Allowed Calculators for FE Exam: Your Essential Guide


Allowed Calculators for FE Exam

Your Comprehensive Guide to Exam Preparation Tools

Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a significant step in any engineering career. A crucial aspect of this preparation involves understanding the rules surrounding the use of calculators during the exam. The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) strictly regulates what you can and cannot bring into the testing center, and this extends to your calculator. This guide will break down the specifics of allowed calculators for the FE exam, helping you choose the right tool and avoid any last-minute issues.

FE Exam Calculator Compliance Checker

While there isn’t a direct “calculator compliance” calculation, understanding the requirements involves checking if a specific calculator model is on the NCEES approved list. This tool helps you assess calculator features that are commonly permitted or restricted.



NCEES generally restricts calculators with QWERTY or other full keyboards.



This is a critical disqualifier.



Programming and text editing functions are typically not allowed.



Standard feature, but mentioned for completeness.



The most reliable indicator is official approval.



Wireless or data transfer capabilities are prohibited.



Auditory or textual output beyond the screen is not permitted.



Calculator Compliance Assessment

Review Inputs
QWERTY/Alphanumeric Check: Review inputs
Communication/Programming Check: Review inputs
NCEES Policy Adherence: Review inputs

Assessment Logic: A calculator is generally compliant if it does NOT have an alphanumeric/QWERTY keyboard, programming/typing capabilities, or communication ports, AND it has basic math/scientific functions and power-saving features. The most definitive check is official NCEES approval.

Understanding the NCEES Calculator Policy

The NCEES governs the FE and PE exams, and their calculator policy is designed to ensure a standardized testing environment where all candidates rely on their engineering knowledge, not advanced computational capabilities beyond basic mathematical operations. The policy primarily focuses on restricting calculators that could provide an unfair advantage.

Key Restrictions

  • Alphanumeric Keyboards: Calculators with QWERTY or other full alphanumeric keyboards are prohibited. This prevents candidates from storing or inputting large amounts of text or programming code.
  • Programming Capabilities: Devices capable of programming, graphing complex functions beyond basic plotting (if allowed), storing extensive notes, or performing symbolic computations are generally not permitted.
  • Communication Devices: Any calculator with wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), infrared, or other data transfer capabilities is forbidden. This prevents external communication or access to unauthorized information.
  • Audio/Speech Output: Calculators that produce sound or have speech/text-to-speech capabilities are not allowed.
  • Desmos and TI-30XS MultiView/TI-36X Pro: These are specific models that NCEES has approved and made available via the exam software. Candidates can use these on their computer screen during the exam.

What IS Generally Allowed?

The NCEES typically permits basic scientific and four-function calculators. Approved models often include:

  • Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView
  • Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
  • Casio fx-115ES PLUS
  • Casio fx-991EX

These calculators can perform standard arithmetic, trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponentiation, basic statistics, and sometimes basic calculus operations (like integration and differentiation approximations). They must also have power-saving, automatic shut-off features.

FE Exam Calculator Policy: A Deeper Dive

The NCEES calculator policy is the definitive guide. It’s crucial to consult the official NCEES website for the most current and detailed information. The policy aims to create a level playing field, focusing on mathematical calculations rather than advanced computational functions that could be seen as external aids. Essentially, the exam expects you to know *how* to solve problems and use your calculator for the arithmetic and standard functions, not to perform complex symbolic manipulations or access stored information.

Why the Strict Rules?

The FE exam is designed to test your fundamental engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills. Allowing calculators with extensive capabilities like programming or data storage would:

  • Undermine the exam’s purpose: It would shift the focus from understanding engineering principles to knowing how to program a device.
  • Create an unfair advantage: Candidates with more advanced (and expensive) calculators or better programming skills could perform better on certain sections.
  • Compromise exam security: Programmable calculators could potentially store exam questions or answers.

Therefore, NCEES mandates that calculators must be limited to basic arithmetic and standard mathematical functions. The approved list includes models that meet these criteria without offering prohibited features. Remember, you can also use the on-screen calculator provided within the electronic testing software, which includes versions of Desmos and approved TI models.

