Approved Calculators for the FE Exam

FE Exam Calculator Approval Status

Use this tool to check the approval status of calculators for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) has specific guidelines. This calculator helps you understand the implications of calculator policies on your exam preparation.

Exam Calculator Assessment

Model Name: N/A |
Discipline: N/A |
NCEES Listed: N/A |
Allowed Functionality: N/A

Assessment Logic: A calculator is generally approved if it is not explicitly prohibited, meets the NCEES functionality requirements (no CAS, no graphing, no QWERTY keyboard, no data storage beyond simple formulas), and is suitable for the chosen exam discipline. Explicit listing by NCEES provides the highest certainty.

What are Approved Calculators for the FE Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), has strict regulations regarding the types of calculators permitted during the examination. Approved calculators for the FE exam are those that NCEES has vetted and explicitly allowed. These calculators typically possess standard scientific functionalities but are restricted from having advanced features such as programmable memory, QWERTY keyboards, graphing capabilities, or the ability to store extensive data or formulas beyond basic constants. The primary goal of these restrictions is to ensure a standardized testing environment where all candidates are evaluated on their engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills, rather than their calculator’s advanced computational power or data retrieval capabilities. Understanding which calculators are approved is a critical first step for any aspiring engineer preparing for this foundational exam. Many candidates mistakenly assume their familiar calculator is allowed, leading to potential disruption on exam day.

Who Should Use This Information?

This information is crucial for:

• Engineering students nearing graduation or recently graduated.
• Individuals applying for professional engineering licensure.
• Anyone planning to take the FE exam in any discipline.
• Educators and advisors guiding students through the licensure process.

Common Misconceptions about FE Exam Calculators

• “My graphing calculator is fine, it’s a TI/Casio.” Many popular graphing calculators (e.g., TI-84, TI-Nspire series, Casio fx-CG series) are NOT allowed due to their advanced features.
• “If it’s not explicitly forbidden, it’s allowed.” NCEES operates on a policy of allowing specific calculators or types of calculators, and prohibiting others. If your calculator isn’t on the approved list or has prohibited features, it’s likely not allowed.
• “I can just bring any scientific calculator.” While standard scientific calculators are often permitted, the definition of ‘standard’ is key. Calculators with excessive memory, symbolic computation, or communication capabilities are universally banned.
• “The exam provider (Pearson VUE) will have one I can use.” NCEES provides a reference handbook and software access, but you must bring your own approved calculator.

FE Exam Calculator Policy: Understanding the Rules

The NCEES calculator policy for the FE exam isn’t based on a complex mathematical formula but rather on a set of clear criteria and an explicit list of approved models. The “formula” for approval is essentially a checklist of requirements.

The Approval Checklist (Formula):

A calculator is approved for the FE exam if it meets the following conditions:

1. Must Not Be Explicitly Prohibited: Calculators with prohibited features are banned.
2. Must Have Only Allowed Functionality: Standard scientific calculators are generally allowed.
3. Must Not Have Prohibited Features: These include, but are not limited to:
   • QWERTY keyboards
   • Symbolic computation (Computer Algebra System – CAS)
   • Graphing capabilities
   • Ability to store or display full text or equations
   • Ability to perform unit conversions not explicitly allowed
   • Ability to communicate wirelessly or wirelessly transfer data
   • Use of a calculator that operates on standard batteries or solar power is acceptable.
4. Discipline Appropriateness: While NCEES provides a general list, it’s assumed the calculator should be suitable for general engineering calculations relevant to the specific discipline.
5. NCEES Approved List: The safest approach is to use a calculator that appears on the official NCEES list of approved calculators.

Variable Explanations Table:

In this context, the ‘variables’ are the characteristics of the calculator and the exam requirements:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Calculator Model Name	The specific identifier of the calculator model (e.g., “Casio fx-115ES PLUS”).	Text String	1 – 50 Characters
FE Exam Discipline	The specific branch of engineering for which the exam is being taken.	Category	FE Other Disciplines, FE Civil, FE Mechanical, etc.
Is NCEES Explicitly Listed?	Indicates if the calculator model is present on the official NCEES approved list.	Boolean (Yes/No)	Yes / No
Has Allowed Functionality?	Indicates if the calculator possesses only features permitted by NCEES (e.g., no graphing, no CAS).	Boolean (Yes/No)	Yes / No
Prohibited Feature Detected?	Boolean flag indicating the presence of any features banned by NCEES.	Boolean (Yes/No)	Yes / No
Approval Status	The final determination of whether the calculator is approved for the FE exam.	Status String	Approved / Potentially Approved / Prohibited / Check Policy

The calculator tool above synthesizes these ‘variables’ to determine the ‘Approval Status’.

