Which calculator is best for the FE exam? Navigating Your Options for Success

Deciding on the right calculator for the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is a crucial step in your preparation. This isn't just about picking any calculator; it's about selecting a tool that will streamline your problem-solving, minimize errors, and ultimately contribute to your success on exam day. NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying), the organization that administers the FE exam, has specific rules about what you can and cannot bring into the testing center. This is where the "best" calculator becomes a question of compliance and efficiency.

Understanding NCEES Calculator Policy

The most important factor in determining the "best" calculator for the FE exam is NCEES's approved calculator policy. NCEES strictly limits the types of calculators you can use. This policy is in place to ensure a fair and standardized testing environment. You are generally allowed to bring one of two types of calculators:

Approved Scientific Calculators: These are standard scientific calculators that perform basic mathematical functions.
Approved Graphing Calculators: These are more advanced calculators that can graph functions, perform statistical analysis, and often have more memory.

Crucially, certain features are NOT permitted on any calculator you bring to the FE exam. These include:

Calculators with QWERTY keyboards
Calculators with built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS)
Calculators that can communicate wirelessly or wirelessly transmit data
Calculators that use a computer algebra system
Calculators that require a power cord
Calculators that make noise or have an audible signal
Calculators that have a paper strip printer
Calculators that have a digital camera or video recorder
Calculators that can connect to the internet

NCEES provides a list of approved calculators on their website. It is imperative that you consult this list and ensure your chosen calculator is on it. If your calculator is not on the approved list, you will not be allowed to use it during the exam. This is the absolute first step in selecting the "best" calculator for your needs.

The Two Dominant Players: TI-30X IIS and Casio fx-115ES PLUS

When you look at the NCEES approved calculator list, two models consistently stand out as the most popular and widely recommended for the FE exam: the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS and the Casio fx-115ES PLUS. These calculators are not only compliant with NCEES rules but also offer a robust set of features that cater specifically to the types of problems encountered on the FE exam.

Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS

The TI-30X IIS is a long-standing favorite among engineering students and professionals. It’s a powerful yet straightforward scientific calculator that excels in speed and ease of use.

Key Features:

Two-line display: Allows you to see both the input and the result simultaneously, which is incredibly helpful for catching errors.
Solar and battery powered: Ensures you won't run out of power during the exam.
Common scientific functions: Includes trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponents, roots, and fractions.
Basic statistical functions: Useful for some sections of the exam.
Fraction capabilities: Essential for many engineering calculations.

Why it's good for the FE exam: Its simplicity means there's less to learn and memorize, allowing you to focus on the engineering principles. It's fast and reliable, and most students find it intuitive to operate. The two-line display is a significant advantage for checking your work.

Casio fx-115ES PLUS

The Casio fx-115ES PLUS is another top contender, offering a slightly more advanced feature set than the TI-30X IIS while still adhering to NCEES guidelines. It's often praised for its natural textbook display.

Key Features:

Natural Textbook Display: Shows expressions, symbols, and fractions exactly as they appear in textbooks, making it easier to understand complex equations.
Multi-line display: Similar to the TI-30X IIS, it shows more information at once.
Advanced functions: Includes equation solvers, integration and differentiation capabilities, complex number calculations, and vector and matrix operations.
Statistics and regression: More advanced statistical functions than the TI-30X IIS.
Solar and battery powered: Like the TI, it offers dual power sources.

Why it's good for the FE exam: The natural textbook display is a huge advantage for quickly verifying the accuracy of your input. The equation solver can save significant time on problems that can be set up as equations. The advanced functions, while not always necessary, can be a lifesaver for certain complex problems.

Which One Should YOU Choose?

The "best" calculator ultimately depends on your personal preference and your comfort level with technology. Both the TI-30X IIS and the Casio fx-115ES PLUS are excellent choices and are highly recommended by many who have successfully passed the FE exam.

Choose the TI-30X IIS if:

You prefer a simpler, more streamlined interface.
You want a calculator that is very fast to operate and has a minimal learning curve.
You are already familiar with Texas Instruments calculators.
You want to focus on fundamental operations and avoid getting bogged down by advanced features you might not fully utilize.

Choose the Casio fx-115ES PLUS if:

You appreciate a "what you see is what you get" display that mirrors textbook notation.
You want access to advanced features like equation solvers, which can be time-savers.
You are comfortable learning and utilizing a slightly more complex interface.
You want a calculator that can handle a wider range of mathematical tasks with greater ease.

Important Recommendation: Whichever calculator you decide on, the absolute most critical advice is to practice extensively with it. Become intimately familiar with its functions, shortcuts, and how to input complex equations quickly and accurately. During the FE exam, every second counts. You don't want to be fumbling with your calculator; it should feel like an extension of your own mind. Use it for all your practice problems, mock exams, and review sessions.

Other Approved Calculators

While the TI-30X IIS and Casio fx-115ES PLUS are the most popular, NCEES does approve other scientific calculators. If you have a scientific calculator that you've used throughout your engineering studies and it's on the approved list, you may be able to continue using it. However, it's essential to ensure it has the necessary functions for the FE exam and that you are proficient with it.

Always verify the latest NCEES approved calculator list on the official NCEES website. Policies can change, and you do not want to be caught off guard.

Beyond the Calculator: Tips for Success

While the calculator is an important tool, remember that the FE exam tests your engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills. Your calculator is there to help you execute your calculations, not to solve the problems for you. Focus on:

Understanding the fundamental engineering principles.
Developing strong problem-solving strategies.
Practicing a wide variety of FE exam-style questions.
Time management during the exam.

By selecting an approved calculator that you are comfortable with and practicing diligently, you will be well on your way to a successful FE exam experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my calculator is allowed on the FE exam?

You must check the official NCEES website for their most current list of approved calculators. If your calculator is not on that list, it is not allowed, regardless of its capabilities. The NCEES list specifies approved models by manufacturer and model number.

Why are there restrictions on calculators for the FE exam?

The restrictions are in place to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and to prevent unfair advantages. By limiting calculators to specific scientific and graphing models without advanced computing or communication features, NCEES aims to test a candidate's fundamental engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities rather than their ability to use sophisticated software.

Can I use a graphing calculator on the FE exam?

Yes, certain graphing calculators are approved by NCEES. However, they must not have features like QWERTY keyboards or computer algebra systems (CAS). The approved list on the NCEES website will indicate which graphing calculator models are permitted.

Is it better to get the TI-30X IIS or the Casio fx-115ES PLUS?

Both calculators are excellent choices and widely recommended. The TI-30X IIS is simpler and very fast, making it ideal if you prefer a straightforward interface. The Casio fx-115ES PLUS has a more advanced "natural textbook display" and some extra features like equation solvers, which can be helpful if you're comfortable with a slightly more complex calculator. The best choice depends on your personal preference and comfort level with each device.