Engineering Board Exam Calculator Compatibility Checker
Comprehensive Guide: List of Allowed Calculators for Engineering Board Exams (2024)
Preparing for your engineering board exam requires not just technical knowledge but also the right tools. One of the most critical tools is your calculator. Using an unapproved calculator can result in immediate disqualification, making it essential to understand the exact requirements for your specific exam. This guide provides an authoritative breakdown of allowed calculators for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), and Structural Engineering (SE) exams, along with state-specific variations.
1. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Calculator Policy
The NCEES establishes the calculator policies for the FE, PE, and SE exams. Their guidelines are designed to ensure fairness while allowing examinees to perform necessary calculations. Here are the key rules:
- No programmable calculators with user-accessible programming capabilities
- No calculators with QWERTY keyboards (either physical or touchscreen)
- No communication capabilities (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.)
- No permanent memory storage (calculators must be reset to factory defaults)
- No graphing calculators for most exams (with specific exceptions for some PE exams)
- No calculators with paper tape printing capabilities
| Exam Type | Graphing Calculators Allowed? | Programmable Allowed? | Memory Storage Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) | No | No | No |
| Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) – Most Disciplines | No | No | No |
| Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) – Electrical and Computer | Yes (specific models only) | No | No |
| Structural Engineering (SE) | No | No | No |
2. NCEES-Approved Calculator Models (2024)
The following calculator models are explicitly approved for NCEES exams. This list is updated annually, so always verify with the official NCEES calculator policy before your exam date.
Casio Models:
- All fx-115 models (including fx-115ES PLUS, fx-115MS PLUS)
- fx-991 models (including fx-991ES PLUS, fx-991MS)
- fx-300ES PLUS
- fx-350ES PLUS
- fx-82MS
- fx-83GT PLUS
- fx-85GT PLUS
- fx-95MS
- fx-100MS
Texas Instruments Models:
- TI-30X IIS (including TI-30XS MultiView)
- TI-30Xa
- TI-30Xa SE
- TI-30XS MultiView
- TI-34 MultiView
- TI-36X Pro (approved for PE Electrical and Computer only)
Hewlett-Packard Models:
- HP 33s
- HP 35s
Sharp Models:
- EL-501X
- EL-506X
- EL-520X
- EL-W516X
3. State-Specific Calculator Policies
While most states follow NCEES guidelines, some have additional restrictions or allowances. Always check with your state’s licensing board for final confirmation. Here are notable variations:
| State | Exam Type | Additional Restrictions | Additional Allowances |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | All | No calculators with alpha-numeric keypads | None |
| New York | FE | No calculators with more than two-line displays | None |
| Texas | PE Civil | None | TI-36X Pro allowed for all PE disciplines |
| Florida | SE | No calculators with statistical functions | None |
| Illinois | All | Must provide calculator for inspection at check-in | None |
4. Common Reasons for Calculator Rejection
Even with approved models, examinees often face calculator rejection due to these common issues:
- Residual Memory: Calculators must be reset to factory defaults. Exam proctors will check for stored equations or programs.
- Physical Modifications: Any stickers, engravings, or non-factory modifications may disqualify your calculator.
- Case Violations: Some states prohibit calculator cases during the exam. Remove all cases before entering.
- Display Issues: Calculators with cracked screens or malfunctioning displays may be rejected.
- Battery Problems: Bring fresh batteries. Proctors won’t allow battery changes during the exam.
- Model Confusion: The TI-36X Pro is often confused with the non-Pro version. Only the Pro is allowed for specific exams.
5. Preparing Your Calculator for Exam Day
Follow this checklist to ensure your calculator is exam-ready:
- Verify Model: Double-check that your exact model is on the approved list.
- Reset to Factory Defaults: Perform a full reset to clear all memory. For Casio: [SHIFT]+[9] (CLR)+[3] (All)+[=]. For TI: [2nd]+[+]+[7]+[1]+[2].
- Remove Protective Cases: Most exam centers prohibit cases during testing.
- Replace Batteries: Use fresh batteries and bring spares in a clear bag.
- Practice with Your Calculator: Familiarize yourself with all functions you’ll need during the exam.
- Check State Rules: Visit your state board’s website for any additional requirements.
- Bring Documentation: Some states require you to bring the calculator’s original manual.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a graphing calculator for the FE exam?
A: No. Graphing calculators are prohibited for the FE exam under all circumstances.
Q: Is the TI-84 allowed for any engineering exam?
A: No. The TI-84 and all TI-8x series calculators are prohibited for all NCEES exams due to their programming capabilities.
Q: Can I use my phone’s calculator during the exam?
A: Absolutely not. All electronic devices besides approved calculators are strictly prohibited.
Q: What happens if my calculator dies during the exam?
A: Exam centers do not provide replacement calculators. You may continue without one or use the provided scratch paper for calculations.
Q: Are solar-powered calculators allowed?
A: Yes, as long as they meet all other requirements. Popular solar models like the Casio fx-260 are approved.
Q: Can I bring multiple calculators?
A: Policies vary by state. Some allow one primary and one backup (must be same model), while others permit only one. Check your state’s rules.
7. Expert Recommendations for Calculator Selection
Based on exam pass rates and engineer feedback, these calculators are most recommended:
- Best Overall: Casio fx-115ES PLUS – Approved for all exams, excellent functionality, and durable design.
- Best for Electrical PE: TI-36X Pro – The only graphing calculator allowed for PE Electrical and Computer exams.
- Best Budget Option: Casio fx-300ES PLUS – Affordable while meeting all requirements.
- Best for Structural: HP 35s – RPN input is preferred by many structural engineers for complex calculations.
- Best for International Students: Casio fx-991EX (ClassWiz) – Widely available globally and approved for all exams.
8. What to Do If Your Calculator Isn’t Approved
If you discover your calculator isn’t approved, take these steps:
- Check for Similar Models: Many brands offer approved alternatives with nearly identical functionality.
- Borrow an Approved Model: If time is short, borrow from a colleague and practice with it beforehand.
- Purchase Used: Approved calculators are often available used at significant discounts. Verify it resets properly before purchasing.
- Contact NCEES: For unique situations, you may request a pre-approval by submitting your calculator’s specifications.
- Prepare Manual Calculations: While not ideal, some examinees pass using only scratch paper for calculations.
9. Calculator Features to Prioritize for Exam Day
When selecting your exam calculator, prioritize these features:
- Two-line Display: Allows you to see both the equation and result simultaneously.
- Engineering Notation: Essential for working with large numbers and unit conversions.
- Complex Number Calculations: Required for electrical and some mechanical problems.
- Base-N Calculations: Important for computer and electrical engineering exams.
- Statistical Functions: Useful for FE exam probability questions (though some states restrict this).
- Durable Buttons: You’ll be pressing keys rapidly during the exam – avoid sticky or worn buttons.
- Battery Life: Opt for models with long battery life or solar assistance.
10. Future Trends in Engineering Exam Calculators
The landscape of approved calculators evolves with technology. Here are emerging trends to watch:
- Touchscreen Calculators: Currently prohibited, but NCEES is evaluating secure touchscreen models.
- AI-Assisted Calculators: Not currently allowed, but may be introduced in limited forms for specific exams.
- Cloud-Synced Calculators: Future models may allow secure cloud syncing of settings (not memory) between devices.
- Biometric Security: Fingerprint-enabled calculators could prevent unauthorized use during exams.
- Exam Mode: More manufacturers are adding dedicated “exam mode” that locks programming features.
Stay informed by regularly checking the NCEES website and your state board’s communications.