication: Devices with any wireless capability (Bluetooth, IR, Wi-Fi) are strictly prohibited.
• No External Storage: Calculators cannot use plug-in modules, cards, or have any external storage capability.
• No Graphing/Programmability: While some approved models have minor programming features, they are very limited. Complex graphing calculators (like the TI-89 or Nspire) are banned because they can store extensive notes and formulas. For information on other exam policies, see the FE Exam Calculator Policy page.
• Physical Appearance: The device must be a standalone calculator. A calculator app on a phone or tablet is not acceptable.
• Model Name is Key: The most crucial factor is the model name itself. Even if a calculator seems basic, if it’s not on the approved list, it’s not allowed. Always check the official NCEES Calculator List.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my calculator model is a newer version, like a “II” or “Pro”?

It depends on the brand. For Casio and TI, as long as the base model number (e.g., “fx-115” or “TI-36X”) is in the name, any suffix like “Pro”, “II”, “Plus”, or “Solar” is acceptable. For HP, only the exact “HP 33s” and “HP 35s” models are allowed.

Is the calculator policy the same for the FE and PE exams?

Yes, the NCEES calculator policy applies to all NCEES-administered exams, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), and Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exams.

I’ve used my TI-84 for years. Is there an approved calculator that is similar?

Many engineers in your position choose the TI-36X Pro. It has a similar button layout and menu system to the TI-83/84 family but is non-graphing and fully compliant with NCEES rules.

Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?

Proctors may check your calculator. While the approved models have limited memory, it’s a good practice to reset the device to its factory defaults before entering the exam room to avoid any potential issues.

What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?

If a proctor identifies a non-approved calculator, it will be confiscated for the duration of the exam. You will have to take the exam without a calculator, which is a significant disadvantage.

Are solar-powered and battery-powered versions both okay?

Yes. The power source does not matter, as long as the model name is on the approved list.

Where can I find the official policy?

The most current policy is always available on the NCEES website. You can typically find it by navigating to the “Exams” section. It’s wise to check the policy on the official site before your exam. For a summary, see our guide to the policy.

Should I buy a backup calculator?

It is highly recommended. Bringing two identical, approved calculators (with fresh batteries) is a smart strategy to safeguard against device failure during the exam.