FE Exam Approved Calculators: Your Guide to Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam
Navigating the NCEES calculator policy for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can be confusing. Use our tool to quickly check if your calculator is on the approved list and ensure you’re prepared for exam day. This guide covers everything you need to know about calculators allowed on the FE exam, including specific models, policies, and how to make the best choice.
FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker
Enter your calculator’s brand and model to check its eligibility for the FE exam based on current NCEES guidelines.
Please select a calculator brand.
Choose the manufacturer of your calculator.
Please enter your calculator’s model name.
Enter the exact model name as printed on your calculator. Case insensitive.
What is the NCEES Policy on Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam?
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has a strict policy regarding calculators allowed on the FE exam. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and prevent any examinee from having an unfair advantage due to advanced calculator functionalities. Understanding this policy is crucial for every aspiring engineer preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
Who Should Use This Calculator Eligibility Checker?
- FE Exam Candidates: Anyone preparing to take the FE exam needs to verify their calculator’s eligibility.
- Engineering Students: Students considering purchasing a calculator for their studies and future FE exam.
- Educators: Professors and instructors who advise students on exam preparation.
Common Misconceptions About Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam
Many candidates hold misconceptions that can lead to issues on exam day:
- “Any scientific calculator is fine.” This is false. Only specific models from approved brands are allowed.
- “My programmable calculator is okay if I clear its memory.” Also false. Programmable calculators are generally prohibited, regardless of memory status.
- “Graphing calculators are never allowed.” While most advanced graphing calculators are disallowed, some basic scientific models with graphing capabilities might be approved if they meet other criteria (e.g., no CAS, no internet). However, the NCEES list is very specific.
- “The proctor will tell me if my calculator is wrong.” While proctors check, it’s *your* responsibility to ensure compliance. If your calculator is disallowed, you will not be permitted to use it and may not have a backup.
Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam: Approved Models and Policy Explanation
The NCEES policy is designed to ensure that all examinees have access to similar computational power, focusing on fundamental engineering principles rather than advanced calculator features. The core principle is that calculators should be non-programmable, non-communicative, and not have computer algebra system (CAS) capabilities. Only specific models from three brands are permitted.
Approved Calculator List (as of current NCEES policy)
| Brand | Model Name | Key Features (Allowed) |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-115ES PLUS | Natural Display, Solar Plus Battery, Multi-replay function |
| Casio | fx-115ES PLUS 2nd Edition | Enhanced version of fx-115ES PLUS |
| Casio | fx-991EX | ClassWiz series, High-resolution LCD, Spreadsheet function (allowed) |
| HP (Hewlett-Packard) | HP 33s | Algebraic and RPN entry, Two-line display |
| HP (Hewlett-Packard) | HP 35s | Algebraic and RPN entry, Two-line display, Larger memory than 33s |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30XS Multiview | Four-line display, MathPrint feature, Fraction capabilities |
| Texas Instruments | TI-36X Pro | Multi-line display, MathPrint, Vector & Matrix functions (allowed) |
This list is subject to change, so always verify with the official NCEES website before your exam. Our calculator uses this up-to-date list to determine eligibility for calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Variables and Criteria for Eligibility
| Variable | Meaning | Criteria for Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Manufacturer of the calculator | Must be Casio, HP, or Texas Instruments. |
| Model Name | Specific product identifier | Must exactly match one of the NCEES-approved models. |
| Programmability | Ability to store user-defined programs | Generally NOT allowed. Approved models are non-programmable in the sense of storing complex user-defined routines. |
| CAS (Computer Algebra System) | Ability to perform symbolic manipulation | NOT allowed. Calculators with CAS (e.g., TI-Nspire CX CAS) are strictly prohibited. |
| Communication Features | Wireless, Bluetooth, Infrared, etc. | NOT allowed. Calculators must be standalone devices. |
| Internet Access | Ability to connect to the internet | NOT allowed. |
Practical Examples: Using the FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker
Let’s walk through a couple of real-world scenarios to demonstrate how to use the calculator and interpret its results for calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Example 1: Checking an Approved Calculator
Scenario: You own a Casio fx-115ES PLUS and want to confirm its eligibility.
- Input 1 (Calculator Brand): Select “Casio”
- Input 2 (Calculator Model Name): Enter “fx-115ES PLUS”
- Output:
- Primary Result: Eligible for FE Exam (highlighted in green)
- Brand Status: Approved Brand (Casio)
- Model Match: Exact Match Found (fx-115ES PLUS)
- NCEES Guideline Check: Meets NCEES criteria for scientific calculators
- Explanation: This determination is based on the official NCEES list of approved calculators for the FE exam. The Casio fx-115ES PLUS is explicitly listed as an allowed model.
Interpretation: You can confidently bring your Casio fx-115ES PLUS to the FE exam. It fully complies with NCEES regulations for calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Example 2: Checking a Disallowed Calculator
Scenario: You have a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE and are unsure if it’s allowed.
- Input 1 (Calculator Brand): Select “Texas Instruments”
- Input 2 (Calculator Model Name): Enter “TI-84 Plus CE”
- Output:
- Primary Result: Not Eligible for FE Exam (highlighted in red)
- Brand Status: Approved Brand (Texas Instruments)
- Model Match: No Exact Model Match (TI-84 Plus CE is not on the approved list)
- NCEES Guideline Check: Does NOT meet NCEES criteria (likely due to graphing/programmable features not explicitly allowed)
- Explanation: This determination is based on the official NCEES list of approved calculators for the FE exam. The TI-84 Plus CE is not explicitly listed as an allowed model and typically possesses features (like extensive graphing and programmability) that are prohibited.
