Approved Calculators For Fe Exam

Verify NCEES compliance and find the best calculator for your engineering discipline based on weighted scoring.

Compliance Checker & Recommendation Engine

---

Find Your Best Calculator Match

Adjust the sliders (0-10) to reflect what matters most to you for the exam.

Ease of Use / Natural Display
8

Advanced Functions (Matrices, Vectors, Stats)
9

Speed / Processor Power
7

RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) Preference
0

Set to 0 if you don’t use RPN. Set high if you prefer HP style.

What Are Approved Calculators for FE Exam?

The term approved calculators for fe exam refers to the strict list of electronic devices permitted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Unlike college exams where graphing calculators might be allowed, the FE exam has a “zero tolerance” policy for unapproved devices.

Candidates must understand that bringing a non-compliant calculator will result in the device being confiscated before the exam begins, forcing the examinee to take the 6-hour test without any computational aid. This tool helps you verify if your current model is on the list of approved calculators for fe exam and helps you choose the best one for your specific needs.

Generally, NCEES limits approved calculators for fe exam to models that do not have communicating or internet capabilities, and do not possess QWERTY keyboards or the ability to store large amounts of text.

Approved Calculators for FE Exam: The Formula for Compliance

While there isn’t a mathematical formula to generate a calculator, there is a rigid logical “formula” applied by proctors to determine if your device is one of the approved calculators for fe exam.

The compliance logic follows this decision matrix:

Table 1: NCEES Compliance Logic Variables

Brand Variable	Rule / Condition	Example Compliant Models	Example Banned Models
Casio	Must contain “fx-115” OR “fx-991” in the model name.	fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX ClassWiz	fx-300ES, fx-9750GII (Graphing)
Texas Instruments	Must contain “TI-30X” OR “TI-36X” in the model name.	TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS MultiView	TI-83 Plus, TI-89 Titanium, TI-Nspire
Hewlett Packard	Must strictly be “HP 33s” OR “HP 35s”.	HP 33s, HP 35s	HP 48G, HP 50g, HP Prime

Practical Examples of Compliance Checking

Example 1: The Graphing Calculator Mistake

Scenario: An examinee brings a TI-84 Plus, assuming it is allowed because it is standard in engineering courses.

• Input: “TI-84 Plus”
• Logic Check: Does it contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”? No.
• Result: ❌ Not Approved.
• Consequence: The student must take the exam with no calculator.

Example 2: The Specific Model Match

Scenario: An examinee buys the Casio fx-991CW.

• Input: “Casio fx-991CW”
• Logic Check: Does it contain “Casio” and “fx-991”? Yes.
• Result: ✅ Approved.
• Benefit: This model is one of the most powerful approved calculators for fe exam available today.

How to Use This Calculator Selector

1. Check Your Current Device: Type the exact model name of your calculator into the top field. The tool will instantly check the string against NCEES syntax rules.
2. Set Your Preferences: Use the sliders to rate what is important to you.
   • Ease of Use: How “pretty” the math looks (MathPrint vs line display).
   • Advanced Functions: Do you need to solve integrals, derivatives, or matrices quickly?
   • RPN: Do you prefer Reverse Polish Notation (common for older engineers or HP fans)?
3. Review Recommendations: The tool calculates a weighted score for the three industry standards (TI-36X Pro, Casio fx-991EX, HP 35s) and suggests the best fit.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Choice

Choosing among the approved calculators for fe exam is a strategic financial and academic decision. Here are six factors to consider:

• 1. Matrix & Vector Operations: The FE exam includes linear algebra. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991 models can perform matrix multiplication and inversion directly, saving minutes per problem.
• 2. Statistical Tables: Approved calculators for fe exam like the Casio fx-991EX can calculate normal distribution probabilities (Z-scores) without needing to look up tables in the reference handbook.
• 3. Equation Solvers: The ability to solve for X in a quadratic or cubic equation is vital. The HP 35s allows programming simple equations, while Casio and TI have numerical solvers built-in.
• 4. Display Type (MathPrint): “MathPrint” or “Natural Textbook Display” shows fractions stacked vertically rather than with a slash (e.g., $\frac{1}{2}$ vs 1/2). This reduces entry errors significantly.
• 5. Cost vs. Value: Most approved calculators for fe exam cost between $15 and $60. While the HP 35s is often more expensive (sometimes over $100 due to scarcity), the TI-36X Pro is usually under $25, offering high ROI.
• 6. RPN vs. Algebraic Entry: RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) is faster for long calculations but requires a learning curve. Only the HP models support this among the approved list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are graphing calculators ever approved calculators for fe exam?

No. NCEES strictly bans all graphing calculators to prevent the storage of formulas and text.

Can I bring two approved calculators for fe exam to the test center?

Yes, you are generally allowed to bring a backup calculator, provided both are on the approved list and without covers.

What happens if my calculator has a cover?

You must remove the hard cover and leave it in your locker. You cannot bring the cover into the testing room as it may contain cheat sheets.

Which calculator is best for Civil Engineering?

Many Civil Engineers prefer the Casio fx-991EX or TI-36X Pro because of their easy handling of degrees/minutes/seconds for surveying and strong matrix capabilities.

Is the TI-30Xa one of the approved calculators for fe exam?

Yes, the TI-30Xa is approved because it falls under the “TI-30X” rule. However, it lacks many advanced features like integrals and derivatives found in the Pro/MultiView models.

Does the proctor clear the memory of approved calculators for fe exam?

Yes. Before the exam begins, the proctor may require you to reset the calculator to factory settings to ensure no formulas are stored.

Why is the HP 35s so expensive compared to others?

The HP 35s has been discontinued by HP, leading to scarcity and price gouging in the secondary market, though it remains one of the few RPN options approved.

How strictly is the “approved calculators for fe exam” list enforced?

Extremely strictly. If your model does not match the list exactly (e.g., TI-89), you will absolutely be denied its use.

Related Tools and Internal Resources