The NCEES FE calculator policy uses a strict whitelist and allows only listed calculator families, including Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, HP 33s and 35s, and TI-30X or TI-36X models.
FE Approved Calculators (2026)
The NCEES FE calculator policy uses a strict whitelist and allows only listed calculator families, including Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, HP 33s and 35s, and TI-30X or TI-36X models.
Use the checker below to test your exact model in seconds, then scan the full approved and banned list — every answer is tied to the official NCEES policy and dated.
Is your calculator on the NCEES approved list? Check in 5 seconds.
Pick your exact model — the checker jumps straight to the official-source verdict, so you never have to guess.
NCEES rules, reduced to the parts calculator owners need first.
i. Allowed
The NCEES FE calculator policy uses a strict whitelist and allows only listed calculator families, including Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, HP 33s...
ii. Banned
Devices with a computer algebra system (CAS), wireless or app features, a QWERTY keyboard, or anything outside the official policy should be treated as barred until verified against the source.
iii. Caveats
Policies change, and test staff may inspect the exact model name printed on the calculator. Always confirm against the official source before test day.
Last reviewed May 15, 2026. Next scheduled review: Aug 13, 2026.
Approved models
6 approvedCalculators approved by NCEES for the FE exam.
| № | Brand / Model | Why short | Verdict | Last verified | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Casio fx-115ES PlusScientific | Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the Casio fx-115ES Plus as approved because...Yes. The Casio fx-115ES Plus is approved for the NCEES FE exam because the cited NCEES... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Casio fx-991CWScientific | Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the Casio fx-991CW as approved because the...Yes. The Casio fx-991CW is approved for the NCEES FE exam because the cited NCEES... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Casio fx-991EXScientific | Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the Casio fx-991EX as approved because the...Yes. The Casio fx-991EX is approved for the NCEES FE exam because the cited NCEES... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
HP 35sScientific | Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the HP 35s as approved because the FE rule...Yes. The HP 35s is approved for the NCEES FE exam because the cited NCEES whitelist... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiViewScientific | Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView as...Yes. The Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView is approved for the NCEES FE exam because... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-36X ProScientific | Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro as approved...Yes. The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is approved for the NCEES FE exam because the... | Approved | Last verified 2026·05·15 | Open file |
Banned models
7 bannedPopular calculators not approved by NCEES.
| № | Brand / Model | Why short | Verdict | Last verified | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Casio fx-CG50Graphing | Based on the cited NCEES policy, this verdict treats the Casio fx-CG50 as banned for the FE exam...No. The Casio fx-CG50 is not approved for the NCEES FE exam because the 2026 NCEES... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
HP PrimeCas Graphing | The NCEES FE calculator policy is a whitelist. For Hewlett Packard calculators, the 2026 list is...No. The HP Prime is not allowed on the NCEES FE exam in 2026 because NCEES approves only... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-83 PlusGraphing | The FE calculator policy is controlled by NCEES, and the current rule works as a strict whitelist. That...No. The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus is not allowed on the NCEES FE exam in 2026 because... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CEGraphing | Based on the cited NCEES policy, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE as banned for...No. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE is not approved for the NCEES FE exam because... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-84 PlusGraphing | The NCEES FE calculator rule is not a broad permission for any familiar classroom graphing calculator....No. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus is not allowed on the NCEES FE exam in 2026 because... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CASCas Graphing | Based on the cited NCEES calculator policy, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS...No. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS is not approved for the NCEES FE exam. It is... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file | |
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX IIGraphing | Based on the cited NCEES policy, this verdict treats the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II as banned...No. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II is not approved for the NCEES FE exam because... | Banned | Last verified 2026·05·20 | Open file |
The #1 mistake
It is almost always about CAS.
Every banned model above is barred for the same reason — a built-in computer algebra system (CAS) that solves algebra symbolically. The trap: several CAS models look almost identical to an allowed non-CAS version.
Banned for CAS on the FE: HP Prime, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS. If your model's printed name does not say “CAS” and it is a standard scientific or graphing calculator, it is far more likely to be on the approved side — but confirm the exact name.
Why are CAS calculators banned? Read the short guide before choosing a replacement.
On test day
What to do if…
Your calculator dies
The NCEES will not supply one. Install fresh batteries before test week and bring a spare approved calculator or spare batteries.
A proctor questions your model
Follow test-staff instructions. The rule is about features (CAS, wireless, QWERTY), so point to the exact model name printed on the unit and keep a printout of the official policy.
You borrowed a school calculator
Confirm the exact printed model, check the battery and screen, and clear any stored programs or documents before test day so it is not treated as a modified device.
Buying one?
Which calculator to get for the FE.
Any model in the approved list is accepted. If you are buying new, these are the most common safe choices — open a verdict for the official source and a retail link.
Need a scientific calculator
Approved options include Casio fx-115ES Plus, Casio fx-991CW, Casio fx-991EX. These cost far less than a graphing model and are fully accepted.
Deep dive
Buying a calculator for the FE?
Frequently asked
FE calculator questions, answered.
Q.01What calculators are allowed on the FE?
The NCEES FE calculator policy uses a strict whitelist and allows only listed calculator families, including Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, HP 33s and 35s, and TI-30X or TI-36X models. This guide verifies 6 approved models against the official NCEES policy, including the Casio fx-115ES Plus, Casio fx-991CW, Casio fx-991EX.
Q.02Which calculators are banned on the FE?
7 models in this guide are not allowed: Casio fx-CG50, HP Prime, Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus, Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE, Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS, Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II. In each case it is because the model includes a computer algebra system (CAS), is outside the official whitelist, or has another prohibited feature. Open the model's verdict for the exact official source.
Q.03Is the TI-84 Plus allowed on the FE exam?
No. The FE exam uses the NCEES approved calculator list, and TI-84 models are outside the TI-30X and TI-36X Texas Instruments families that NCEES lists for 2026 exams.
Q.04Which calculators are approved by NCEES for the FE exam?
The current guide tracks NCEES-approved families: Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, Texas Instruments TI-30X and TI-36X models, and HP 33s and HP 35s models. Match the exact printed model name before exam day.
Q.05What should I do if my exact model is not listed here?
Use the report-issue page and include the exact model name printed on the calculator body. We check it against the official NCEES policy and add a verdict with its source.
See also
Calculator rules for other exams.
Corrections
Report an outdated rule →Policies change. If a verdict is stale or your model is missing, send the exact model name and source.