FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator model is permitted for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This tool is based on the latest NCEES calculator policy.
Select the calculator model you plan to use for the FE exam.
What is an Approved FE Exam Calculator?
An “approved calculator for the FE exam” is a calculator model that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has officially permitted for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. To protect the integrity of the exam and ensure fairness for all candidates, NCEES strictly limits the types of calculators allowed.
The core reason for this policy is to prevent the use of calculators with advanced communication features (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), extensive memory storage, or programming capabilities that could provide an unfair advantage. The goal is to test an engineer’s knowledge and skills, not their ability to use a powerful computing device. Therefore, only specific non-programmable, non-communicating scientific calculators are allowed.
The Official NCEES Calculator Policy
The NCEES calculator policy is not a mathematical formula, but a specific list of approved models. Any calculator used on the FE exam must be on this list. The policy generally revolves around three brands: Casio, Texas Instruments, and Hewlett Packard.
Below is a summary of the approved calculator models. It’s crucial that your calculator’s model name exactly matches the naming convention listed by NCEES. For example, a Texas Instruments calculator must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name to be compliant.
| Manufacturer | Approved Model Series/Names | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-115 and fx-991 | Any model must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name. |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X and TI-36X | Any model must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name. |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s | Only these two specific models are allowed. |
Practical Examples
Understanding the policy is easier with real-world scenarios. Here are a couple of examples of how the approved calculators for fe exam policy applies.
Example 1: The Non-Compliant Graphing Calculator
- Situation: A student has used a TI-89 Titanium for all their university courses. It’s powerful and they are very familiar with it.
- Action: They use the checker tool above and find it is NOT approved.
- Reasoning: The TI-89 is a graphing calculator with a computer algebra system (CAS), which is explicitly forbidden by NCEES.
- Solution: The student must purchase an approved model, like the TI-36X Pro, and spend a few weeks practicing with it before the exam to become proficient. For more information, you might want to look into exam preparation strategies.
Example 2: The Compliant Scientific Calculator
- Situation: An engineering candidate buys a Casio fx-115ES Plus.
- Action: They check the NCEES policy or use our calculator.
- Reasoning: The model name “fx-115 ES Plus” contains “fx-115”, which fully complies with the Casio rule.
- Solution: The calculator is approved. The candidate can and should use this calculator exclusively for all their FE exam preparation to build speed and familiarity. Knowing your tools is a key part of success, much like understanding advanced engineering mathematics.
How to Use This Approved Calculator Checker
This tool is designed for simplicity. Follow these steps to determine if your calculator is ready for the FE exam:
- Find Your Model: Locate your calculator’s model name, which is typically printed on the front of the device.
- Select From Dropdown: Click the dropdown menu and find your model. We have included the most popular approved models and some common non-approved examples.
- Check the Status: Click the “Check Status” button.
- Interpret the Result: The result box will appear, showing a clear “APPROVED” or “NOT APPROVED” message, helping you know for sure if you have one of the approved calculators for the fe exam.
Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Choice
Even among the approved calculators for the fe exam, there are differences. Consider these factors when choosing your device:
- Familiarity: The best calculator is the one you know how to use. It’s recommended to pick one early and stick with it.
- Functionality: While all approved calculators have the necessary functions, some models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991EX are known for their intuitive interfaces for matrix operations, derivatives, and integrals.
- Display: Some models feature a multi-line or “textbook” display, which shows equations as they are written in textbooks. This can reduce input errors.
- Power Source: Check if the calculator is solar-powered with a battery backup or battery-only. You don’t want your calculator dying mid-exam.
- Key Layout: The placement and feel of the keys can affect your speed. If possible, try a few models before committing.
- Cost: All approved models are affordable, typically costing between $15 and $30. There’s no need to spend a lot of money. Exploring budgeting for student expenses can help manage these costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are graphing calculators like the TI-84 or TI-89 not allowed?
Graphing calculators are banned because they have features that could provide an unfair advantage, such as large storage memory for formulas, programming capabilities, and computer algebra systems (CAS). The NCEES policy aims to create a level playing field.
2. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?
Your calculator will be confiscated by the proctor, and you will have to take the exam without it. In some cases, it could lead to disqualification from the exam.
3. Is the TI-36X Pro one of the approved calculators for the fe exam?
Yes, the TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular and highly recommended approved calculators. Its name contains “TI-36X”, which meets the Texas Instruments requirement.
4. My Casio model is fx-991CW. Is it allowed?
Yes. The policy states any Casio model with “fx-991” in its name is acceptable. The fx-991CW falls into this category and is approved for use.
5. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
Exam proctors may check your calculator to ensure it’s an approved model and may request to clear its memory as a standard procedure, even though these models have limited memory. Always be prepared for this.
6. Can I bring two approved calculators?
Policies can vary by testing center, but generally, you are allowed one calculator. Bringing a backup is not typically permitted inside the testing room. Check the latest NCEES Examinee Guide for confirmation.
7. Is a digital version of a calculator provided on the computer?
The NCEES provides an on-screen digital reference handbook, but you are expected to bring your own physical, approved calculator. Sometimes, an on-screen TI-30X IIS is available, but you should not rely on this.
8. Where is the best place to buy approved calculators for the FE exam?
They are widely available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and office supply stores. The cost is generally low, so it’s a small but crucial investment in your exam success. You can compare options by looking at online consumer electronics reviews.