NCEES Approved Calculator Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator is permitted for use on NCEES exams like the FE and PE. Our NCEES approved calculator tool provides immediate results based on the latest official policy.
Calculator Eligibility Tool
Approved Calculators by Manufacturer
Official NCEES Approved Calculator List
| Manufacturer | Approved Model Series | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X, TI-36X | Model name must contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”. |
| Casio | fx-115, fx-991 | Model name must contain “fx-115” or “fx-991”. |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s, HP 35s | Only these two specific models are allowed. No others. |
What is the NCEES Calculator Policy?
The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) calculator policy is a set of strict rules defining which calculators are permissible during their standardized exams, including the FE, PE, FS, and PS exams. The primary purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity of the examination process. By standardizing the tools available, NCEES ensures fairness and prevents any examinee from having an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, text-editing, or programming capabilities. Using a non-compliant or prohibited device, which is not an ncees approved calculator, will result in dismissal from the exam room and invalidation of the test results.
This policy applies to all exam formats, whether computer-based (CBT) or paper-based. It is crucial for every candidate to verify their device is an ncees approved calculator well before exam day. Common misconceptions include thinking that any “scientific” calculator is allowed, or that a calculator approved for a college course is automatically approved for NCEES exams. This is incorrect; only models that explicitly match the NCEES list are permitted.
The Approval Logic and Formula
Instead of a mathematical formula, the verification of an ncees approved calculator follows a logical, rule-based “formula”. This process involves comparing the calculator’s model name against a set of rules defined by NCEES. The logic is primarily based on string matching.
The core logic is:
Approval = (IsCasioModel AND (Name CONTAINS 'fx-115' OR Name CONTAINS 'fx-991')) OR (IsHPModel AND (Name EQUALS 'HP 33s' OR Name EQUALS 'HP 35s')) OR (IsTIModel AND (Name CONTAINS 'TI-30X' OR Name CONTAINS 'TI-36X')). This demonstrates why a dedicated ncees approved calculator checker is so valuable.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | The brand of the calculator. | Text | Casio, Texas Instruments, Hewlett Packard |
| Model String | The identifying name on the calculator. | Text | e.g., “fx-115 ES Plus”, “TI-36X Pro” |
| Approval Status | The binary result of the check. | Boolean | Approved / Not Approved |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: A Clearly Approved Calculator
- Input Model: “Casio fx-115ES PLUS”
- Logic: The checker identifies the manufacturer as Casio and finds the required “fx-115” substring in the model name.
- Output: APPROVED.
- Interpretation: This device is a valid ncees approved calculator and is safe to bring to the exam.
Example 2: A Prohibited Graphing Calculator
- Input Model: “Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium”
- Logic: The checker identifies the manufacturer as Texas Instruments but does NOT find the required “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” substrings. Graphing calculators like the TI-89 are explicitly forbidden due to their advanced features. For more information, check our calculator policy details page.
- Output: NOT APPROVED.
- Interpretation: This calculator is prohibited. Bringing it to the exam would lead to disqualification.
How to Use This NCEES Approved Calculator Checker
Using our tool is simple and provides instant peace of mind. Follow these steps:
- Enter Model Name: Type the full model name of your calculator into the “Calculator Model Name” input field. Be as precise as possible.
- Select Exam: Choose the exam you are taking from the dropdown menu. The policy is generally the same for all, but this helps tailor the result.
- Read the Result: The tool will instantly update. A green “APPROVED” message means your ncees approved calculator is compliant. A red “NOT APPROVED” message means it is not allowed.
- Review Details: The intermediate results will show your input and confirm the reason for the decision, providing a clear explanation. If you need more study materials, visit our FE/PE study guides.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
NCEES determines its list of approved calculators based on several key factors designed to maintain exam security. Understanding these factors helps clarify why certain powerful calculators are banned.
- No Wireless Communication: Calculators cannot have any form of wireless capability (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IR). This prevents communication with other devices or individuals.
- No QWERTY Keypads: Devices with typewriter-like keyboards are prohibited. This rule targets calculators that have text-editing or storage features, making it impossible to bring in notes.
- No Cameras or Scanning Ability: Any device capable of capturing images or scanning documents is strictly forbidden to prevent exam content theft.
- Limited Programming: While some approved models have minor programming functions, calculators with extensive script-running or large program storage are banned. This is a primary reason why high-end graphing calculators are not an ncees approved calculator.
- No Access to External Data: The calculator must not be able to access memory cards, plug-in modules, or connect to external drives. You can find a list of recommended models on our best FE exam calculators page.
- No Paper Tape or Printing: The device must not create a physical record of calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The TI-Nspire series, especially with a CAS (Computer Algebra System), has advanced symbolic calculation, graphing, and data storage features that are explicitly prohibited by NCEES policy to ensure fairness. For a suitable alternative, see our review of the TI-36X Pro.
Yes, NCEES policy allows you to bring more than one approved calculator. It is a highly recommended strategy in case your primary calculator’s battery dies or it malfunctions.
Proctors are not allowed to provide assistance. You would either have to use your backup ncees approved calculator or use the on-screen digital calculator provided in the CBT interface, which is modeled after the TI-30X IIS.
The on-screen calculator is functional but can be slower and more cumbersome than a physical one. Most candidates perform much more efficiently with a handheld ncees approved calculator they are familiar with. Using the on-screen version is best reserved for emergencies.
Yes, NCEES reviews and updates the calculator policy annually. It’s essential to check the official policy for the year of your exam. Our tool is updated regularly to reflect the current rules. See the history of changes on our policy updates page.
Most likely, yes. The key rule for Casio models is that “fx-115” or “fx-991” must be in the model name. There are many versions (e.g., ES, MS, ES Plus). As long as the core model string is present, it is considered an ncees approved calculator.
The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is widely regarded as one of the best and most popular choices due to its powerful features, intuitive multi-line display, and affordable price point.
While proctors may perform a brief inspection, the approved models have very limited memory that is not considered a security risk. You are not typically required to perform a memory reset, but it is good practice to be familiar with the process just in case.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Continue your exam preparation with our other specialized tools and guides.
- FE Exam Study Planner – Organize your study schedule for success.
- PE Exam Requirements Guide – Understand the requirements for your specific engineering discipline.
- Engineering Unit Conversion Calculator – A quick tool for converting common engineering units.