Approved Calculators for FE Exam
Ensure you walk into the testing center with confidence. The NCEES has a strict policy on approved calculators for fe exam day to maintain fairness and security. Use our simple checker below to instantly verify if your model is permitted. Don’t risk having your calculator confiscated—confirm its status now.
FE Exam Calculator Approval Checker
Official NCEES Approved Calculator List
The NCEES updates its policy periodically. As of early 2026, the following calculator models are the only ones permitted for use during the FE exam. This is a critical piece of information for anyone preparing and looking for approved calculators for fe exam success.
| Manufacturer | Approved Model Series | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-115 and fx-991 | Any model must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name (e.g., fx-115ES PLUS, fx-991EX). |
| Hewlett-Packard (HP) | HP 33s and HP 35s | Only these two specific models from HP are allowed. No other HP models are permitted. |
| Texas Instruments (TI) | TI-30X and TI-36X | Any model must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name (e.g., TI-30X IIS, TI-36X Pro). |
Approved Models by Manufacturer
In-Depth Guide to Approved Calculators for the FE Exam
What are approved calculators for fe exam?
An “approved calculator for the FE exam” is a device that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has explicitly permitted for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The NCEES calculator policy exists to ensure a fair and standardized testing environment for all candidates. It prevents anyone from gaining an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, data storage, or symbolic calculation capabilities. The policy is very specific, limiting candidates to a handful of models from three manufacturers: Casio, Hewlett-Packard, and Texas Instruments.
This policy is for anyone taking the FE exam, regardless of their engineering discipline. A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is acceptable. However, many powerful scientific calculators, especially those with graphing or programming features like the TI-89 or HP Prime series, are strictly forbidden. Using a non-approved calculator can lead to its confiscation and potentially the invalidation of your exam results. Therefore, understanding the rules for approved calculators for fe exam is a critical step in your preparation.
Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy
The NCEES policy is not based on a list of hundreds of individual models, but rather on approved model *series*. This simplifies the rule but requires careful attention. The core logic is to prohibit any device that could compromise exam integrity. For a deep understanding of approved calculators for fe exam, you must know the rules that lead to a model’s acceptance or rejection.
| Rule / Factor | Meaning | Impact on Approval | Example of Disallowed Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Name Designation | The calculator’s model name must contain a specific NCEES-approved identifier. | Primary method of identification. For example, a Casio must say “fx-115” or “fx-991”. | A Casio “fx-9750GII” is not approved. |
| Computer Algebra System (CAS) | The ability to solve equations symbolically (e.g., solving for ‘x’). | Strictly prohibited. This is a primary reason many advanced calculators are banned. | TI-Nspire CX II CAS |
| Keyboard Type | The layout of the calculator’s keys. | QWERTY-style keyboards (like a computer) are not allowed. | Many older PDA-style calculators. |
| Communication | Any wireless capability (Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). | Strictly prohibited to prevent communication between examinees or with outside sources. | Any calculator with a data port or wireless module. |
| Power Source | Calculators must be self-powered. | Models requiring an electrical outlet are not practical or permitted. They must be battery or solar powered. | N/A (most handhelds are battery powered). |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let’s look at two concrete examples to illustrate the policy for approved calculators for fe exam in action.
Example 1: Casio fx-115ES PLUS (Approved)
- Model Check: The name contains “fx-115”, which is an approved series by NCEES.
- Feature Analysis: This calculator has scientific functions, equation solvers (numerical), and matrix operations. It does NOT have a QWERTY keyboard, wireless capabilities, or a Computer Algebra System (CAS).
- Verdict: It fully complies with the NCEES policy and is one of the most popular approved calculators for fe exam candidates. Thinking about your FE exam study plan should include getting familiar with your chosen calculator.
Example 2: TI-89 Titanium (NOT Approved)
- Model Check: The name “TI-89” does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. On this basis alone, it is not an approved calculator.
- Feature Analysis: This calculator includes a powerful Computer Algebra System (CAS), allowing it to perform symbolic algebraic manipulations. It also has graphing capabilities and can store notes and programs.
- Verdict: It violates multiple NCEES rules and is strictly forbidden in the exam room. Bringing this would be a serious mistake.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
Using this tool to verify your device against the list of approved calculators for fe exam is simple:
- Locate the Dropdown Menu: Find the input field labeled “Select Your Calculator Model” at the top of this page.
- Select Your Model: Click the menu and choose the model that matches your calculator. We have included the most common approved and non-approved models for quick reference.
- View the Result: The tool will instantly display an “APPROVED” or “NOT APPROVED” status in a large, color-coded banner.
- Review the Details: The intermediate results below the banner provide context on why the model is or is not approved, referencing the official NCEES policy. Your civil FE exam guide is only as good as the tools you use with it.
- Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear the selection or “Copy Results” to save the information for your records.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
When selecting from the many potential approved calculators for fe exam, understanding the underlying rules is key. NCEES focuses on several factors to maintain exam integrity.
- Model Name: This is the first and most important check. The model name MUST contain the approved series designator (e.g., “fx-115”, “TI-36X”).
- CAS (Computer Algebra System): Any calculator that can perform symbolic math is automatically disqualified. This is the most common reason popular university calculators are banned.
- Graphing Capabilities: While not an explicit rule itself, most calculators with advanced graphing also have other disallowed features like CAS or programming, effectively banning them. A solid grasp of mechanical FE exam topics is more important than a graphing screen.
- Communication Technology: No infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi is allowed. This is a zero-tolerance rule.
- Keyboard Layout: A standard calculator keypad is required. QWERTY or alphabetic keyboards are forbidden.
- Power and Peripherals: The device must be battery and/or solar-powered and cannot connect to peripherals like printers or power cords. For those facing the exam, electrical FE practice problems are best solved on a permitted device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I bring two approved calculators to the exam?
- Policies can vary by testing center, but typically only one calculator is allowed at your desk. However, you may be allowed to bring a backup that can be inspected and stored with the proctor. Always check the latest NCEES Examinee Guide.
- 2. What if my approved calculator runs out of battery?
- This is the candidate’s responsibility. Proctors will not provide batteries. It is highly recommended to install fresh batteries before exam day. Some solar-powered models (like the TI-30X IIS) mitigate this risk.
- 3. Where is the best place to buy approved calculators for the FE exam?
- They are widely available at office supply stores, major online retailers like Amazon, and electronics stores. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are extremely popular and easy to find.
- 4. Is the on-screen digital calculator the same as a physical one?
- NCEES provides a digital on-screen version of the TI-30X IIS. While functional, most students perform faster and more comfortably with a physical calculator they have practiced with. Do not rely solely on the digital version without practicing with it first.
- 5. Does the color of my calculator matter?
- No. As long as the model name (e.g., TI-36X Pro) is correct, the color of the casing is irrelevant to the policy on approved calculators for fe exam.
- 6. Can I have programs or notes stored on my HP 35s?
- No. While some approved calculators have minor programming capabilities, the NCEES policy requires that all memory and stored programs be cleared before entering the exam room. Proctors may inspect your device.
- 7. I learned on a TI-89. Which approved calculator is most similar?
- The TI-36X Pro is often cited as the most powerful and feature-rich of the approved calculators for fe exam. It offers a multi-line display and many functions that will feel familiar to users of more advanced TI models, making the transition easier. It is crucial to master the FE exam registration steps well in advance.
- 8. Is the list of approved calculators the same for the PE exam?
- Yes, the NCEES calculator policy applies to all its exams, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), Fundamentals of Surveying (FS), and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams.