PE Exam Calculator Policy Tool
Check Your Calculator Status for the PE Exam
Enter your calculator’s model name to instantly verify if it is one of the calculators allowed on the PE exam. The NCEES has a strict policy, and using a non-approved model will result in disqualification. This tool helps you confirm your device is compliant.
Approved Calculator Models Overview
The following table and chart summarize the brands and model series that are currently on the list of calculators allowed on the PE exam. Use the search bar to filter the table.
Distribution of Approved Calculator Series by Brand
| Brand | Approved Series | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-36X | TI-36X Pro, TI-36X Solar |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X | TI-30XS MultiView, TI-30X IIS |
| Casio | fx-115 | fx-115ES PLUS, fx-115 GT |
| Casio | fx-991 | fx-991EX, fx-991MS |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 35s | HP 35s Scientific Calculator |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s | HP 33s Scientific Calculator |
What are the Calculators Allowed on the PE Exam?
The phrase “calculators allowed on the PE exam” refers to the specific list of calculator models that the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) permits for use during its professional engineering licensure exams. To ensure fairness and prevent any potential for cheating, NCEES maintains a strict ncees calculator policy. This policy explicitly names the makes and model series that are acceptable. Any calculator not on this list is forbidden. The core principle behind the policy is to allow powerful scientific calculators for complex computations without permitting devices that have communication capabilities (like Wi-Fi or IR), large data storage, or advanced programming features that could compromise exam integrity.
Who Should Care About This Policy?
Anyone preparing to take a Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, or any other NCEES-administered test must adhere to this policy. It is a critical part of exam preparation. Showing up on exam day with a non-compliant calculator, even an expensive graphing one, will result in you being unable to use it. This makes understanding the list of calculators allowed on the PE exam a top priority for every examinee.
Common Misconceptions
A common mistake is assuming that any “scientific” or “non-graphing” calculator is fine. This is false. The policy is not based on general categories but on specific model numbers. For instance, while many Texas Instruments models are allowed, the popular TI-89 or TI-Nspire series are strictly prohibited due to their symbolic calculation and data storage capabilities. Always check your specific model against the official list.
NCEES Calculator Policy: Rules and Logic
There isn’t a mathematical formula for determining approved calculators, but rather a set of clear, logical rules. The policy is based on model-name identifiers. An entered model is checked to see if it belongs to one of the approved families. This is a crucial checkpoint for anyone searching for calculators allowed on the PE exam.
The rules are as follows:
- Casio models: Must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in the model name.
- Texas Instruments models: Must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in the model name.
- Hewlett Packard models: Must be ONLY the “HP 33s” or “HP 35s”.
Any features that disqualify a calculator include QWERTY keyboards, wireless communication, removable memory cards, or the ability to access the internet. Our calculator above helps you check these rules automatically, but knowing the logic is key. The best calculator for pe exam is not just the most powerful one, but one that is both compliant and familiar to you.
| Variable | Meaning | Governing Rule | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | The manufacturer of the calculator. | Only Casio, TI, and HP have approved models. | Texas Instruments, Casio |
| Model Series | The specific family of calculators approved. | Must match exactly (e.g., fx-115, TI-36X). | TI-36X Series, fx-115 Series |
| Prohibited Features | Functions that are not allowed. | No communication, no QWERTY, no large storage. | Graphing, Wi-Fi, Symbolic Algebra |
Practical Examples: Approved vs. Denied
Understanding the policy is easier with real-world examples of which models pass the test and which fail, helping you choose from the list of calculators allowed on the PE exam.
Example 1: An Approved Calculator
- Input Model: “Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro”
- Logic Check: The model name contains “TI-36X”, which is an approved series.
- Calculator Output: APPROVED.
- Interpretation: The TI-36X Pro is one of the most popular pe exam approved calculators. It’s powerful, compliant, and widely used by engineers. You can confidently bring this model to the exam.
Example 2: A Denied Calculator
- Input Model: “TI-89 Titanium”
- Logic Check: The model name contains “TI-89”. This is not on the list of approved series (TI-30X, TI-36X).
- Calculator Output: NOT APPROVED.
- Interpretation: The TI-89 is a graphing calculator with a Computer Algebra System (CAS), which is explicitly forbidden by the NCEES. Despite being a powerful engineering tool, it is not one of the calculators allowed on the PE exam and cannot be used.
How to Use This PE Exam Calculator Checker
This tool is designed for simplicity and speed, ensuring you can quickly verify your device against the NCEES calculator policy.
- Enter the Model: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field. For best results, include the brand and series, like “Casio fx-115ES Plus”.
- Check the Results: The tool provides instant feedback. A green “APPROVED” message means you’re good to go. A red “NOT APPROVED” means you need a different calculator. A yellow “warning” suggests a typo.
- Review Intermediate Values: The results section shows you how your input was interpreted, what policy it was checked against, and the brand it identified. This transparency helps you understand the decision.
- Use the Table: If you are unsure or want to see other options, the searchable table lists all approved series and popular examples.
Making a decision is simple: if the tool says “APPROVED”, you can use that calculator. If not, you must acquire one of the models from the approved list before your exam date. Using a familiar, compliant calculator like the ti-36x pro can save you valuable time during the test.
Key Factors in the NCEES Calculator Policy
The NCEES has several reasons for restricting the list of calculators allowed on the PE exam. Understanding these factors helps clarify why your favorite calculator might not be permitted.
1. Text-Editing and Storage
Calculators with large memories or QWERTY keyboards (like the HP 48G) are banned because they could be used to store notes, formulas, or even entire textbooks, providing an unfair advantage.
2. Communication Capabilities
Any device with infrared (IR), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities is strictly forbidden. This rule prevents communication between examinees or access to outside information.
3. Symbolic Calculation (CAS)
Calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS), such as the TI-Nspire CAS or HP Prime, can solve equations symbolically, perform calculus operations, and simplify algebraic expressions automatically. This is considered a “black box” that bypasses the need for the examinee to perform the steps themselves, which is what the exam is designed to test.
4. Power Source
While not a disqualifying factor for the models on the list, it’s wise to choose a calculator with a reliable power source. Solar-powered models with a battery backup (like the TI-36X Pro or casio fx-115es plus) are ideal to prevent a dead battery mid-exam.
5. Ease of Use vs. Power
The policy strikes a balance. The allowed models are powerful enough for any calculation on the exam (matrix operations, numerical solvers, complex numbers) but are not full-fledged computers. The best strategy is to become proficient with the most powerful allowed model you can, like the TI-36X Pro.
6. Standardization and Fairness
By defining a specific list of calculators allowed on the PE exam, NCEES ensures that every candidate has access to the same level of computational technology, creating a level playing field for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are graphing calculators not allowed on the PE exam?
Most graphing calculators have large storage capacity and/or symbolic algebra systems (CAS), which are forbidden by the NCEES calculator policy to maintain exam integrity.
2. Can I bring more than one calculator into the exam?
Yes, you are allowed to bring more than one calculator, as long as all of them are on the approved list. Many people bring a primary and a backup.
3. Is the Casio fx-991EX allowed?
Yes. The rule states any model with “fx-991” in its name is permitted. The fx-991EX is one of the most powerful and popular calculators allowed on the PE exam.
4. What’s the difference between the TI-36X Pro and the TI-30XS?
The TI-36X Pro is generally considered more powerful. It has a better display, a numerical solver, and more advanced matrix and vector functions, making it a favorite for the PE exam.
5. Does the policy for calculators allowed on the PE exam ever change?
Yes, NCEES reviews and updates the policy periodically. You should always check the official NCEES website for the most current policy before your exam date.
6. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
The exam proctors will inspect your calculator. If it is not on the approved list, you will not be allowed to use it. You will have to take the exam without a calculator or use a compliant one if you brought a spare.
7. Is the HP 50g allowed?
No. The only Hewlett Packard models allowed are the HP 33s and HP 35s. The HP 50g is a powerful graphing calculator and is not permitted.
8. Where can I find the official ncees calculator policy?
You can find the definitive list of calculators allowed on the PE exam on the official NCEES website, typically under the “Exams” or “Exam Policies” section.