NCEES Approved Calculators for the FE Exam

Ensure you’re prepared with the right tools for your Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

FE Exam Calculator Compliance Checker

Use this tool to verify if a calculator model meets NCEES specifications for the FE Exam. Enter the calculator’s model name and check common features against NCEES guidelines.

Common Calculator Models & Their Status

FE Exam Calculator Status

Model Name	Graphing	QWERTY	Communication	Power Adapter	Symbolic D/I	Programmable	NCEES Status
TI-30XS Multiview	No	No	No	No	No	No	Approved
Casio fx-115ES PLUS	No	No	No	No	No	No	Approved
HP 35s	No	No	No	No	No	Yes (Basic)	Approved*
TI-84 Plus	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes (Advanced)	NOT Approved
Palm Pilot (Generic)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	NOT Approved
HP Prime	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	NOT Approved

What is the FE Exam Calculator Policy?

The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam calculator policy is a critical set of rules established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) that dictates which types of calculators candidates are permitted to use during the examination. This policy is designed to ensure a level playing field and prevent candidates from using devices that could provide unfair advantages, such as computational power beyond standard scientific functions, communication capabilities, or extensive data storage. Understanding and adhering to this policy is paramount for any aspiring engineer preparing to take the FE exam, as using a non-compliant calculator can lead to immediate disqualification.

Who should use this information? Anyone preparing to take the FE exam across any discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Chemical, Environmental, Industrial, Biomedical, Computer Engineering) needs to be intimately familiar with the NCEES calculator policy. This includes students in their final year of an ABET-accredited engineering program, recent graduates, and engineers seeking licensure in states that require the FE exam as part of their professional engineering (PE) license path.

Common misconceptions: A frequent misconception is that any calculator that looks like a “scientific calculator” is automatically allowed. NCEES has specific restrictions on features, not just calculator categories. For instance, some advanced scientific calculators might be disallowed due to programmable functions or symbolic computation capabilities. Another misconception is that if a calculator is commonly used in college coursework, it will be allowed on the FE exam; however, university coursework environments often permit much more powerful devices than the FE exam.

FE Exam Calculator Policy: Logic and Guidelines

While there isn’t a single numerical “formula” in the traditional sense for determining calculator compliance, the NCEES policy operates on a set of logical conditions. A calculator is compliant if and only if it meets ALL the following criteria. Conversely, if it fails ANY single criterion, it is non-compliant. We can represent this logic:

Compliance = NOT (Graphing OR QWERTY OR Communication OR Power Adapter OR Symbolic D/I OR Advanced Programmable)

Let’s break down the conditions:

• Graphing Capability: Calculators designed to display graphs of functions (e.g., plotting y=f(x)) are generally prohibited.
• QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators featuring a full or partial QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboard layout are not permitted.
• Communication Devices: Any calculator with wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared) or other means to communicate with other devices is forbidden.
• Power Adapter Requirement: Calculators that require an AC power adapter instead of relying solely on batteries are not allowed.
• Symbolic Differentiation/Integration: Calculators capable of performing symbolic calculus operations (finding exact derivatives or integrals in variable form) are prohibited.
• Advanced Programmable Keys: While basic programmability for simple sequences or constants might be overlooked, calculators with advanced programming features that can execute complex algorithms or store extensive user-defined functions beyond standard scientific operations are generally disallowed.

Variable Definitions Table

FE Exam Calculator Compliance Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range/State
Graphing	Presence of graphing functionality	Boolean (Yes/No)	No (Approved), Yes (Not Approved)
QWERTY	Presence of a QWERTY keyboard	Boolean (Yes/No)	No (Approved), Yes (Not Approved)
Communication	Presence of communication capabilities	Boolean (Yes/No)	No (Approved), Yes (Not Approved)
Power Adapter	Requirement for a power adapter (vs. battery)	Boolean (Yes/No)	No (Approved), Yes (Not Approved)
Symbolic D/I	Capability for symbolic differentiation/integration	Boolean (Yes/No)	No (Approved), Yes (Not Approved)
Advanced Programmable	Presence of advanced programmable keys/functions	Boolean (Yes/No)	No (Approved), Yes (Not Approved)

Practical Examples and Use Cases

Understanding the policy is best illustrated through examples. The NCEES consistently provides lists of approved and non-approved models, but the underlying logic applies universally.

