FE Exam Calculator: Allowed Calculators & Rules


FE Exam Calculator Rules & Checker

Check Your Calculator for the FE Exam

The NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam has strict rules about which calculators are permitted. Using a disallowed calculator can lead to disqualification. This tool helps you understand the guidelines and check if your specific calculator model is likely compliant.

FE Exam Calculator Compliance Checker



Select the general type of your calculator.



Entering your model number helps verify against the NCEES approved list.


NCEES FE Approved Calculator List (Examples)

Commonly Approved and Disapproved Models
Model Name Type Status Notes
Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Scientific Allowed Widely accepted scientific calculator.
Casio fx-115ES PLUS Scientific Allowed Another popular approved scientific model.
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Disallowed Contains disallowed features like symbolic math & QWERTY keyboard.
Casio PRIZM fx-CG50 Graphing Disallowed Advanced graphing features exceed NCEES limits.
HP 50g Graphing/Advanced Disallowed Extensive programming and symbolic capabilities.
Canon F-789SGA Scientific Allowed Example of a less common but permitted scientific calculator.

Allowed vs. Disallowed Calculator Features

Comparison of feature prevalence in allowed vs. disallowed calculators for the FE Exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main rule for calculators on the FE Exam?

The primary rule is that only non-programmable, non-graphing scientific calculators are allowed, with specific exceptions for certain approved models and functionalities. Calculators with symbolic math capabilities, QWERTY keyboards, or communication features are strictly prohibited. Always check the official NCEES list.

Can I use a graphing calculator on the FE Exam?

Generally, no. Most graphing calculators are disallowed because they possess features such as symbolic differentiation/integration, numeric equation solvers, matrix operations, and QWERTY keyboards, which violate NCEES guidelines. Always consult the NCEES calculator policy.

What about my smartphone or tablet? Can I use those apps?

Absolutely not. Smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and any device with calculator apps that offer advanced or programmable features are strictly forbidden. Only approved physical calculators are permitted.

Are there specific scientific calculators that are always allowed?

While NCEES maintains an official list, models like the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS and Casio fx-115ES PLUS are consistently cited as approved scientific calculators. However, the NCEES policy can change, so direct verification is crucial.

What if my calculator isn’t on the NCEES list?

If your calculator model is not explicitly listed, especially if it has advanced features, it’s safest to assume it’s not allowed. Consider purchasing a model that is well-known to be compliant, like the TI-30X IIS or Casio fx-115ES PLUS.

Can I store formulas in my “allowed” scientific calculator?

NCEES permits calculators that can store “simple scientific functions,” but explicitly prohibits calculators that store “formulas” or “programs.” This distinction is often interpreted as: pre-programmed mathematical routines beyond basic constants or trigonometric functions are not allowed. Avoid calculators with dedicated formula memory.

What are “symbolic math capabilities”?

Symbolic math capabilities refer to a calculator’s ability to perform algebraic manipulations, such as solving equations symbolically (e.g., solving for ‘x’ in terms of other variables), performing symbolic differentiation or integration, and simplifying complex algebraic expressions. These features are strictly forbidden on the FE Exam.

Does the FE exam provide a calculator?

No, the FE exam does not provide a calculator. Candidates must bring their own approved calculator that meets all NCEES specifications.

How does NCEES enforce calculator rules on exam day?

Proctors check calculators at the start of the exam. Any disallowed calculator found will be removed, and the candidate may face disciplinary action, including disqualification. It’s your responsibility to ensure your calculator complies.

Related Resources

What Calculators Are Allowed on the FE Exam? Understanding NCEES Guidelines

Definition and Scope

The question, “What calculators are allowed on the FE exam?” is critical for any aspiring engineer preparing for this pivotal licensing test. The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), has stringent rules regarding approved calculating devices. The core principle is to allow calculators that perform standard mathematical functions but prohibit those with advanced capabilities like symbolic manipulation, programming, or communication features. The goal is to ensure a level playing field and test a candidate’s fundamental engineering knowledge rather than their ability to use sophisticated device features. Understanding these nuances is paramount to avoid disqualification on exam day. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, including an interactive calculator to help you assess your device.

