FE Exam Calculator Check: Can You Use Your Calculator on the FE Exam?
FE Exam Calculator Allowance Checker
Enter your calculator brand and model to see if it’s likely allowed on the NCEES FE exam. Always double-check the official NCEES calculator policy.
Allowed Calculator Model Series by Brand
Visualization of the number of approved model *series* (fx-115/fx-991, 33s/35s, 30X/36X) per brand.
Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy for the FE Exam
What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?
The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) FE exam calculator policy outlines which calculators are permitted during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. NCEES implements this policy to ensure fairness and prevent the use of calculators with prohibited functionalities (like communication capabilities, extensive memory, or QWERTY keypads) that could compromise the exam’s integrity. Understanding can you use a calculator on the FE exam involves knowing these specific rules.
Only certain models from Casio, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Texas Instruments (TI) are allowed. It’s crucial for every exam candidate to verify their calculator model against the most current NCEES list before exam day. Using a non-approved calculator will result in it being confiscated, and you may not be allowed to complete the exam. The question “can you use a calculator on the FE exam” is answered by adhering strictly to the NCEES guidelines.
Common misconceptions include believing any scientific calculator is fine, or that programmable calculators are allowed if cleared. This is incorrect; only the specific models listed by NCEES are permitted, regardless of memory clearing.
NCEES Approved Calculator List and Rules
The NCEES explicitly states the only calculator models acceptable for use during the FE exam are:
- Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models. (Must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the model name).
- Hewlett Packard: The HP 33s and HP 35s models (no other HP models).
- Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models (Must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the model name, e.g., TI-30Xa, TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro).
No other calculator models are permitted. This rule about FE exam allowed calculators is strictly enforced. Calculators must not be modified in any way (e.g., no added stickers, instructions, or covers that aren’t original). Exam proctors will inspect calculators. The question of can you use a calculator on the FE exam is clearly defined by these model restrictions.
Allowed Calculator Models Table
| Brand | Allowed Model Series/Models | Example Allowed Models |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-115 and fx-991 series | fx-115 ES Plus, fx-991EX ClassWiz, fx-115 MS |
| Hewlett Packard (HP) | HP 33s and HP 35s | HP 33s, HP 35s |
| Texas Instruments (TI) | TI-30X and TI-36X series | TI-30Xa, TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView, TI-36X Pro, TI-36X Solar |
Table summarizing the NCEES-approved calculator brands and model series for the FE exam.
Always refer to the official NCEES website for the most up-to-date policy, as it can change.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Allowed Calculator
- Input Brand: Casio
- Input Model: fx-115 ES Plus
- Result: ALLOWED (as it matches the “fx-115” series)
- Interpretation: This calculator is permitted for the FE exam.
Example 2: Disallowed Calculator
- Input Brand: Texas Instruments (TI)
- Input Model: TI-89 Titanium
- Result: NOT ALLOWED (it’s not a TI-30X or TI-36X model)
- Interpretation: This calculator, despite being a TI, is not on the approved list and cannot be used. Figuring out can you use a calculator on the FE exam requires checking the model number carefully.
Example 3: Checking a Model
- Input Brand: HP
- Input Model: 35s
- Result: ALLOWED (HP 35s is explicitly allowed)
- Interpretation: This specific HP model is fine.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
- Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s brand from the dropdown menu (Casio, HP, TI, or Other).
- Enter the Model: Type the full model number/name of your calculator into the “Calculator Model” field. Be precise.
- Check the Result: The tool will instantly show whether your model is likely “ALLOWED”, “NOT ALLOWED”, or if you need to “CHECK MODEL” more carefully against the NCEES list, especially for Casio and TI series. If you select “Other”, it will indicate “NOT ALLOWED”.
- Review Details: The intermediate results section shows your input and the status.
- Verify with NCEES: Always click the link to the official NCEES calculator policy to confirm, as the policy can be updated. This tool is a guide based on the known policy.
Understanding can you use a calculator on the FE exam is vital for a smooth exam experience.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Allowance
- NCEES Policy Updates: NCEES periodically reviews and may update its calculator policy. Always check the official NCEES website before your exam.
- Specific Model Numbers: Only the exact model series/numbers listed (Casio fx-115/fx-991, HP 33s/35s, TI-30X/TI-36X) are allowed. Similar models outside these lines are not permitted.
- Calculator Modifications: Any modification to the calculator, including non-standard covers, added instructions, or stickers, can render an otherwise allowed calculator disallowed.
- Exam Center Enforcement: Proctors at the testing center enforce the NCEES rules strictly. They will inspect your calculator.
- Brand and Series Match: The brand and the model series (e.g., “fx-115” within Casio, “TI-36X” within TI) must match the NCEES list.
- Calculator Condition: While not directly about allowance, a calculator with a very low battery or malfunctioning keys might as well be disallowed in practice. Ensure it’s in good working order.
These factors directly impact whether you can use a calculator on the FE exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I bring more than one calculator to the FE exam?
- No, NCEES policy generally permits only one approved calculator in the exam room. Bringing a backup is usually not allowed into the room itself, though you might store it in a locker if the center provides one (check with your center).
- 2. What if my calculator model is very similar but not exactly on the list?
- If it’s not one of the explicitly mentioned Casio fx-115/fx-991, HP 33s/35s, or TI-30X/TI-36X models, it is not allowed. “Similar” does not count. Check the NCEES calculator policy.
- 3. Are programmable calculators allowed if I clear the memory?
- No, the allowance is based purely on the model, not whether it’s programmable or if memory is cleared. If the model isn’t on the list (e.g., TI-89, HP Prime), it’s not allowed, even if cleared.
- 4. Does the “Plus”, “Pro”, “EX”, or “IIS” in the model name matter?
- Yes, but as long as the base model number (fx-115, fx-991, TI-30X, TI-36X) is part of the name, these suffixes usually denote variations within the allowed series and are generally acceptable (e.g., fx-115 ES Plus, TI-36X Pro are allowed). Always verify with NCEES if unsure about a specific variant.
- 5. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
- The proctor will likely confiscate it, and you will have to take the exam without a calculator, or your exam may be invalidated depending on the circumstances.
- 6. Where can I find the most up-to-date NCEES calculator policy?
- On the official NCEES website: https://ncees.org/exams/calculator-policy/. This is the definitive source for FE exam allowed calculators.
- 7. Are solar-powered versions of allowed calculators okay?
- Yes, as long as the model number matches the allowed series (e.g., TI-30Xa Solar, TI-36X Solar are fine).
- 8. Do I need to register my calculator before the exam?
- No, you don’t register it beforehand, but it will be inspected by the proctor on exam day to ensure it complies with the NCEES calculator policy.