PE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly determine if your calculator is on the list of calculators allowed on the PE exam. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict calculator policy to ensure exam integrity. This tool helps you verify your model against the latest official list.
Is Your Calculator Approved?
Brand
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Checked Against
NCEES 2026 Policy
Rule Match
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What is the NCEES Calculator Policy?
The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) calculator policy is a set of rules specifying which calculator models are permitted during their examinations, including the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This policy exists to ensure fairness and prevent any unfair advantages by restricting devices with advanced communication, programming, or text-storage capabilities. Only the specific calculators allowed on the PE exam can be brought into the testing room. Using a non-approved model can lead to dismissal from the exam and voiding of your results. This is a critical part of the PE exam requirements that every candidate must follow.
This policy applies to both computer-based tests (CBT) and the remaining pencil-and-paper exams. The list of approved models is reviewed and updated annually by NCEES. Therefore, it’s crucial for candidates to check the most current policy before their exam date. Misunderstanding the rules about which calculators allowed on the PE exam are valid is a common source of stress that can be easily avoided with proper preparation.
NCEES Calculator Rules and Explanation
The core of the NCEES calculator policy isn’t a mathematical formula, but a set of explicit rules based on brand and model series. To be one of the calculators allowed on the PE exam, a device must belong to one of the approved families. This checker uses these rules to validate your model.
| Brand | Approved Model Series/Rule | Typical Range/Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | Must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the model name. | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX, fx-115 GT |
| Hewlett Packard (HP) | ONLY the HP 33s and HP 35s models. | HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Texas Instruments (TI) | Must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the model name. | TI-36X Pro, TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView |
Any calculator not matching these specific naming conventions is prohibited. This includes popular graphing calculators like the TI-89, HP Prime, or any model with a QWERTY keyboard. The NCEES calculator policy is strict to maintain a level playing field.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Checking a Common Approved Calculator
- Input: User types “TI-36X Pro” into the checker.
- Logic: The script identifies “TI” as the brand and “36X” in the model name. This matches the Texas Instruments rule.
- Output: The result shows “ALLOWED”. The intermediate values show Brand: Texas Instruments, and Rule Match: Contains “TI-36X”.
- Interpretation: The TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular calculators allowed on the PE exam and is a safe choice for test day.
Example 2: Checking a Disallowed Calculator
- Input: User types “TI-89 Titanium” into the checker.
- Logic: The script identifies the brand as “TI”. It then checks the model name “89 Titanium” against the “TI-30X” and “TI-36X” rules. It finds no match.
- Output: The result shows “NOT ALLOWED”. The intermediate values show Brand: Texas Instruments, and Rule Match: None.
- Interpretation: Although a powerful calculator, the TI-89 is a graphing and programmable calculator, which is explicitly forbidden by the professional engineering exam rules.
How to Use This PE Exam Calculator Checker
- Enter Your Model: Type your calculator’s model number into the input field above. Be as specific as possible.
- View Instant Result: The result will update automatically as you type. A green “ALLOWED” status means your calculator meets the NCEES criteria. A red “NOT ALLOWED” status means it is not on the approved list.
- Check Intermediate Values: The “Brand” and “Rule Match” fields show you how the decision was made, connecting your input to the specific NCEES rule it satisfies.
- Reset and Repeat: Use the “Reset” button to clear the fields and check another model, for example, if you are considering purchasing a new calculator for the exam. Many students compare the Casio fx-115ES Plus for PE exam with the TI-36X Pro.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
Understanding why some calculators are approved while others are not comes down to a few key factors designed to uphold exam security. The list of calculators allowed on the PE exam is carefully curated based on these principles:
- Programmability: Calculators with extensive programming capabilities (e.g., storing custom formulas, programs, or text) are generally banned. Models like the HP 35s have limited programming features that are deemed acceptable.
- Communication Capabilities: Any device with wireless communication (infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) is strictly prohibited to prevent cheating.
- Memory and Storage: Calculators with large memory banks or those that can store extensive notes, formulas, or textbooks are not allowed. The memory on approved calculators is typically limited to equation solving and statistical data.
- QWERTY Keyboards: Any calculator with a typewriter-style (QWERTY) keyboard is banned, as this facilitates text entry and storage.
- Graphing Capabilities: Graphing calculators (like the TI-Nspire or Casio ClassPad series) are not permitted as they can provide a significant advantage in solving certain types of problems.
- Power Source: While not a reason for being banned, it’s wise to choose a solar-powered model or bring a spare battery. A dead calculator during the exam is a major problem. Many approved models like the TI-30XIIS have solar backup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, the TI-84 Plus is a graphing calculator and is not permitted on the PE exam. You must use a model from the TI-30X or TI-36X series.
The “best” calculator is subjective, but the two most popular and recommended models are the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro and the Casio fx-115ES Plus. Both have advanced features allowed under the policy and are used by a majority of examinees.
The NCEES calculator policy is the same for both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. The list of approved models applies to both tests. You can find info on the FE exam approved calculators and see it’s identical.
No, it does not. As long as the model name contains “fx-115,” any edition or version is acceptable. This applies to all Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models.
Yes, NCEES allows you to bring more than one approved calculator. Some candidates bring a primary calculator and a backup in case of battery failure. Both must be on the approved list.
Hewlett Packard has historically produced many powerful programmable and graphing calculators. NCEES has only approved these two specific models, likely because their functionality fits within the exam’s security guidelines, whereas other HP models (like the HP 48 or HP Prime) are far too powerful.
Proctors will check your calculator. If it is not on the approved list, you will not be allowed to use it. Attempting to use a prohibited device can result in your dismissal from the exam.
NCEES reviews the policy annually, but major changes are infrequent. However, it is always best practice to check the official NCEES website for the current policy before your exam date. This list of calculators allowed on the pe exam has been stable for several years.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- PE Exam Study Guide: Explore our comprehensive study guide for various PE disciplines.
- FE Exam Calculator Policy: A detailed look at the calculator policy for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- Best Calculators for Engineers: A review of the top calculators for students and professionals, including a deep dive on the TI-36X Pro review.
- PE Exam Registration Process: A step-by-step guide to registering for your professional engineering exam.
- Civil PE Exam Resources: Specific resources and tips for those taking the Civil PE exam.
- NCEES Exam Day Rules: A summary of what to expect and what is allowed on the day of your NCEES exam.