Who Should Use This Information?

This resource is designed for:

  • Engineering students nearing graduation.
  • Recent engineering graduates seeking licensure.
  • Anyone planning to take the FE exam.
  • Individuals needing clarification on NCEES calculator policies.

It’s essential for anyone who wants to ensure their chosen calculator complies with the strict FE exam calculator rules.

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: “All scientific calculators are allowed.” While many scientific calculators are approved, not all are. Specific features may still disqualify a model.
  • Misconception 2: “If it’s not explicitly banned, it’s allowed.” The NCEES list is the definitive source. If your calculator isn’t on the approved list or lacks forbidden features, it’s likely not permitted.
  • Misconception 3: “My phone’s calculator app is fine.” Smartphones, tablets, and similar devices are strictly prohibited.
  • Misconception 4: “Storing a few formulas is okay.” NCEES distinguishes between storing simple functions and storing user-defined formulas or programs, with the latter being disallowed.

FE Exam Calculator Policy: Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The NCEES calculator policy can be conceptually broken down into a set of rules governing the capabilities a calculator *must not* possess. While there isn’t a single “formula” to calculate allowance, we can define disallowed features that, if present, render a calculator non-compliant. Our compliance checker uses these criteria.

Defining Non-Compliant Features

A calculator is generally considered *non-compliant* if it exhibits any of the following characteristics:

  • Symbolic Math Capabilities (SMC): Ability to perform symbolic differentiation, integration, or algebraic manipulation.
  • Numeric Equation Solvers (NES): Solves equations numerically for unknown variables.
  • Advanced Programmability (AP): Ability to store and execute user-defined programs or complex formulas beyond basic function storage.
  • QWERTY Keyboard (QW): Presence of a full keyboard layout.
  • Communication Features (CF): Ability to communicate wirelessly or via infrared, USB, etc.
  • Matrix Operations (MO): Built-in functions for matrix arithmetic.
  • Differential Equation Solvers (DES): Solves differential equations.
  • Fourier Transforms (FT): Built-in function for calculating Fourier transforms.

The Compliance Logic (Conceptual)

For a calculator to be allowed, it must pass the following logical test:

IF (Calculator Type == 'Graphing' AND (SMC OR NES OR AP OR QW OR CF OR MO OR DES OR FT OR BuiltInUnitConversions)) THEN Disallowed
ELSE IF (Calculator Type == 'Programmable' AND (AP OR CF OR TextEditing)) THEN Disallowed
ELSE IF (Calculator Type == 'Other' AND (AP OR CF)) THEN Disallowed
ELSE IF (Model is explicitly on NCEES Disallowed List) THEN Disallowed
ELSE Allowed (Subject to NCEES final review)

Note: The presence of features like Built-in Unit Conversions on *graphing* calculators is also a disqualifier, but often considered acceptable on some scientific models if they don’t fall into other prohibited categories. The NCEES official list is the ultimate authority.

Variables Table

FE Exam Calculator Policy Variables
Variable Meaning Unit Typical Range/Examples
SMC Symbolic Math Capabilities Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., TI-84’s `solve(`, `diff(`, `int(` functions)
NES Numeric Equation Solvers Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., Casio ClassWiz numerical solver)
AP Advanced Programmability Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., Storing complex programs, BASIC scripts)
QW QWERTY Keyboard Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., HP 50g)
CF Communication Features Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., Infrared, Bluetooth, USB data transfer)
MO Matrix Operations Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., Matrix addition, multiplication functions)
DES Differential Equation Solvers Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., Numerical ODE solvers)
FT Fourier Transforms Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (e.g., FFT functions)
BuiltInUnitConversions Built-in Unit Conversions Boolean (Yes/No) Often Yes on advanced scientific/graphing (e.g., converting N to lb-f)
TextEditing Advanced Text Editing Boolean (Yes/No) Yes (Beyond basic input correction)

Practical Examples: Applying Calculator Rules

Example 1: Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS

Scenario: A candidate is considering using the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS, a popular scientific calculator, for the FE Exam.

