Calculators Allowed on the Fe Exam

FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker

Use this tool to quickly check if your calculator meets the NCEES requirements for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

function calculateEligibility() { var isApprovedModel = document.querySelector('input[name="isApprovedModel"]:checked'); var hasQWERTY = document.querySelector('input[name="hasQWERTY"]:checked'); var hasCommunication = document.querySelector('input[name="hasCommunication"]:checked'); var hasPaperTape = document.querySelector('input[name="hasPaperTape"]:checked'); var hasPowerCord = document.querySelector('input[name="hasPowerCord"]:checked'); var resultDiv = document.getElementById("eligibilityResult"); var reasonsListDiv = document.getElementById("reasonsList"); reasonsListDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous reasons var isAllowed = true; var reasons = []; // Validate all inputs are selected if (!isApprovedModel || !hasQWERTY || !hasCommunication || !hasPaperTape || !hasPowerCord) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please answer all questions to determine eligibility."; return; } // Primary check: Is it on the approved list? if (isApprovedModel.value === "no") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("Your calculator model is not on the NCEES approved list. Only specific models are permitted."); } // Secondary checks for disqualifying features if (hasQWERTY.value === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("Calculators with QWERTY keyboards are strictly prohibited."); } if (hasCommunication.value === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("Calculators with communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, camera) are prohibited."); } if (hasPaperTape.value === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("Calculators with paper tape are not allowed."); } if (hasPowerCord.value === "yes") { isAllowed = false; reasons.push("Calculators requiring a power cord or AC adapter are prohibited."); } // Display results if (isAllowed) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "✔ Your calculator appears to be allowed for the FE Exam."; reasonsListDiv.innerHTML = "However, always double-check the official NCEES calculator policy for the most current information and specific model details."; } else { resultDiv.innerHTML = "❌ Your calculator is NOT allowed for the FE Exam due to the following reasons:"; var ul = document.createElement("ul"); ul.style.textAlign = "left"; ul.style.listStyleType = "disc"; ul.style.paddingLeft = "20px"; for (var i = 0; i < reasons.length; i++) { var li = document.createElement("li"); li.textContent = reasons[i]; ul.appendChild(li); } reasonsListDiv.appendChild(ul); reasonsListDiv.innerHTML += "It is crucial to use an approved calculator to avoid issues on exam day. Please refer to the official NCEES calculator policy for the most current information."; } }

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a critical step for aspiring engineers. While preparing for the rigorous technical content, many candidates overlook a seemingly simple yet crucial detail: the calculator policy. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has a very strict and specific policy regarding which calculators are permitted during the FE exam. Failing to comply can lead to your calculator being confiscated, or worse, being dismissed from the exam.

Why Such a Strict Policy?

The NCEES calculator policy is designed to ensure fairness and prevent any form of cheating. By limiting candidates to specific, non-programmable (in the sense of storing extensive notes or formulas) scientific calculators, NCEES ensures that all test-takers are on an equal footing. This prevents the use of devices that could store unauthorized information, communicate with outside sources, or perform advanced symbolic computations that are not intended to be part of the exam's assessment.

The Approved Calculator List: Your Only Options

The most important aspect of the NCEES policy is that only specific models from three calculator families are allowed. If your calculator is not on this list, it is prohibited, regardless of its features. The approved families and their specific models are:

• Casio: All fx-115 models. This includes fx-115MS, fx-115MS Plus, fx-115ES, fx-115ES Plus, and fx-115EX.
• Hewlett Packard: Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models.
• Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models. This includes TI-30XA, TI-30X IIS, TI-30XS Multiview, TI-36X Pro, TI-36X II, and TI-36X Solar.

It is crucial to note that even slight variations in model numbers (e.g., an "fx-991" instead of an "fx-115") will result in disqualification. Always verify the exact model number on your calculator against the official NCEES list.

Prohibited Calculator Features

Even if your calculator is from an approved family, certain features or modifications can still lead to its prohibition. Be aware of the following:

• QWERTY Keyboards: Any calculator with a full alphanumeric (QWERTY) keyboard is strictly forbidden.
• Communication Capabilities: Devices with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, camera, or any other wireless communication features are not allowed. This includes smartwatches, phones, and tablets.
• Paper Tape: Calculators that print on paper tape are prohibited.
• Power Cords/AC Adapters: Calculators requiring an external power cord or AC adapter are not permitted. They must be battery-powered.
• Noise-Making Devices: Calculators that make noise (e.g., audible key presses, alarms) are generally not allowed unless the sound can be completely disabled.
• External Devices: Any calculator that is part of a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or other computer device is prohibited.

Using the Eligibility Checker

Our "FE Exam Calculator Eligibility Checker" above is designed to help you quickly assess if your calculator meets the NCEES requirements. By answering a few simple questions about your calculator's model and features, you can get an immediate indication of its eligibility. This tool is a convenient first step in your preparation, but it should always be followed by a direct check of the official NCEES website.

Important Tips for Exam Day

• Bring a Backup: It's highly recommended to bring two identical, approved calculators to the exam. Batteries can die, or a calculator might malfunction.
• Know Your Calculator: Practice extensively with your chosen calculator before the exam. You should be able to navigate its functions quickly and efficiently without fumbling.
• Clear Memory: While approved calculators generally don't have extensive programmable memory, it's good practice to clear any stored data or programs before the exam, if applicable.
• Check NCEES Website: The NCEES calculator policy can be updated. Always visit the official NCEES website for the most current and definitive information before your exam date.

By understanding and strictly adhering to the NCEES calculator policy, you can eliminate one potential source of stress on exam day and focus entirely on demonstrating your engineering knowledge.