What Calculator Can I Use on the FE Exam?
An official guide and checker for the NCEES calculator policy.
FE Exam Approved Calculator Checker
Enter your calculator model name to see if it’s on the NCEES approved list for 2026.
Enter the full model name as written on your calculator.
Approved Calculator Brands Overview
What is the NCEES Calculator Policy?
To ensure fairness and prevent any possibility of cheating, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) maintains a strict calculator policy. This policy dictates which specific calculator models are permitted during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The core principle is to allow powerful scientific calculators while prohibiting devices with extensive communication, programming, or data storage capabilities (like graphing calculators with QWERTY keyboards). Knowing if you have an NCEES approved calculator is a critical part of your FE exam prep.
This policy ensures a level playing field for all examinees. Using a non-approved device is a violation of exam rules and can result in your dismissal from the testing center and invalidation of your exam results.
Approved FE Exam Models (The “Formula” for Approval)
The “formula” for determining if a calculator is allowed is simple: the model name must exactly match or belong to a series specified by NCEES. There is no room for interpretation; if it’s not on the list, it’s not allowed. The official policy is reviewed annually, but generally revolves around specific model families.
Official NCEES Approved Calculator List
| Manufacturer | Approved Model Series | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X and TI-36X series | TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS MultiView, TI-30X IIS |
| Casio | fx-115 and fx-991 series | fx-115ES Plus, fx-991EX, fx-115MS |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s only | HP 33s, HP 35s |
Practical Examples
Example 1: A Non-Approved Calculator
An engineering student owns a TI-89 Titanium, a powerful graphing calculator they used throughout college. They enter “TI-89 Titanium” into the checker.
- Input: TI-89 Titanium
- Result: NOT APPROVED
- Reasoning: The TI-89 is a graphing calculator with a computer algebra system (CAS) and other features that are explicitly banned by the NCEES calculator policy.
Example 2: An Approved Calculator
Another student is considering buying a new calculator and wants to know if the Casio fx-115ES Plus is a good choice. They enter its name into the checker. Finding the best FE exam calculator for your needs is crucial.
- Input: Casio fx-115ES Plus
- Result: APPROVED
- Reasoning: The model name contains “fx-115”, which is an approved series by NCEES. This is one of the most popular and recommended calculators for the exam.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator Checker
Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these steps to determine your calculator’s status:
- Locate Model Name: Find the exact model name printed on the front of your calculator.
- Enter Model Name: Type the full model name into the input field above. For example, “TI-36X Pro”.
- Check Status: Click the “Check Status” button.
- Interpret Results: The tool will immediately display whether your calculator is “Approved”, “Not Approved”, or if it could not be definitively determined from your input. The result is based on the official NCEES calculator policy.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Approval
Understanding why certain calculators are banned can help you avoid making a mistake on exam day. Here are the main disqualifying factors:
- Graphing Capability: Any calculator that can plot functions (e.g., TI-83, TI-84, TI-Nspire with a screen) is not allowed.
- Communication: Devices with any wireless, infrared, or Bluetooth capabilities are strictly forbidden.
- QWERTY Keyboard: Calculators with a typewriter-style keyboard (like the TI-92) are banned.
- External Storage: Calculators that use cards, or can connect to external drives or devices are not permitted.
- Power Source: Calculators must be battery-operated and self-contained. Plug-in or laptop-based calculators are not allowed.
- Documentation / Notes: Any device that can store text files or extensive user-created programs is prohibited. The policy favors calculators with basic scientific and numerical functions over programmable mini-computers. For more details on what is allowed check out the approved calculators for FE exam guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, NCEES policy states that you may only bring one approved calculator into the testing room.
You will not be allowed to use it. Proctors will check your calculator, and if it is not on the approved list, you will have to take the exam without it or use the on-screen digital calculator.
These calculators have Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), graphing capabilities, and programming features that provide an unfair advantage and could compromise exam security. The goal of the FE exam calculator policy is to test your knowledge, not the power of your device.
The “best” calculator is subjective, but the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are consistently ranked as top choices by engineers due to their intuitive interfaces and powerful, approved features.
While the approved models have limited memory, it is a good practice to clear any stored numbers or variables before entering the exam room to comply with the spirit of the rules.
Yes. The model name contains “fx-991”, which is an approved series by NCEES. It’s a very popular and capable choice.
No. For Hewlett Packard, only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are permitted. The HP 50g is a graphing calculator and is not allowed.
Absolutely not. Phones, smartwatches, and any other general-purpose electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the exam room.