Analysis:

  • Calculator Type: Scientific.
  • Symbolic Math Capabilities: No. It performs standard arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, but cannot solve equations symbolically or perform calculus symbolically.
  • Numeric Equation Solvers: No.
  • Advanced Programmability: No. It can store a few constants and previous calculations but does not support user-defined programs.
  • QWERTY Keyboard: No.
  • Communication Features: No.
  • Matrix Operations: No.
  • NCEES List Check: This model is consistently found on the NCEES list of approved calculators.

Result: The TI-30X IIS is compliant and allowed on the FE Exam.

Interpretation: This calculator adheres to the NCEES guidelines by offering standard scientific functions without prohibited advanced capabilities.

Example 2: Casio fx-CG50 (PRIZM)

Scenario: A candidate wants to use the Casio fx-CG50, a powerful graphing calculator, on the FE Exam.

Analysis:

  • Calculator Type: Graphing.
  • Symbolic Math Capabilities: Yes. It includes functions for calculus (differentiation, integration) and algebra.
  • Numeric Equation Solvers: Yes.
  • Advanced Programmability: Yes. It supports complex programming and apps.
  • QWERTY Keyboard: No (typically).
  • Communication Features: Yes (e.g., USB connectivity).
  • Matrix Operations: Yes.
  • NCEES List Check: This model and similar advanced graphing calculators are typically explicitly listed as *disallowed* by NCEES due to their extensive features.

Result: The Casio fx-CG50 is non-compliant and *not* allowed on the FE Exam.

Interpretation: This calculator possesses multiple features (symbolic math, advanced programming, equation solvers) that violate NCEES regulations for the FE exam.

Example 3: A Hypothetical “Super Scientific” Calculator

Scenario: A new calculator model, the “ProMath 9000,” claims to be a scientific calculator but includes a “QuickSolve” button for various equation types and a “FormulaBank” feature.

Analysis:

  • Calculator Type: Marketed as Scientific.
  • Symbolic Math Capabilities: Not explicitly stated, but “QuickSolve” likely implies numeric solving.
  • Numeric Equation Solvers: Yes, indicated by “QuickSolve”.
  • Advanced Programmability: Yes, implied by “FormulaBank” which likely allows storing user-defined equations.
  • QWERTY Keyboard: No.
  • Communication Features: Assume No for this example.
  • NCEES List Check: Even if not explicitly banned, the “QuickSolve” and “FormulaBank” features strongly suggest it violates the NCEES policy against numeric solvers and storing formulas.

Result: The ProMath 9000 is likely non-compliant and *not* allowed on the FE Exam.

Interpretation: Features beyond standard scientific functions, like automated equation solving or formula storage, are red flags for NCEES compliance.

How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Compliance Checker

Using our calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to determine if your calculator is likely compliant with NCEES rules:

  1. Identify Calculator Type: Determine if your calculator is primarily Scientific, Graphing, or has other programmable features. Select the appropriate option from the “Calculator Type” dropdown.
  2. Select Specific Features (If Applicable):
    • If you chose “Graphing,” carefully review the list of disallowed graphing features (Symbolic differentiation/integration, numeric solvers, matrix operations, etc.) and select any that your calculator possesses.
    • If your calculator is programmable (even if scientific), select the relevant “Programmable Features” like storing formulas or text editing.

    If your calculator is a standard scientific model *without* any of these advanced features, select “None of the following” or “No advanced programming capabilities.”

  3. Enter Model Number (Optional but Recommended): If you know your calculator’s exact model number (e.g., “TI-30X IIS”), enter it in the designated field. This allows for a quick check against known compliant/non-compliant models.
  4. Check Compliance: Click the “Check Compliance” button.

Reading the Results

  • Main Result: This will clearly state “Likely Allowed,” “Likely Not Allowed,” or “Consult NCEES List” based on the inputs provided.
  • Intermediate Checks: These provide a breakdown of how your calculator was evaluated (e.g., Allowed Type, Advanced Features Flagged, Programmable Flags).
  • Model Check Result: If you entered a model number, this will indicate if it’s commonly known to be allowed or disallowed based on historical data.
  • Formula Explanation: This section briefly explains the logic used to reach the compliance status.

