NCEES Approved Calculators Checker
Instantly verify if your calculator model is permitted for the NCEES FE and PE exams. This tool is based on the official 2026 NCEES calculator policy.
Calculator Eligibility Checker
Verification Details
Policy Basis: NCEES Calculator Policy for 2026 Exams.
Formula: The check is performed by comparing your input against a list of approved model series. The policy allows specific model families from Casio (fx-115, fx-991), Texas Instruments (TI-30X, TI-36X), and Hewlett Packard (HP 33s, HP 35s).
What are NCEES Approved Calculators?
NCEES approved calculators are a specific, limited list of calculator models that are permitted for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. To protect the integrity of the exams, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) restricts the types of calculators allowed. This policy ensures that no examinee has an unfair advantage through devices with advanced communication, programming, or text-editing capabilities. Using a non-approved calculator can result in immediate disqualification, making it critical for every candidate to understand and adhere to the current list. The list of ncees approved calculators is reviewed and updated annually.
Who Should Use This Guide?
This guide is essential for anyone preparing to take an NCEES-administered exam, including engineering students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals seeking licensure. If you are studying for the FE or PE exam, verifying that your calculator is on the approved list is a mandatory step in your preparation.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that any “scientific” calculator is allowed. This is false. NCEES does not approve calculators by category, but by specific model numbers. For instance, while many Texas Instruments calculators are scientific, only those with “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in their model name are permitted. Another error is assuming a calculator allowed in university courses is automatically approved for NCEES exams. Always check the official NCEES policy for your exam year.
List of NCEES Approved Calculator Models (2026)
The core of the NCEES calculator policy is not a complex formula, but a specific list of allowed models. To be approved, your calculator must belong to one of the series listed below. Any deviation from these model families will result in the calculator being deemed non-compliant. This list represents the complete policy for finding ncees approved calculators.
| Brand | Approved Model Series | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Casio | fx-115 and fx-991 | Any model must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its name. |
| Texas Instruments | TI-30X and TI-36X | Any model must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its name. |
| Hewlett Packard | HP 33s and HP 35s | Only these two specific models are allowed; no other HP models. |
Approved Models by Brand
Caption: A chart illustrating the number of approved model series/specific models for each major brand under the NCEES policy. Casio and TI have broader series approvals, while HP is limited to specific models.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Checking a Popular Approved Model
- Input Model: “Casio fx-115ES Plus”
- Logic: The checker script identifies that the model name contains “fx-115”.
- Output: APPROVED
- Interpretation: This calculator is one of the most popular ncees approved calculators and is fully compliant for use on the FE and PE exams.
Example 2: Checking a Prohibited Model
- Input Model: “TI-89 Titanium”
- Logic: The script checks the model name. It does not contain “TI-30X” or “TI-36X”.
- Output: NOT APPROVED
- Interpretation: Although a powerful Texas Instruments calculator, the TI-89 is not on the NCEES approved list due to its advanced graphing and symbolic calculation capabilities. Using it would lead to disqualification. For exam prep, consider an FE exam prep guide that emphasizes using compliant tools.
How to Use This NCEES Approved Calculators Checker
- Enter the Model: Type the full model name of your calculator into the input field above. Include letters, numbers, and suffixes (e.g., “Pro”, “Plus”, “II”).
- Check the Result: The tool provides instant feedback as you type. A green “APPROVED” message means you are good to go. A red “NOT APPROVED” message means you need to find a different calculator for the exam.
- Review the Details: The results section explains why your model was approved or not, linking it directly to the NCEES policy.
- Reset if Needed: Use the “Reset” button to clear the field and start over with a new model.
Key Factors That Affect NCEES Approved Calculators Results
Understanding why certain calculators are chosen is key. The decision isn’t arbitrary but is based on maintaining exam fairness and security. If you are developing PE exam strategies, choosing the right calculator is a foundational step.
- No Wireless Capability: Calculators cannot have any form of wireless communication (Bluetooth, IR, etc.).
- No QWERTY Keyboards: Devices with typewriter-style keyboards are forbidden.
- Limited Programmability: While some approved models have minor programming functions, they cannot store extensive text or formulas. The policy aims to prevent storage of notes.
- No Graphing: Calculators with large screens capable of plotting functions are banned. This is why models like the TI-84 or TI-89 are not allowed.
- No Symbolic Calculation: The calculator must not be able to solve algebraic equations symbolically (e.g., solving for ‘x’).
- Official List Adherence: The single most important factor is whether the model name explicitly matches the approved list. Even a slight variation can render a calculator non-compliant. This strictness is a core part of the policy for ncees approved calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To ensure fairness and exam integrity. By standardizing the tools, NCEES prevents any candidate from having an unfair advantage through stored notes or advanced computational features. This is a cornerstone of their mission.
Your exam will likely be voided, and you may be barred from taking future NCEES exams. Proctors are trained to check calculators, and using a prohibited device is a serious violation of exam rules.
Yes. The model name contains “fx-991”, which makes it compliant with the NCEES policy. It’s a popular choice for many engineering candidates. To get the most out of it, see our guide on understanding exam specifications.
Yes, the TI-36X Pro is one of the most widely used and recommended ncees approved calculators. Its model name contains “TI-36X”, making it fully compliant.
Yes, NCEES reviews the policy and the list of approved calculators annually. Always check the official NCEES website for the policy applicable to your exam year before purchasing a calculator.
Policies can vary, but typically you are allowed to have a backup calculator, provided it is also on the NCEES approved list. Both may be inspected by the proctor.
During the computer-based tests (CBT), NCEES provides a digital on-screen calculator that emulates one of the approved models (a TI-30XS). You can use this in addition to your physical, approved calculator. Check out our online engineering courses to practice with similar tools.
These calculators are widely available from major online retailers, office supply stores, and university bookstores. Popular models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus are generally in stock. A good calculator is a key part of your engineering toolkit, much like having one of the best engineering laptops.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Continue your exam preparation and professional development with these resources. Following the right career guide for engineers starts with passing your licensure exams.
- FE Exam Prep Guide: A comprehensive guide to structuring your study plan for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- PE Exam Strategies: Advanced techniques and strategies for passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
- Best Engineering Laptops: A review of the top laptops for engineering students and professionals.
- Online Engineering Courses: Explore our catalog of courses designed to enhance your engineering skills.
- Career Guide for Engineers: Navigate your career path with our in-depth guide to engineering professions.
- Understanding Exam Specifications: Learn how to read and interpret NCEES exam specs to focus your studies.