Practical Examples of FE Exam Calculator Usage

Example 1: Standard Approved Scientific Calculator

Scenario: Sarah is preparing for the FE Civil exam. She owns a Casio fx-115ES PLUS. She checks the NCEES website and confirms this model is explicitly listed as approved.

• Input:
  • Calculator Model Name: Casio fx-115ES PLUS
  • FE Exam Discipline: FE Civil
  • Is the calculator explicitly listed on the NCEES Approved Calculator List?: Yes
  • Does the calculator have ONLY allowed functionality?: Yes
• Calculator Output:
  • Primary Result: APPROVED (NCEES Listed)
  • Intermediate Values: Model Name: Casio fx-115ES PLUS | Discipline: FE Civil | NCEES Listed: Yes | Allowed Functionality: Yes
  • Assessment Logic: This calculator is explicitly listed on the NCEES approved list for the FE Exam.
• Financial Interpretation: Sarah can confidently use her Casio fx-115ES PLUS for the FE Civil exam. This avoids the cost and stress of purchasing a new calculator or facing restrictions on exam day.

Example 2: Potentially Problematic Calculator

Scenario: John is taking the FE Mechanical exam and uses a calculator called the “SuperCalc Pro”. He is unsure if it’s on the NCEES list but believes it’s just a standard scientific calculator.

• Input:
  • Calculator Model Name: SuperCalc Pro
  • FE Exam Discipline: FE Mechanical
  • Is the calculator explicitly listed on the NCEES Approved Calculator List?: No (Assume he checked and it wasn’t there)
  • Does the calculator have ONLY allowed functionality?: Yes (He believes it does, but hasn’t confirmed advanced features)
• Calculator Output:
  • Primary Result: POTENTIALLY APPROVED
  • Intermediate Values: Model Name: SuperCalc Pro | Discipline: FE Mechanical | NCEES Listed: No | Allowed Functionality: Yes
  • Assessment Logic: This calculator is NOT explicitly listed but appears to meet NCEES functionality requirements. Verify with NCEES policy.
• Financial Interpretation: John should not assume this calculator is allowed. The “Potentially Approved” status indicates a risk. He should research the “SuperCalc Pro” thoroughly for any hidden prohibited features (like advanced equation solvers or data storage) and consult the NCEES official policy. If he cannot guarantee compliance, he should purchase an NCEES-listed calculator to avoid issues, representing a small investment in exam security.

Example 3: Clearly Prohibited Calculator

Scenario: Maria is taking the FE Electrical and Computer exam and wants to use her TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

• Input:
  • Calculator Model Name: TI-84 Plus
  • FE Exam Discipline: FE Electrical and Computer
  • Is the calculator explicitly listed on the NCEES Approved Calculator List?: No
  • Does the calculator have ONLY allowed functionality?: No (She knows it’s a graphing calculator)
• Calculator Output:
  • Primary Result: PROHIBITED
  • Intermediate Values: Model Name: TI-84 Plus | Discipline: FE Electrical and Computer | NCEES Listed: No | Allowed Functionality: No (Prohibited)
  • Assessment Logic: This calculator has prohibited features or is not suitable for the FE Exam.
• Financial Interpretation: Maria absolutely cannot use the TI-84 Plus. This status confirms she needs to acquire an approved calculator. The cost of a new, approved calculator is minimal compared to the potential cost of failing the exam or being unable to complete it.

How to Use This Approved Calculators for FE Exam Calculator

This tool is designed to provide a quick assessment of your calculator’s eligibility for the FE exam. Follow these simple steps:

1. Enter Calculator Model: Type the exact model name of your calculator into the “Calculator Model Name” field. Be precise; for example, use “Casio fx-115ES PLUS” not just “Casio”.
2. Select Your Discipline: Choose the specific FE exam discipline you are registered for from the dropdown menu. While the core calculator policy is generally uniform, context matters.
3. Check NCEES List Status: Honestly assess and select whether your calculator model is explicitly found on the official NCEES Approved Calculator List. You can find this list on the NCEES website.
4. Evaluate Functionality: Determine if your calculator possesses ONLY the allowed functionalities. Standard scientific calculators are generally okay, but avoid models with graphing, programming, QWERTY keyboards, or extensive data storage capabilities. Select “Yes” if you are confident it only has basic scientific functions; select “No” if it has any advanced features or if you are unsure.
5. Click “Check Approval Status”: The calculator will process your inputs.

