Ncees Approved Calculator

Check Your Calculator’s Status

Enter a model to check

Details

• Model Checked: N/A
• Approval Rule: N/A
• Brand: N/A

This tool checks your input against the official NCEES list of approved calculator models and series (Casio fx-115/fx-991, TI-30X/TI-36X, HP 33s/35s).

Navigating the requirements for professional engineering and surveying exams can be complex. One of the most critical rules is the strict NCEES calculator policy. Using a non-approved device can result in disqualification. This guide provides a definitive resource on the **ncees approved calculator** policy for 2026 and includes a tool to quickly verify your model.

What is an NCEES Approved Calculator?

An **ncees approved calculator** is a device that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has explicitly permitted for use during its examinations, such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. The policy is designed to protect the integrity of the exams by preventing the use of calculators with advanced communication, text-editing, or programming capabilities that could provide an unfair advantage. The list is reviewed annually, so it’s crucial to check the policy for your specific exam year.

This policy applies to all NCEES exams. The main misconception is that any scientific calculator will suffice. However, many powerful scientific and graphing calculators (like the TI-84 or TI-89 series) are strictly forbidden. Only models that fall within specific families from Casio, Texas Instruments, and Hewlett Packard are allowed. Using an **ncees approved calculator** is not just a recommendation; it is a mandatory requirement.

NCEES Approved Calculator Policy & Formula

The “formula” for determining if a calculator is approved is a set of rules based on the manufacturer and the model name. It is not a mathematical formula but a logical check. Your calculator model must match one of the following criteria:

• Casio: The model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”.
• Texas Instruments (TI): The model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.
• Hewlett Packard (HP): The model must be either the “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”. No other HP models are allowed.

The check is generally case-insensitive and ignores additional suffixes (like “Plus” or “Pro”), as long as the core model identifier is present. The our **ncees approved calculator** tool above automates this logic for you.

Variables of the Approval Policy

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Brand	The manufacturer of the calculator.	Text	Casio, Texas Instruments, Hewlett Packard
Model Identifier	The core string in the model name.	Text	“fx-115”, “fx-991”, “TI-30X”, “TI-36X”, “HP 33s”, “HP 35s”
Approval Status	The final determination of eligibility.	Boolean (Approved/Not Approved)	True or False

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let’s walk through two examples of how to use the **ncees approved calculator** checker.

Example 1: Checking a Common Approved Model

• Input Model: `Casio fx-115ES Plus`
• Logic: The model name contains “fx-115”.
• Output: APPROVED
• Interpretation: This popular model is a valid **ncees approved calculator** and is permitted in the exam room. It falls under the Casio fx-115 series rule.

Example 2: Checking a Common Prohibited Model

• Input Model: `TI-89 Titanium`
• Logic: The model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. It is a graphing calculator with capabilities beyond what NCEES permits.
• Output: NOT APPROVED
• Interpretation: This calculator is forbidden. Bringing a TI-89 into the exam will lead to its confiscation and potential voiding of the exam. This emphasizes the importance of verifying your model with an **ncees approved calculator** tool.

Approved Calculator Models Distribution

A visual breakdown of the approved calculator series by brand.

How to Use This NCEES Approved Calculator Checker

Using our tool is simple and provides instant peace of mind. Follow these steps:

1. Find Your Calculator’s Model Name: Look at the front, top, or back of your calculator. The full model name is usually printed clearly (e.g., “TI-36X Pro”, “fx-991EX CLASSWIZ”).
2. Enter the Model Name: Type the full model name into the input field above. The checker is not case-sensitive.
3. Review the Result: The tool will immediately display “APPROVED” in green or “NOT APPROVED” in red.
4. Check the Details: The results section also shows which brand, model, and rule was used for the determination, helping you understand why it is or is not an **ncees approved calculator**.
5. Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear the fields or “Copy Results” to save the information for your records.

Complete List of Approved NCEES Calculator Models

For your convenience, here is a detailed table summarizing the models and series that are part of the **ncees approved calculator** policy. Any model containing these identifiers is permitted.

Brand	Approved Series / Models	Examples of Approved Calculators
Texas Instruments	TI-30X, TI-36X	TI-30Xa, TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro
Casio	fx-115, fx-991	fx-115ES Plus, fx-115ES Plus 2, fx-991EX, fx-991CW
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s, HP 35s	HP 33s, HP 35s (only these two specific models)

Summary of all calculator models permitted under the NCEES policy.

Key Factors That Affect NCEES Approved Calculator Policy

Several factors drive the NCEES’s decisions on calculator approval. Understanding them provides insight into the policy’s purpose.

• Communication Capabilities: Calculators with infrared, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth are banned to prevent communication between examinees.
• QWERTY Keypads: Devices with a typewriter-style keypad are prohibited as they facilitate text entry.
• Graphing Capabilities: Graphing calculators are banned because they can store formulas, notes, and solve complex problems graphically, which may not be allowed. The FE exam calculator policy is very strict on this.
• External Storage: Calculators that use cards or other media for storage are not allowed.
• Power Source: While not a direct factor for approval, having a reliable power source (e.g., solar with battery backup) is crucial for exam day. A dead calculator is as bad as a prohibited one. You can find more tips in our guide to the PE exam calculator.
• Annual Review: The list is subject to change. NCEES reviews the policy annually, making it vital to check the latest rules before your exam. An **ncees approved calculator** last year might not be this year, although the policy has been stable for some time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Yes, NCEES allows you to bring more than one **ncees approved calculator**. It is a highly recommended strategy in case your primary calculator’s battery dies.

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

Yes, absolutely. The TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular and recommended choices for the FE and PE exams. It falls under the approved “TI-36X” series. Check out a TI-36X Pro review to see its features.

3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?

Exam proctors will check your calculator. If it’s not on the approved list, it will be confiscated for the duration of the exam. You will have to use the on-screen digital calculator, which is often slower and less familiar.

4. Is the Casio fx-991EX a good choice?

Yes, the fx-991EX is an excellent **ncees approved calculator** because it contains “fx-991” in its name. It is known for its high-resolution display and fast processor.

5. Are there any exceptions to the calculator policy?

No, NCEES enforces its calculator policy strictly with no exceptions for any examinee to ensure a fair and standardized testing environment.

6. Does my Casio fx-115ES Plus need to be a specific version?

No, any version of the Casio fx-115ES Plus is acceptable, including the first and second editions. The core model “fx-115” is what makes it an **ncees approved calculator**.

7. Why are graphing calculators like the TI-89 banned?

Graphing calculators are banned because they often have features for storing text, formulas, and programs (e.g., Computer Algebra System – CAS), which violates the exam’s integrity standards.

8. Where can I find the official NCEES calculator policy?

The official and most up-to-date policy is always available on the NCEES website. Our **ncees approved calculator** tool is based on the latest published guidelines.