What Are the Best Calculators for the FE Exam?

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is required for engineering students and graduates to attempt the Professional Engineering (PE) exam and ultimately earn their PE license. Something crucial that all examinees need to keep in mind when preparing for the FE exam is what types of calculators they are allowed to use during the test. Knowing the FE exam calculator policy and bringing an approved model to the testing center is critical for solving exam problems efficiently and accurately. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the types of calculators permitted on the FE exam and the specific features and functionalities test takers can leverage to their benefit during the exam.

In this Blog,

1. FE Exam Calculator Policy Overview

2. NCEES-Approved Calculator Models

3. Key Calculator Functions for the FE Exam

4. Becoming Familiar with Your Calculator

5. What to Do If Your Calculator Isn’t Approved

6. Tips for Using Your Calculator Effectively

FE Exam Calculator Policy Overview

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which administers the FE exam, has strict policies regarding calculator use during the test; according to their rules, it is explicitly stated that examinees are only able to use NCEES-approved calculators during the exam. These permitted calculators have met specific guidelines and have features disabled that could provide an unfair advantage during testing. The NCEES calculator policy applies for both the pencil-and-paper and computer-based FE exams.

Attempting to use a non-approved calculator or one with features prohibited by the NCEES can result in your exam being voided. So, it is paramount to know which types of calculators you can and cannot use on exam day. The approved calculator list is updated periodically by NCEES, so make sure to check for the current list before your exam date. You also cannot share a calculator with another examinee during the actual test session.

The good news is that you can bring more than one approved calculator to the FE exam. Having an approved backup can help in case your primary calculator stops working or runs out of batteries during the exam. Just make sure both calculators meet NCEES requirements. Now, let’s explore the specific makes and models permitted by NCEES.

NCEES-Approved Calculator Models

The FE exam allows certain calculator models from recognized, reputable manufacturers like Texas Instruments, Casio, and Hewlett-Packard. Here are some of the most common NCEES-approved calculators used on the FE exam (NCEES, n.d.):

• Texas Instruments TI-30X and TI-30XS MultiView series
• Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
• Casio FX-115 and FX-991EX series
• Hewlett-Packard HP 33s and HP 35s
• Casio FX-115ES Plus

These calculator models meet NCEES standards in terms of functionality and features. They provide common mathematical and scientific operations: basic arithmetic, exponents and roots, logarithms, trigonometry, and unit conversions. However, they do not have advanced capabilities like symbolic algebra, connectivity to other devices, data storage, or programs that could give exam-takers an advantage.

You’ll notice that graphing calculators and most programmable calculators are NOT permitted. Examples of calculators not allowed include the TI-89, TI-Nspire series, HP Prime, and Casio ClassPad. Most mobile devices and smart watches are also prohibited from the testing center. Make sure your calculator is on the NCEES pre-approved list, or you risk not being able to use it or having your exam invalidated.

Key Calculator Functions for the FE Exam

Using an NCEES-approved calculator enables you to perform key functions and calculations required on the FE exam. Here are some of the most helpful calculator features and functions for the FE test subjects:

• Basic arithmetic for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Fractions capabilities
• Squaring and square roots
• Cubing and cube roots
• Exponents and powers
• Logarithms and natural logarithms
• Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent)
• Inverse trigonometric functions
• Hyperbolic trigonometric functions
• Degree and radian modes for working with angles
• Polar to rectangular coordinate conversion
• Base conversions between decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal
• Unit conversions

Engineering students and graduates spend years doing these types of mathematical calculations by hand. So, having a calculator that can perform them quickly and accurately is essential for efficiently solving FE exam problems.

Becoming Familiar with Your Calculator

Since using an approved calculator is such a vital part of the FE exam, it’s critical to become familiar with the permitted model you plan to use. You want the calculator operations and keystrokes to feel second nature on exam day rather than fumbling through the owner's manuals trying to find the right buttons during the test.

Here are some tips for getting acquainted with your calculator before your FE exam date:

• Work through calculator tutorials and operating manuals
• Practice inputting sample calculations and identifying result types
• Memorize the locations of often-used buttons and keys
• Go through batteries to ensure yours will last through the full exam session
• Reset your calculator to clear any stored data or variables
• Practice operating the calculator without looking at the keys to build muscle memory
• Make sure your calculator is the same model and has the same exam-legal settings as any backup you bring

The more familiar you become with utilizing your calculator before exam day, you’ll be able to spend all your time-solving problems instead of trying to figure out what you need to press to solve any equation.

What to Do If Your Calculator Isn’t Approved

If you already own a calculator but it’s not on the NCEES approved list, all hope isn’t lost. Here are some options:

• Exchange it for an approved model – Return or sell it and use the funds to buy a permitted calculator.
• Borrow an approved calculator – Ask classmates or professors if you can borrow a suitable calculator for your exam date.
• Rent an approved calculator – Some retailers offer calculator rentals for a small fee. Just remember to reset it before returning.
• Purchase an approved model – Buying a calculator on the NCEES list ensures you’ll have an exam-compliant option.

No matter which route you take, be sure to get an approved calculator in hand with enough time to get fully familiarized before your scheduled FE exam date. Using a calculator you’re not completely comfortable with can easily hinder your performance on a fast-paced exam like the FE.

Tips for Using Your Calculator Effectively

Here are some additional pointers to help you leverage your approved FE exam calculator as efficiently as possible:

• Keep it close at hand but out of your line of sight when working on problems. Glancing between the exam booklet and the calculator wastes precious time.
• Clear variables or memory between problems so values don’t carry over and create errors.
• Write down given data from problems to input into your calculator. Don’t rely on memorization.
• Use scratch paper to record button sequences instead of trying to remember long keystroke patterns.
• Use parentheses on your calculator when in doubt to properly group operations and avoid order of operations mistakes.
• Double-check your work and calculations before moving on to prevent careless errors.
• If stuck on a problem, try working it backward or breaking it into smaller pieces you can solve.

Getting fully comfortable with your FE exam calculator takes practice, so be sure to spend plenty of time leading up to your test date inputting sample calculations and familiarizing yourself with its operation. Doing so can give you a valuable advantage on exam day.

The Takeaway

Having a permitted NCEES-approved calculator to use on exam day is an absolute must for completing the FE exam successfully. Only designated models that don’t provide unfair advantages are allowed in the testing center. Be sure to purchase a compliant calculator with enough time to become completely familiar with it prior to your scheduled test date. Master its key functions and features through ample practice so the calculator feels like an extension of your own hand on exam day. With an approved calculator and the confidence to use it expertly, you’ll have one of the critical tools needed to demonstrate your engineering knowledge and pass the FE exam.

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About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.