Decision-Making Guidance

Use the results as a strong indicator, but remember the ultimate authority is the official NCEES list of approved calculators. If the checker indicates “Likely Not Allowed,” do not risk using that calculator on exam day. If it indicates “Likely Allowed,” double-check against the official NCEES publication. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a widely accepted, compliant model like the TI-30X IIS or Casio fx-115ES PLUS.

Key Factors That Affect FE Exam Calculator Compliance

Several factors determine whether a calculator meets NCEES standards. Understanding these is crucial for making an informed choice:

  1. Type of Calculator: The fundamental classification (scientific, graphing, basic) is the first filter. While NCEES allows specific scientific models, most graphing calculators are disallowed due to inherent complexity.
  2. Symbolic Manipulation: Calculators capable of performing calculus (differentiation, integration) or algebra symbolically (e.g., solving for ‘x’ algebraically) are strictly prohibited. These functions bypass the need for the candidate to demonstrate fundamental understanding of these mathematical processes.
  3. Programmability: The ability to store user-defined programs or sequences of operations is a major red flag. While some approved scientific calculators allow storing basic constants or simple formulas, anything resembling a script or complex program is disallowed. NCEES aims to prevent calculators from solving entire problems through pre-programmed routines.
  4. Numeric Equation Solvers: Calculators that can numerically find the roots of equations (solve for variables in complex equations) are generally not allowed. This feature can significantly speed up problem-solving in ways that circumvent the need for the candidate to apply analytical methods.
  5. Communication Capabilities: Any calculator that can transmit or receive data wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared) or via cables (USB) is banned. This prevents the possibility of external assistance or accessing unauthorized information.
  6. QWERTY Keyboards: Calculators with full alphanumeric keyboards (like a computer keyboard) are disallowed. This feature is often associated with advanced programmability and symbolic manipulation.
  7. Built-in Unit Conversions: While seemingly helpful, extensive built-in unit conversion libraries, especially on graphing calculators, can sometimes be a disqualifying factor if they contribute to the calculator’s overall complexity beyond standard scientific functions. Approved scientific calculators might have limited, basic conversions.
  8. Model Number Verification: The most reliable method is checking the specific model number against the official NCEES list. This list is the definitive guide and accounts for subtle variations between calculator models.

Understanding these factors helps interpret the FE Exam Calculator Rules and make an informed decision, preventing potential issues on exam day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What specific calculators does NCEES recommend?

NCEES does not “recommend” specific calculators but provides a list of *approved* models. Historically, models like the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS and Casio fx-115ES PLUS have been consistently approved. Always check the current official list on the NCEES website for the most up-to-date information.

Can I use a calculator that has a fraction button?

Yes, having a dedicated fraction button or the ability to easily input and display fractions is standard for most scientific calculators and is perfectly acceptable. This is considered a basic mathematical function, not advanced programmability.

What if my calculator has a solar panel? Does that matter?

The power source (solar, battery, dual) does not affect calculator compliance. The focus is solely on the computational and communication features.

Are calculators with basic statistical functions allowed?

Yes, standard statistical functions (mean, median, standard deviation, linear regression) found on most scientific calculators are permitted. These are considered fundamental tools for engineering analysis.

What should I do if my calculator has a feature I’m unsure about?

If you have any doubt about a specific feature, it’s best to consult the official NCEES calculator policy and list of approved/disapproved models. If still unsure, choose a calculator that is widely known to be compliant (e.g., TI-30X IIS) to avoid any risk.

Can I use two calculators on the FE exam?

NCEES rules generally permit only one calculator at a time. Ensure the one you bring is compliant. Backup is usually not permitted unless it’s an identical, approved model in case of malfunction, but confirm this with NCEES guidelines.

How do I find the official NCEES calculator policy?

You can find the most current calculator policy and the list of approved and prohibited models directly on the official NCEES website (ncees.org). Navigate to the FE Exam section and look for calculator information.

Does the FE Civil exam have different calculator rules than other FE disciplines?

No, the calculator policy is uniform across all FE discipline exams. The same rules regarding approved features and models apply regardless of your chosen engineering discipline.

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Disclaimer: This tool provides guidance based on NCEES policies. Always verify with the official NCEES website for the most current information.



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