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§ Verdict file · fe/hp-prime

Is the HP Prime Allowed on the FE Exam in 2026?

No. The HP Prime is not allowed on the NCEES FE exam in 2026 because NCEES approves only HP 33s and HP 35s models from Hewlett Packard, and no other HP models.

Last verified 2026·05·20highSource NCEES
iThe plain answer

Answer.

Banned

No. The HP Prime is not allowed on the NCEES FE exam in 2026 because NCEES approves only HP 33s and HP 35s models from Hewlett Packard, and no other HP models.

iiThe reasoning

Why this verdict.

HP Prime is not in the NCEES 2026 approved calculator list; Hewlett Packard approval is limited to HP 33s and HP 35s models.

The NCEES FE calculator policy is a whitelist. For Hewlett Packard calculators, the 2026 list is limited to HP 33s and HP 35s models, with no other HP models approved. The HP Prime is recorded in this guide as a color touchscreen CAS graphing calculator, not an HP 33s or HP 35s scientific calculator. That means it fails the FE model-name test before any discussion about exam mode, CAS restrictions, stored files, graphing, or classroom popularity. This verdict is intentionally narrow and practical: it does not say every HP calculator is banned, but it does say the HP Prime is outside the named HP models allowed by NCEES. For FE exam day, bring an exact model from the NCEES list instead.

iiiPrimary evidence

Official source.

Official source · 01NCEES Calculator Policy

NCEES says the listed models are the only acceptable calculators for the 2026 exams. For Hewlett Packard, the acceptable models are HP 33s and HP 35s only. HP Prime is not one of those models, so this verdict treats it as banned for FE exam use.

The following calculator models are the only ones acceptable for use during the 2026 exams

NCEESAccessed 2026·05·20
ivWhat to watch

Caveats.

01

Do not bring the HP Prime to the FE exam as a main calculator or backup calculator; it is not one of the approved HP models.

02

The NCEES HP approval is limited to HP 33s and HP 35s models, so do not generalize from brand name or scientific-course usefulness.

03

Exam mode, cleared memory, deleted apps, disabled CAS tools, or a reset calculator does not change the printed model name.

04

If you prefer HP calculators, compare the HP 35s verdict and confirm the exact label before test day.

05

If switching from HP Prime to an approved FE calculator, practice numerical solving, statistics, conversions, trig, vectors, and complex-number workflows before timed review.

06

Avoid used listings or school-loaner descriptions that say HP graphing calculator without the exact model; the FE whitelist is model-specific.

07

Do not rely on HP Prime exam mode, classroom lockdown settings, firmware restrictions, or teacher supervision because the NCEES rule names allowed models.

08

If your engineering program used HP Prime for assignments, rebuild those habits on an approved scientific calculator before your official appointment.

09

When shopping for a replacement, avoid generic search filters and verify the visible printed model, packaging, manual, and receipt match the NCEES list.

10

If you need RPN-style familiarity, evaluate the HP 35s early enough to practice stack entry, memory registers, equations, statistics, and unit conversions.

11

Keep the HP Prime at home for study if useful, but do not carry it into the test center with your approved calculator.

12

Confirm replacement workflow for interpolation, logarithms, polar-rectangular conversion, matrices, probability, interest factors, and scientific notation before exam week.

13

If a review course worksheet references HP Prime screenshots, translate the process into approved scientific-calculator keystrokes during untimed practice.

14

For borrowed calculators, inspect battery door, reset state, display contrast, key labels, owner markings, protective sleeve, and accessories so the approved model is unmistakable.

15

Recheck the current NCEES policy close to your appointment because the approved calculator list is reviewed annually.

vEquivalent models

Alternatives.


Reader questions

FAQ.

Q.01Is the HP Prime allowed on the FE exam in 2026?

No. The HP Prime is not allowed on the FE exam because NCEES lists only HP 33s and HP 35s models for Hewlett Packard calculators in the 2026 policy.

Q.02Can HP Prime exam mode make it FE-approved?

No. FE approval is based on NCEES whitelist membership. Exam mode or cleared memory does not turn HP Prime into an HP 33s or HP 35s model, so this guide treats it as banned.

Q.03Is HP Prime banned because it has CAS?

CAS makes the HP Prime risky on many exams, but the FE verdict here is simpler: HP Prime is not one of the HP models on the NCEES whitelist. The model is outside the allowed HP 33s and HP 35s entries.

Q.04What should I use instead of HP Prime for FE?

Use an exact calculator that appears in the NCEES list, such as HP 35s, TI-36X Pro, TI-30XS MultiView, Casio fx-991CW, Casio fx-991EX, or Casio fx-115ES Plus.


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