FE Exam Calculator Policy: Common Misconceptions

Several misunderstandings surround the FE exam calculator policy. Clearing these up is vital for your exam preparation:

  • “Any scientific calculator is fine”: This is false. While many scientific calculators are allowed, specific features like alphanumeric keyboards or programming capabilities make many models non-compliant. Always check the NCEES list.
  • “If it’s not explicitly forbidden, it’s allowed”: The NCEES policy works more on the principle of what IS allowed. If your calculator isn’t on the approved list or doesn’t meet the criteria, assume it’s not permitted.
  • “I can bring multiple calculators”: You are typically allowed only one calculator during the exam. Ensure the one you bring is NCEES-approved.
  • “Graphing calculators are always banned”: While many advanced graphing calculators with extensive programming and data storage are banned, specific models like the TI-36X Pro offer some graphing capabilities but are still approved because they adhere to the overall policy limitations. The key is the *type* and *extent* of graphing and programming features.

Always refer to the official NCEES website or the NCEES Calculator Policy document for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding allowed calculators for the FE exam.

How to Use This Calculator Compliance Checker

This tool is designed to help you quickly assess if your calculator model might meet the NCEES requirements for the FE Exam. It’s not a substitute for checking the official NCEES list, but it highlights the key features NCEES looks for.

  1. Identify Your Calculator’s Features: Consult your calculator’s manual or manufacturer’s website to determine if it possesses the features listed (e.g., alphanumeric keyboard, programming functions, communication ports).
  2. Answer the Questions: For each question in the calculator, select the option that accurately describes your calculator.
  3. Click “Check Compliance”: The tool will analyze your answers and provide an overall assessment.
  4. Review the Results:
    • Primary Result: This gives a general compliance status. “Likely Compliant” means it meets most criteria, but always verify with NCEES. “Likely Non-Compliant” indicates it has features that typically disqualify it.
    • Intermediate Results: These break down the assessment based on specific feature categories (keyboard, communication, policy adherence).
    • Formula Explanation: Understand the logic behind the assessment.
  5. Verify with NCEES: The most crucial step. Visit the official NCEES Calculator Policy page to find the definitive list of approved calculators.
  6. Use “Reset” and “Copy Results”: Use the “Reset” button to start over with a different calculator. Use “Copy Results” to save the assessment summary.

This tool helps you make an informed preliminary decision before consulting the official NCEES guidelines.

NCEES FE Exam Approved Calculator Models (Examples)

Commonly Approved Calculators for the FE Exam
Brand Model Type Key Features Notes
Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Multi-line display, basic calculus, statistics Available on-screen via exam software
Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Multi-line display, advanced math, basic calculus, statistics Highly recommended physical calculator
Casio fx-115ES PLUS Scientific Natural textbook display, statistics, equation solver Widely used and approved
Casio fx-991EX Classwiz Scientific High-resolution display, advanced statistics, spreadsheet functions Check latest NCEES approval status
HP HP 35s Scientific/RPN RPN entry, basic engineering functions Ensure no advanced programming features beyond basic calculation are used/enabled. Verify NCEES approval.

Calculator Feature Comparison


Comparison of key features across approved calculator types. ‘Yes’ indicates the feature is commonly present and permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about FE Exam Calculators

What is the most recommended calculator for the FE Exam?
The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is frequently recommended due to its balance of functionality and compliance with NCEES rules. The Casio fx-115ES PLUS is also a popular choice. Always confirm the latest approved list on the NCEES website.

Can I use a graphing calculator on the FE Exam?
Generally, no, unless it is a specific approved model like the TI-36X Pro which has limited graphing capabilities. Calculators with extensive graphing, programming, or data storage features are prohibited.

What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
If you bring a calculator that is not on the NCEES approved list or violates the policy, you will be required to put it away and may have to use the basic on-screen calculator provided, potentially hindering your performance. In severe cases, it could lead to exam invalidation.

Are there approved calculators available on the computer during the exam?
Yes. The electronic testing software includes on-screen versions of Desmos and approved TI calculators (like the TI-30XS MultiView and TI-36X Pro) that you can use.

Can my calculator connect to the internet or my phone?
Absolutely not. Any calculator with wireless communication capabilities (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared) is strictly forbidden on the FE Exam.

What if my calculator has a “solver” function? Is that allowed?
Basic equation solvers that solve for one variable are often allowed on approved scientific calculators. However, advanced symbolic solvers or equation generation capabilities are typically not permitted. Refer to the NCEES policy for specifics.

Does NCEES provide a list of *all* calculators that are NOT allowed?
NCEES primarily publishes a list of *approved* calculators. It’s best practice to assume any calculator not on this list, or one possessing prohibited features (alphanumeric keyboard, programming, etc.), is disallowed.

Can I use my smartphone as a calculator?
No. Smartphones are electronic devices and are strictly prohibited in the testing center for use as calculators or for any other purpose during the exam.

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