Example 1: The Approved TI-30XS Multiview

Inputs Checked:

• Calculator Model: TI-30XS Multiview
• Graphing: No
• QWERTY: No
• Communication: No
• Power Adapter Required: No (battery-powered)
• Symbolic D/I: No
• Advanced Programmable Keys: No

Compliance Result: Approved

Interpretation: This calculator meets all NCEES criteria. It is a standard scientific calculator with a multi-line display, capable of performing complex calculations, conversions, and basic statistics without possessing any prohibited features. It’s a popular choice for FE exam takers.

Example 2: The Non-Approved TI-84 Plus

Inputs Checked:

• Calculator Model: TI-84 Plus
• Graphing: Yes
• QWERTY: No
• Communication: No (standard model)
• Power Adapter Required: No (battery-powered)
• Symbolic D/I: No
• Advanced Programmable Keys: Yes

Compliance Result: NOT Approved

Interpretation: Although the TI-84 Plus is a powerful scientific calculator commonly used in high school and early college, its graphing capability immediately disqualifies it for the FE exam. Even if other features were compliant, the graphing function alone is enough to make it non-permissible.

Example 3: A Hypothetical Advanced Calculator

Inputs Checked:

• Calculator Model: “EngiMax Pro 5000” (Hypothetical)
• Graphing: No
• QWERTY: No
• Communication: Yes (Bluetooth enabled)
• Power Adapter Required: No
• Symbolic D/I: No
• Advanced Programmable Keys: No

Compliance Result: NOT Approved

Interpretation: This hypothetical calculator is not allowed because it has communication capabilities (Bluetooth). The presence of just one prohibited feature renders the device non-compliant, regardless of whether other features meet the criteria.

How to Use This FE Calculator Compliance Checker

Our FE Exam Calculator Compliance Checker is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Follow these steps to ensure your calculator meets NCEES standards:

1. Identify Your Calculator Model: Find the exact model name printed on your calculator. This is crucial for accurate checking.
2. Enter Model Name: Type the model name into the “Calculator Model Name” field.
3. Assess Features: Honestly answer the questions about your calculator’s capabilities:
   • Does it have graphing functions?
   • Does it have a QWERTY keyboard?
   • Does it have any wireless or communication features (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IR)?
   • Does it require a power adapter, or does it run on batteries?
   • Can it perform symbolic differentiation or integration?
   • Does it have advanced programmable keys for complex functions?

   Select “Yes” or “No” for each feature using the dropdown menus.

4. Click “Check Compliance”: The tool will analyze your inputs based on the NCEES logic.
5. Read the Results:
   • Primary Result: Will clearly state “Approved” or “NOT Approved”.
   • Key Compliance Factors: Shows the status of each feature you selected.
   • Assumptions & NCEES Rules: Reinforces the specific NCEES guidelines related to each feature.
   • Compliance Logic: Explains the reasoning behind the result.
6. Use the Chart and Table: The chart provides a visual comparison of prohibited features, and the table lists common models and their compliance status for reference.
7. Reset if Needed: If you want to check a different calculator or correct your inputs, click the “Reset” button.
8. Copy Results: Use the “Copy Results” button to save the analysis for your records or to share it.

Decision-Making Guidance: If your calculator is flagged as “NOT Approved,” you must obtain a compliant model before exam day. Do not rely on potentially outdated information; always cross-reference with the official NCEES FE Exam website. Choosing an approved calculator early in your preparation avoids last-minute stress.

