Best Calculator To Use For Fe Exam

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Best Calculator to Use for FE Exam | NCEES Approved Models


Best Calculator to Use for FE Exam: NCEES Approved Models & Selector

Choosing the right calculator is crucial for success on the FE exam. You are restricted to models approved by NCEES. This tool helps you compare popular NCEES-approved calculators based on your preferences to find the best calculator to use for the FE exam for you.

FE Exam Calculator Selector

Rate the importance of each factor (1=Not Important, 5=Very Important) to find the best calculator to use for the FE exam based on your needs.



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What is the NCEES Approved Calculator Policy for the FE Exam?

The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) has a strict calculator policy for the FE exam to ensure fairness and prevent the use of devices with prohibited functionalities (like communication or extensive memory). Only certain calculator models are permitted in the exam room. It is absolutely crucial to check the latest NCEES calculator policy directly on their website before your exam, as the list of approved models can change. Using a non-approved calculator will result in its confiscation and possibly other disciplinary actions. Finding the best calculator to use for the FE exam means selecting one from this approved list.

Generally, NCEES allows specific models from Casio (fx-115 and fx-991 series), Texas Instruments (TI-30X and TI-36X series), and Hewlett Packard (HP 33s and HP 35s). Always verify the exact model numbers allowed.

Common misconceptions include thinking any scientific calculator is okay, or that a more expensive calculator is automatically better or allowed. Neither is true; it MUST be on the NCEES list.

Approved Calculator Models and Our Comparison Data

Below are some popular NCEES-approved calculator models and their general ratings (on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being best, except for Price where 5 is lowest price/best value) that our tool uses. These ratings are subjective and based on general reviews and specifications; your experience may vary.

Model Ease of Use Display Quality Battery/Power Adv. Functions (within limits) Price/Value (5=Best Value) Familiarity/Reviews
Casio fx-115 ES Plus 4 4 4 4 4 5
Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz 4 5 4 5 4 4
TI-30X IIS 5 3 4 3 5 4
TI-36X Pro 4 4 4 5 4 5
HP 35s 3 3 3 4 3 3

Note: Always double-check the latest NCEES approved calculator list before purchasing or taking your exam. Model availability and specific features can vary. The best calculator to use for the FE exam for you will depend on your personal preferences and familiarity.

Practical Examples (Choosing Your Calculator)

Example 1: Prioritizing Ease of Use and Familiarity

A student has used TI calculators throughout their degree and values ease of use above all. They set weights: Ease of Use=5, Display=3, Battery=3, Functions=3, Price=3, Familiarity=5. Our tool might highlight the TI-36X Pro or TI-30X IIS as a good fit due to high familiarity and ease scores, even if other calculators have slightly better displays or more functions.

Example 2: Needing Advanced Functions and Good Display

Another student is comfortable with various calculators but wants one with the best allowed functions and a clear display for complex problems. They set weights: Ease of Use=3, Display=5, Battery=3, Functions=5, Price=3, Familiarity=3. The Casio fx-991EX or TI-36X Pro might be recommended due to their higher ratings in functions and display quality.

How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Selector

Using our selector to find the best calculator to use for the FE exam is straightforward:

  1. Rate Importance: For each factor (Ease of Use, Display Quality, etc.), use the slider to indicate how important it is to you, from 1 (not important) to 5 (very important).
  2. Calculate: Click the “Find My Best Calculator” button.
  3. View Primary Result: The tool will display the calculator model with the highest weighted score based on your preferences as the “Best Match”.
  4. Examine Comparison Table: The table shows the scores for all considered calculators, allowing you to see how they compare across all factors and their final weighted scores.
  5. See the Chart: The bar chart visually represents the weighted scores for each calculator.
  6. Understand the Formula: The explanation shows how the weighted score is calculated.
  7. Reset (Optional): Click “Reset” to return the importance sliders to their default values.

When reading the results, consider not just the top scorer but also other calculators with close scores. The “best” is subjective and might also depend on which calculator you can get your hands on and practice with before the exam.

Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Choice

  • NCEES Approval: This is non-negotiable. Your calculator MUST be on the current NCEES list.
  • Familiarity: The best calculator to use for the FE exam is often the one you are most familiar with. Using a calculator you’ve used in your courses can save precious time during the exam.
  • Display Type: Some calculators have multi-line or “natural textbook” displays, which can make inputting and reading complex equations easier. Others have simpler displays.
  • Key Layout and Feel: The responsiveness and layout of the keys can impact speed and accuracy.
  • Built-in Functions: While limited by NCEES, some approved calculators have more convenient built-in functions for common engineering calculations (e.g., matrix operations, equation solvers, complex numbers) than others.
  • Power Source: Most are battery-powered, some are solar with battery backup. Ensure you have fresh batteries before the exam.
  • Price: Approved calculators range in price. Consider your budget, but remember the exam fee itself is significant, so a reliable calculator is a worthwhile investment.
  • RPN (Reverse Polish Notation): The HP 35s supports RPN, which some engineers prefer, but it has a steeper learning curve if you’re not used to it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring more than one calculator to the FE exam?
Yes, you can bring more than one NCEES-approved calculator, but check the current NCEES policy for any restrictions on the number or handling of backup calculators.
What happens if my calculator runs out of battery during the exam?
You are responsible for your calculator’s working order. It’s wise to install fresh batteries before the exam and bring a backup if allowed and you are comfortable with it. Some test centers might have restrictions on changing batteries during the exam.
Is the Casio fx-991EX allowed? I heard it was very good.
As of my last update, Casio models with “fx-991” in their name are generally allowed, including the fx-991EX. However, ALWAYS verify the exact model against the current NCEES calculator policy, as model specifics can matter.
Is the TI-89 or TI-Nspire allowed?
No, calculators with advanced graphing capabilities or QWERTY keypads like the TI-89, TI-Nspire, and similar models are generally NOT allowed on the FE exam.
Should I buy the most expensive approved calculator?
Not necessarily. The best calculator to use for the FE exam is one that is approved, you are comfortable with, and meets your needs within the rules. Familiarity often trumps having the most features.
How much practice should I have with my chosen calculator?
You should be very proficient with your chosen calculator. Practice using it for all your FE exam preparation problems so its operation becomes second nature.
Where can I find the official NCEES calculator policy?
On the NCEES website, under the section for the FE exam or exam-day policies: https://ncees.org/exams/calculator-policy/
Can I program my calculator for the FE exam?
No, calculators with programming capabilities, or those where you can store extensive notes or formulas beyond the built-in functions, are typically not allowed or their programming features must be cleared/disabled per NCEES rules for the allowed models like the HP 35s (its limited programming might be allowed if memory is cleared).

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Finding the best calculator to use for the FE exam is a key step in your preparation. Use our tool, check the NCEES policy, and practice!

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