acceptable calculators for fe exam

Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a rigorous journey, and one of the most critical tools you'll need is your calculator. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has strict policies regarding which calculators are permitted during the exam. Understanding these rules is paramount to avoid any last-minute surprises or, worse, disqualification on exam day. This guide will walk you through the NCEES-approved calculators and provide essential information to ensure you're fully prepared.

NCEES Approved Calculators: The Essentials

The NCEES maintains a very specific list of acceptable calculator models. This list is updated periodically, so always check the official NCEES website for the most current information. As of the time of this writing, the commonly accepted models fall into three main series:

• Casio fx-115 ES Plus (and its subsequent versions like fx-115 ES Plus 2nd Edition)
• Hewlett Packard HP 35s
• Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro

These models are specifically chosen because they are non-programmable, do not have text storage capabilities, and lack internet connectivity or communication features, adhering to the NCEES's strict security protocols.

Why These Specific Models?

The NCEES's policy is designed to ensure a fair and consistent testing environment for all candidates. Calculators that can store formulas, notes, or communicate with other devices could provide an unfair advantage. The approved models offer advanced scientific and engineering functions without crossing into programmable or data-storage territory. They are powerful enough to handle the complex calculations required for the FE exam but simple enough to prevent misuse.

Key Features to Look for in an FE Exam Calculator

While the NCEES provides a list of approved models, it's also helpful to understand what features make these calculators ideal for the FE exam:

• Natural Display: This feature allows you to input and view equations exactly as they are written in textbooks, making complex expressions easier to manage.
• Fraction Mode: Essential for precise calculations without converting to decimals prematurely.
• Matrix Operations: Useful for solving systems of linear equations, common in electrical engineering, civil engineering, and other disciplines.
• Complex Numbers: Crucial for electrical engineering problems, especially those involving AC circuits.
• Vector Calculations: Helpful in mechanics and physics.
• Statistics Functions: For probability and statistics problems.
• Unit Conversions: While not strictly necessary (you should know how to do them manually), having built-in conversions can save time.
• Equation Solver: Can solve single-variable equations quickly.

Familiarizing yourself with these functions on your chosen calculator model will significantly boost your efficiency during the exam.

What is NOT Allowed?

It's equally important to know what types of calculators are strictly prohibited:

• Programmable Calculators: Any calculator that allows you to store user-defined programs or formulas.
• Calculators with QWERTY Keyboards: These are often mistaken for personal data assistants (PDAs) and are not allowed.
• Calculators with Communication Capabilities: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, or any form of wireless communication.
• Calculators with Internet Access: Self-explanatory.
• Calculators with Text Storage or Editing Capabilities: No notes, no formulas stored in memory.
• Smartwatches or Wearable Technology: These are also prohibited.

If you bring a prohibited calculator to the exam center, it will be confiscated, and you may not be allowed to take the exam.

Tips for Exam Day

Beyond choosing the right calculator, here are some tips for success:

1. Practice Extensively: Don't just buy an approved calculator; become intimately familiar with its functions. Practice solving problems from your study materials using only your approved calculator.
2. Check Battery Life: Ensure your calculator has fresh batteries or is fully charged. Bring spare batteries if your model uses them.
3. Know Your Calculator's Limits: Understand what your calculator can and cannot do. Some advanced functions might be faster to do manually or with a simpler approach.
4. Bring a Backup (if allowed): While not always explicitly stated, bringing a second approved calculator (with fresh batteries) can be a lifesaver if your primary one malfunctions. Always check the latest NCEES guidelines on this.

Conclusion

Selecting and mastering an NCEES-approved calculator is a non-negotiable part of your FE exam preparation. By adhering to the official guidelines and practicing diligently with your chosen device, you can eliminate a significant source of stress on exam day and focus entirely on demonstrating your engineering knowledge. Always refer to the official NCEES website for the most current list of acceptable calculators to ensure your preparation aligns with the latest requirements.