Reading the Results:

• APPROVED (NCEES Listed): This is the ideal status. Your calculator is on the official list and meets all criteria. You can use it with confidence.
• POTENTIALLY APPROVED: Your calculator is not on the official list but seems to meet the general functionality rules. There’s a risk it might still be disallowed due to unstated advanced features or NCEES’s strict interpretation. It’s highly recommended to double-check the NCEES policy or consider purchasing a calculator from the approved list.
• PROHIBITED: Your calculator has features that are explicitly banned by NCEES or is a model known to be disallowed. Do NOT bring this calculator to the exam.
• CHECK POLICY: This status appears if critical information is missing or contradictory. Always refer to the official NCEES FE Exam Calculator Policy.
• Intermediate Values: These provide a breakdown of your inputs and direct checks (like NCEES listing), helping you understand how the final status was reached.
• Assessment Logic: This offers a concise explanation for the determined status.

Decision-Making Guidance:

• If your calculator is marked “APPROVED (NCEES Listed)”, you are good to go.
• If marked “POTENTIALLY APPROVED”, weigh the risk. Purchasing an inexpensive, listed calculator might be a wise investment to eliminate exam day uncertainty. Compare the cost of a new calculator to the potential cost of failing or retaking the exam.
• If marked “PROHIBITED”, you must obtain an approved calculator immediately.
• Always prioritize the official NCEES calculator policy as the ultimate authority.

Key Factors Affecting FE Exam Calculator Results

Several factors influence whether a calculator is approved for the FE exam. Understanding these helps in making the right choice and avoiding costly mistakes.

1. Explicit NCEES Listing: This is the most crucial factor. Calculators on the official NCEES list offer the highest level of certainty. NCEES tests these models thoroughly.
2. Prohibited Functionality (CAS, Graphing, QWERTY): Calculators with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) that can perform symbolic manipulation (like simplifying algebraic expressions or integration symbolically), graphing capabilities, or a QWERTY keyboard layout are universally banned. These features offer advantages beyond standard calculation.
3. Data Storage and Programmability: NCEES prohibits calculators that can store extensive text, user-created programs, or complex formulas beyond basic constants. While some calculators allow storage of simple constants (like Pi or ‘e’), advanced programmability is not allowed.
4. Communication Features: Any calculator capable of wireless communication or data transfer is strictly forbidden.
5. Model Number Accuracy: Even minor variations in model numbers can matter. Ensure you are checking the exact model you own against the NCEES list. For example, a “Casio fx-115MS” might be different from a “Casio fx-115MS PLUS”.
6. Exam Discipline Nuances: While the core calculator policy remains consistent across disciplines, some disciplines might rely more heavily on specific types of calculations where calculator limitations could be more impactful if the wrong model is chosen. However, NCEES aims for a universal policy for approved devices.
7. Manufacturer Updates/Revisions: Manufacturers sometimes revise models. Always verify the current policy and list, as older or newer revisions might have different approval statuses.
8. Inspection at the Exam Site: Ultimately, the proctors at the exam site have the final say. Even if you believe your calculator is approved, it can be disallowed if deemed inappropriate by the testing center staff. Using an NCEES-listed model minimizes this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Which calculator is the “best” to buy for the FE exam?
  NCEES lists several approved models, including popular choices like the Casio fx-115ES PLUS, Casio fx-991EX, Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS MultiView, and TI-36X PRO. The “best” depends on your budget and familiarity, but any model explicitly on the NCEES list is a safe bet.
• Can I use a calculator with solar power?
  Yes, NCEES permits calculators that operate on standard batteries or solar power. The power source is not a disqualifying factor.
• What if my calculator isn’t on the NCEES list but seems standard?
  While some non-listed calculators might be permissible if they lack prohibited features, it carries risk. NCEES recommends using a calculator from their approved list to guarantee acceptance and avoid potential issues on exam day. This calculator tool can help assess the risk (Potentially Approved).
• Are apps on a tablet or smartphone allowed as calculators?
  No. Mobile devices, tablets, smartwatches, and computer-based calculators are strictly prohibited. You must bring a permitted handheld calculator.
• Can I bring more than one calculator to the exam?
  NCEES permits candidates to bring only one approved calculator into the exam room. Ensure it is the one you have prepared with and is compliant.
• What happens if I bring a disallowed calculator?
  If you bring a calculator that does not meet NCEES policy, you may be prevented from using it, potentially leading to failure to complete the exam or disciplinary action. It’s crucial to verify approval beforehand.
• Does the calculator policy differ for the PE exam?
  Yes, the calculator policy for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is different and generally allows a broader range of approved models, including some more advanced scientific calculators. Always check the specific policy for the PE exam discipline you are taking.
• Where can I find the official NCEES Approved Calculator List?
  The most up-to-date list is always available on the official NCEES website (ncees.org). Navigate to the FE Exam section and look for the Calculator Policy.