Approved Calculators For Fe Exam

Instantly verify if your calculator model is permitted by NCEES for the FE Exam.

Full List of NCEES Approved Calculator Rules

Manufacturer	Approved Models/Series	Governing Rule
Texas Instruments	TI-30X, TI-36X	Any model must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name (e.g., TI-36X Pro).
Casio	fx-115, fx-991	Any model must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name (e.g., fx-115ES Plus).
Hewlett-Packard	HP 33s, HP 35s	ONLY these two specific models are allowed. No other HP models are permitted.

What are Approved Calculators for the FE Exam?

The term “approved calculators for FE exam” refers to a specific, limited list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. To maintain the integrity and fairness of the exam, NCEES enforces a strict calculator policy. This policy prevents the use of devices with advanced features like wireless communication, extensive programming capabilities, or large text storage, which could provide an unfair advantage.

Anyone preparing to take the FE exam must use a calculator from this approved list. Showing up on exam day with a non-compliant model, like a popular TI-84 or TI-89, will result in you not being able to use it. Therefore, understanding the rules for **approved calculators for fe exam** is a critical part of your test preparation.

NCEES Calculator Policy Rules and Guidelines

The logic for determining the list of **approved calculators for fe exam** is not a mathematical formula but a set of brand-specific rules. The policy is designed to be straightforward. For a calculator to be approved, it must fall into one of three categories defined by NCEES.

The core of the policy is checking the manufacturer and the model identifier printed on the calculator itself. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the “formula” our checker uses:

1. Identify the brand: Is it a Casio, Texas Instruments (TI), or Hewlett-Packard (HP)?
2. Apply the brand’s specific rule:
   • For TI: Does the model name contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”?
   • For Casio: Does the model name contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”?
   • For HP: Is the model name *exactly* “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”?
3. If the model satisfies the rule for its brand, it is approved. Otherwise, it is not.

Policy “Variables” Explained

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Brand	The manufacturer of the calculator.	Text	Casio, Texas Instruments, HP
Model Name	The specific identifier printed on the device.	Alphanumeric	e.g., “TI-36X Pro”, “fx-991EX”, “HP 35s”
Approval Rule	The text string or exact match required for approval.	Text	“fx-115”, “TI-30X”, “HP 33s”, etc.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Checking a Casio fx-115ES Plus

• Input Model: “Casio fx-115ES Plus”
• Brand Detected: Casio
• Rule Applied: Contains “fx-115”
• Output: APPROVED
• Interpretation: This is one of the most popular **approved calculators for fe exam**. It meets the Casio rule because “fx-115” is in its name.

Example 2: Checking a TI-89 Titanium

• Input Model: “TI-89 Titanium”
• Brand Detected: Texas Instruments
• Rule Applied: Contains “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”
• Output: NOT APPROVED
• Interpretation: Although it’s a powerful TI calculator, it is not allowed because its model name does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. This is a common mistake for students used to advanced graphing calculators from their university courses.

How to Use This Approved Calculators for FE Exam Checker

This tool is designed to give you a quick and definitive answer on your calculator’s status. Follow these simple steps:

1. Find Your Model Name: Look at the front of your calculator. You should see the full model name printed clearly (e.g., above the screen or at the top of the device).
2. Enter the Model Name: Type the full model name into the input field above. You don’t need to be perfect with spaces or capitalization, but the numbers and letters should match.
3. Check the Result: As you type, the result will update in real time. The large colored box will tell you if the model is “APPROVED” or “NOT APPROVED”.
4. Review the Details: The tool will also show you which brand and which NCEES rule it used to make the determination. This helps you understand *why* your calculator is or is not on the list of **approved calculators for fe exam**.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval

The NCEES policy is based on preventing certain functionalities that could compromise exam security. Understanding these factors helps explain why the list of **approved calculators for fe exam** is so specific.

• Programmability: Calculators that allow users to store complex programs or text formulas (like the TI-89) are banned. Approved models have limited, if any, programming features.
• Communication Capabilities: Any device with infrared, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication is strictly forbidden. This is a primary security risk.
• QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with typewriter-style keyboards (alphanumeric keys) are not allowed as they facilitate text entry and storage.
• Large Storage/Memory: Models with extensive memory for storing notes, formulas, or applications are not permitted.
• Graphing Capabilities: While not an explicit ban, most advanced graphing calculators have other disqualifying features (like programmability), which is why they are not on the approved list. The focus is on scientific, non-graphing calculators.
• Power Source: Calculators must be battery-operated and silent. No plug-in or noisy models are allowed. It’s wise to bring a spare set of batteries or a backup approved calculator. You can check out more on the FE exam calculator rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring a TI-84 Plus to the FE exam?
No. The TI-84 series is not on the NCEES approved list because it is a graphing calculator with programming capabilities that violate the policy. You must use a model from the TI-30X or TI-36X series.

2. What is the best approved calculator for the FE exam?
Many engineers consider the TI-36X Pro to be the best due to its powerful features like a multi-line display, equation solver, and vector/matrix operations, all while being on the list of **approved calculators for fe exam**. The Casio fx-115ES Plus is another top choice.

3. Can I bring two calculators into the exam?
Yes, NCEES allows you to bring two approved calculators. This is highly recommended in case one malfunctions or its batteries die during the exam.

4. Does the NCEES calculator policy change?
Yes, the policy is reviewed annually. However, the core list of approved models (TI-30X/36X, Casio fx-115/991, HP 33s/35s) has been stable for many years. It’s always best to check the official NCEES calculator policy website before your exam date.

5. Is the Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz approved?
Yes. The model name contains “fx-991”, so it falls under the Casio rule and is an approved calculator for the FE exam.

6. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
The exam proctors will inspect your calculator. If it is not on the approved list, you will not be allowed to use it. You will have to take the exam without a calculator or use the on-screen digital calculator, which is often less efficient.

7. Is there an on-screen calculator provided during the CBT exam?
Yes, the computer-based test (CBT) interface includes a digital calculator that mimics the functionality of a basic TI-30X model. However, most candidates prefer using their own physical, more powerful **approved calculators for fe exam** for speed and familiarity. See our guide on the TI-36X Pro.

8. Where can I buy an approved calculator?
Approved models are widely available at office supply stores, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces like Amazon. They are standard scientific calculators used in many university courses. More info can be found on our page about passing the FE exam.