Key Factors That Affect FE Exam Calculator Compliance

Several factors contribute to a calculator’s compliance status. Understanding these can help you select the right device:

1. Core Functionality (Scientific vs. Graphing): The most significant determinant is whether the calculator is primarily a scientific or a graphing device. NCEES strictly permits only basic and scientific calculators. Graphing calculators offer capabilities far beyond standard arithmetic, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions, which are the core of FE exam calculations.
2. User Interface Design (Keyboard Layout): The presence of a QWERTY keyboard suggests a device capable of more complex input, potentially text-based programming or data entry, which is deemed an unfair advantage. Standard scientific calculators use a numerical keypad with function buttons.
3. Connectivity and Data Transfer: Calculators with communication ports (USB, serial, infrared) or wireless capabilities (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) are explicitly banned. These features could allow for data transfer, external processing, or even remote access, fundamentally undermining the integrity of a standardized test.
4. Power Source: While most approved calculators are battery-powered, the prohibition against power adapters is noteworthy. It might relate to logistical issues (requiring outlets) or preventing devices that are essentially mini-computers requiring stable, continuous power.
5. Computational Sophistication (Symbolic Math): Calculators that can perform symbolic manipulation (like finding the derivative of $x^2$ to get $2x$ or integrating $x$ to get $x^2/2$) are classified as Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) and are prohibited. The FE exam tests the *application* of engineering principles, not the calculator’s ability to perform advanced symbolic mathematics.
6. Programmability Level: Basic scientific calculators often allow users to store constants or simple formulas. However, advanced programming features that enable users to write and execute complex algorithms, store large programs, or create sophisticated macros are generally disallowed. The line can be fine, but NCEES aims to prevent calculators from solving entire problems algorithmically.
7. NCEES Official List: Ultimately, the definitive source is the NCEES list of approved and non-approved calculators. While the logic above covers general guidelines, specific models might have unique approvals or denials based on NCEES’s detailed reviews. Always check this list before purchasing.
8. Exam Discipline Specifics (Rarely): While the calculator policy is generally uniform, it’s always prudent to check if any specific engineering discipline has unique, albeit rare, restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is my graphing calculator allowed on the FE Exam?

No, NCEES explicitly prohibits graphing calculators on the FE Exam. Even if it has other scientific functions, the graphing capability alone disqualifies it.

Q2: Can I use a calculator with a touch screen?

NCEES does not specifically ban touch screens, but any calculator with a touch screen that also has graphing, QWERTY input, communication, or symbolic math capabilities would be prohibited. A basic scientific calculator with a touch screen *might* be allowed if it meets all other criteria, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and stick to models confirmed as approved.

Q3: What about calculators that can do symbolic integration and differentiation?

Calculators capable of symbolic calculus (e.g., finding exact derivatives or integrals in terms of variables) are strictly prohibited. Approved calculators perform numerical calculations only.

Q4: Is the HP 35s calculator approved for the FE Exam?

The HP 35s calculator is generally considered approved, although it has advanced programmable features. NCEES has historically allowed it, but candidates should always verify the most current NCEES policy and list, as interpretations can evolve. It is important to understand that its programmability is for basic equation solving and sequence storage, not complex algorithm execution.

Q5: Can I bring more than one calculator to the exam?

Yes, you are allowed to bring more than one calculator, provided that ALL calculators you bring comply with the NCEES policy. It’s wise to bring a backup.

Q6: What if my calculator is not on the NCEES list?

If your calculator model is not explicitly listed as approved or prohibited, you should assume it is NOT approved unless it strictly adheres to all the general rules (no graphing, QWERTY, etc.) and you have confirmed this through NCEES documentation. It’s safest to choose a model that is clearly listed as approved.

Q7: Does the FE Exam provide calculators?

No, the FE Exam does not provide calculators. Candidates must bring their own approved calculator that meets NCEES specifications.

Q8: Can I use my smartphone or tablet as a calculator?

No, smartphones, tablets, and any device with communication capabilities or exceeding the defined calculator parameters are strictly prohibited. Only approved standalone calculators are permitted.

Q9: Are there any exceptions to the calculator rules?

NCEES maintains a strict policy, and exceptions are extremely rare and typically related to documented disability accommodations processed well in advance. For the general population, adherence to the stated rules is required.

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