Calculators Allowed On The Fe Exam

Official NCEES Compliance Checker & Study Time Calculator

Weeks to Exam Readiness
12.5 Weeks

Daily Study Load (7-day week)
1.8 Hours/Day

Discipline Difficulty Multiplier
1.2x

NCEES Approved Calculator Brands

Brand	Approved Models	Key Features for FE
Casio	All fx-115 and fx-991 models	Natural Textbook Display, Solves integrals/derivatives
Hewlett Packard	HP 33s and HP 35s	RPN and Algebraic entry, Programmable (limited)
Texas Instruments	All TI-30X and TI-36X models	Multiview display, excellent for stat/probability

Note: No other calculator brands or models are permitted in the testing center.

What is calculators allowed on the fe exam?

The term calculators allowed on the fe exam refers to the strictly enforced list of approved scientific calculator models provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Because the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a high-stakes standardized test, the NCEES limits the types of technology available to candidates to ensure fairness and prevent unauthorized data storage or communication.

Who should use this guide? Every engineering student or graduate preparing for the FE Civil, FE Mechanical, FE Electrical, or FE Chemical exams must verify their hardware. A common misconception is that any scientific calculator is permitted. In reality, graphing calculators like the TI-84 or Casio Prizm are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated at the testing center door.

calculators allowed on the fe exam Formula and Mathematical Explanation

While the NCEES policy itself is a binary “Yes/No” rule, our calculator uses a weighted heuristic to determine your study readiness based on the technical complexity of the calculators allowed on the fe exam you choose and your engineering discipline. The formula for study estimation is as follows:

Total Hours = (Base Difficulty + (Discipline Factor) - (Knowledge Level * 10)) * Calculator Efficiency

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Base Difficulty	Baseline prep for average engineering graduate	Hours	80 – 150
Discipline Factor	Weighting for specific exam breadth (e.g., Civil)	Coefficient	1.0 – 1.3
Knowledge Level	Current grasp of the NCEES Reference Handbook	Scale 1-10	3 – 8
Calculator Efficiency	Speed boost from advanced allowed models	Multiplier	0.9 – 1.1

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: The Civil Engineering Student

Input: Discipline: FE Civil; Knowledge Level: 4; Model: TI-36X Pro; Available: 15 hours/week.
Output: The calculator identifies the TI-36X Pro as one of the best calculators allowed on the fe exam. Due to the breadth of the Civil exam, the tool estimates 140 total hours of study. At 15 hours/week, the student needs approximately 9.3 weeks to be exam-ready.

Example 2: The Working Professional (Mechanical)

Input: Discipline: FE Mechanical; Knowledge Level: 7; Model: HP 35s; Available: 5 hours/week.
Output: The HP 35s is verified. With a higher knowledge level, the total hours required drop to 90. However, with limited study time (5 hrs/week), the duration extends to 18 weeks, highlighting the need for a long-term plan.

How to Use This calculators allowed on the fe exam Calculator

• Step 1: Enter your calculator model. The tool will check if it contains keywords like “TI-36X” or “fx-115” to verify calculators allowed on the fe exam compliance.
• Step 2: Select your engineering discipline. Different exams have different volume levels of practice problems.
• Step 3: Adjust your Knowledge Level. Be honest about your familiarity with the NCEES Reference Handbook.
• Step 4: Review the results. The tool provides a visual breakdown of how to split your time between reviewing concepts and working through practice problems.

Key Factors That Affect calculators allowed on the fe exam Results

Successfully using calculators allowed on the fe exam is about more than just having the device; it’s about efficiency. Here are six factors that influence your success:

1. Matrix and Vector Capabilities: Models like the TI-36X Pro or Casio fx-991 handle vectors and matrices faster than the TI-30X, saving precious minutes on the exam.
2. Equation Solvers: Being able to solve quadratic or cubic equations instantly is a key advantage of certain calculators allowed on the fe exam.
3. Natural Display: Seeing fractions and radicals exactly as they appear in the NCEES handbook reduces input errors.
4. RPN vs. Algebraic: The HP 35s offers Reverse Polish Notation, which some engineers find faster, though it has a steeper learning curve.
5. Battery Reliability: Since the FE exam is nearly 6 hours long, using a solar-powered model with battery backup is highly recommended.
6. Discipline Specifics: Electrical engineers might prioritize complex number handling, while Civil engineers look for easy unit conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring more than one of the calculators allowed on the fe exam?

Yes, you can bring multiple approved calculators into the testing room, but only one can be on your desk at a time. The rest must be stored in your locker or under the desk as per proctor instructions.

2. Is the TI-84 allowed on the FE Exam?

No. The TI-84 is a graphing calculator and is NOT among the calculators allowed on the fe exam. Attempting to use one can result in immediate disqualification.

3. What happens if my calculator is not on the list?

The proctors will inspect your device. If it is not on the NCEES approved list, it will be confiscated, and you will have to take the exam without a calculator or using the basic on-screen computer calculator provided in the software.

4. Why is the TI-36X Pro so popular for the FE?

It is widely considered the most powerful of the calculators allowed on the fe exam because it offers MultiView, unit conversions, and easy-to-use statistics and calculus functions.

5. Do I need to clear my calculator memory before the exam?

NCEES policy states that you do not need to clear the memory of the approved non-programmable models, though the HP 33s and HP 35s have specific rules regarding program storage.

6. Are solar-powered calculators allowed?

Yes, solar-powered models are allowed as long as they belong to the approved brand families (Casio, TI, HP).

7. Can I use the Casio fx-115MS?

Yes, the “MS” and “ES” versions of the fx-115 are both considered calculators allowed on the fe exam.

8. How much time should I spend learning my calculator?

You should spend at least 10-15 hours of your study time purely practicing how to use your specific calculator for complex functions like integration and distribution. Proficiency is key to passing.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• FE Exam Prep Guide: A comprehensive look at all seven discipline-specific exams.
• Reference Handbook Search Tool: Tips for navigating the digital NCEES handbook during your exam.
• FE Civil Engineering Calculators: Specific formulas and tools for Civil candidates.
• Mechanical FE Exam Review: High-yield topics and practice problems for Mechanical engineers.
• Electrical Engineering Formulas: Key equations you’ll need to use with your calculators allowed on the fe exam.
• Study Schedule Generator: Create a daily calendar for your engineering licensing journey.