Interpretation: Your TI-84 Plus CE is NOT allowed for the FE exam. You will need to acquire one of the NCEES-approved calculators allowed on the FE exam before your test date.
How to Use This Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam Checker
Our eligibility checker is designed for simplicity and accuracy, helping you quickly determine if your calculator meets NCEES requirements.
- Select Your Calculator Brand: From the “Calculator Brand” dropdown, choose the manufacturer of your calculator (Casio, HP, or Texas Instruments). If your brand is not listed, select “Other / Not Listed”.
- Enter Your Calculator Model Name: In the “Calculator Model Name” text field, type the exact model name of your calculator. This is usually found on the front of the calculator, above or below the screen. For example, “fx-115ES PLUS” or “35s”. The checker is case-insensitive.
- Click “Check Eligibility”: Once both fields are filled, click the “Check Eligibility” button. The results will appear instantly below.
- Review the Results:
- The Primary Result will clearly state “Eligible for FE Exam” (green) or “Not Eligible for FE Exam” (red).
- Brand Status confirms if the brand itself is approved by NCEES.
- Model Match indicates if your specific model is on the official approved list.
- NCEES Guideline Check provides a general statement about compliance.
- Copy Results (Optional): Use the “Copy Results” button to save the output for your records or to share.
- Reset for New Check: Click the “Reset” button to clear all fields and perform a new eligibility check.
Using this tool ensures you have the correct information about calculators allowed on the FE exam, preventing last-minute stress.
Key Factors That Affect Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam Results
Beyond just the brand and model, several underlying factors dictate why certain calculators allowed on the FE exam are approved and others are not. Understanding these helps in making an informed choice.
- NCEES Official List: This is the paramount factor. Only models explicitly listed by NCEES are allowed. Any calculator not on this list, regardless of its features, is prohibited.
- Programmability: Calculators that allow users to store and execute custom programs are generally disallowed. This prevents examinees from pre-loading formulas or solutions.
- Computer Algebra System (CAS): Calculators with CAS capabilities can perform symbolic manipulation (e.g., solving equations for variables, simplifying algebraic expressions). These are strictly forbidden as they can bypass the need for fundamental understanding.
- Communication Features: Any calculator with wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared), cellular, or internet access is prohibited. The exam environment requires standalone devices.
- Input/Output Capabilities: Calculators that can connect to external devices (like printers, other calculators, or computers) for data transfer are typically not allowed.
- Display Type: While not a primary disqualifier, calculators with very large, high-resolution, or color screens that could potentially display complex graphs or text files might be scrutinized more closely, though the approved list includes some with advanced displays (e.g., fx-991EX).
- Power Source: Most approved calculators are battery-powered, often with solar backup. Calculators requiring external power adapters during the exam are generally impractical and may not be allowed.
These factors collectively define the boundaries for calculators allowed on the FE exam, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Calculators Allowed on the FE Exam
Q: Can I bring any scientific calculator to the FE exam?
A: No, only specific models from Casio, HP, and Texas Instruments are permitted. You must check the official NCEES list or use our calculator eligibility checker to confirm if your model is one of the calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Q: What happens if I bring a disallowed calculator to the FE exam?
A: You will not be allowed to use it. Proctors will inspect calculators, and if yours is not on the approved list, you will have to surrender it or may be asked to leave. It’s crucial to bring an approved backup or ensure your primary calculator is compliant.
Q: Are graphing calculators allowed on the FE exam?
A: Generally, no. Most advanced graphing calculators (like the TI-83, TI-84, or TI-Nspire CX) are not on the approved list due to their programmable and graphing capabilities. Only specific scientific models, some of which may have limited graphing features, are among the calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Q: Can I clear the memory of my programmable calculator and use it?
A: No. The NCEES policy prohibits programmable calculators regardless of whether their memory has been cleared. The inherent capability for programming is the disqualifying factor.
Q: Where can I find the official NCEES list of approved calculators?
A: The most up-to-date list is always available on the official NCEES website, typically under their “Exam Day Policies” or “FE Exam” sections. Our tool references this list for its eligibility checks for calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Q: Should I bring a backup calculator to the FE exam?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to bring a second NCEES-approved calculator. This provides a safeguard against battery failure, malfunction, or accidental damage during the exam.
Q: Are there any restrictions on calculator accessories?
A: Yes, only the calculator itself is allowed. No cases, covers, manuals, or external power cords are permitted in the exam room. Ensure your calculator is fully charged or has fresh batteries.
Q: How often does the NCEES update its list of approved calculators?
A: The NCEES updates its policies periodically, but changes to the approved calculator list are not frequent. However, it’s always best practice to check the official NCEES website close to your exam date to confirm the latest policy on calculators allowed on the FE exam.
Related Tools and Internal Resources for FE Exam Preparation
Preparing for the FE exam involves more than just knowing which calculators allowed on the FE exam. Explore our other resources to enhance your study plan:
- FE Exam Study Guide: Comprehensive resources to help you prepare for all sections of the exam.
- Engineering Exam Preparation Strategies: Learn effective techniques for studying and taking engineering certification exams.
- Scientific Calculator Reviews: Detailed reviews of various scientific calculators, including NCEES-approved models.
- FE Exam Pass Rates and Statistics: Understand the historical performance and success rates for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- Exploring Engineering Career Paths: Discover different specializations and career opportunities in engineering.
- NCEES Exam Dates and Registration: Find information on upcoming exam dates and how to register for your FE exam.