Choosing the right calculator for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is one of the simplest ways to give yourself an advantage on test day. NCEES strictly limits which calculators you can bring into the testing center, so you need to know your options and pick the one that best fits your needs. In this guide, we will walk through every NCEES-approved calculator, explain why the TI-36X Pro stands out for the FE Electrical and Computer Engineering exam, and share practical tips for getting the most out of your calculator during the exam.

The Complete NCEES Approved Calculator List

NCEES publishes an official list of approved calculators that is updated periodically. As of the latest update, the following models are permitted during the FE exam:

No other calculators are allowed. You cannot bring a graphing calculator such as a TI-84 or TI-89, nor any programmable or CAS-enabled calculator. The proctor at your Pearson VUE testing center will check your calculator before you sit down, and if it is not on the approved list, you will have to take the exam without one.

Disclaimer: Always verify the current approved calculator list directly on the NCEES website before your exam date. NCEES may update the list at any time, and the information above reflects the list as of this article's publication.

Why the TI-36X Pro Is the Best Choice for the FE E&C Exam

While all of the approved calculators are capable scientific calculators, the TI-36X Pro is widely considered the best option for FE Electrical and Computer Engineering examinees. The reason is straightforward: it has the most advanced feature set of any calculator on the approved list, and those features align directly with the types of problems you will encounter on the exam.

The Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models are solid calculators and share many of the same capabilities. If you already own one and are comfortable with it, it can certainly get the job done. However, the TI-36X Pro offers a few interface and workflow advantages that make it slightly faster to use under time pressure, which matters when you have roughly three minutes per question.

Key TI-36X Pro Features for the FE Exam

Here are the specific features that make the TI-36X Pro invaluable during the FE Electrical and Computer Engineering exam.

Complex Number Mode

AC circuit analysis is a major topic on the FE E&C exam, and nearly every AC problem involves complex numbers in either rectangular or polar form. The TI-36X Pro lets you enter complex numbers directly, perform arithmetic with them (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), and convert between rectangular and polar forms with a few button presses. This eliminates tedious manual calculations and dramatically reduces the chance of errors on phasor and impedance problems.

Matrix Operations

Linear systems of equations show up in circuit analysis (mesh and nodal analysis), signals and systems, and other areas of the exam. The TI-36X Pro supports matrices up to 3x3, allowing you to enter a coefficient matrix, compute determinants, find inverses, and multiply matrices. For a system of three equations with three unknowns, using the matrix solver is far faster and more reliable than solving by hand.

Numeric Solver

The built-in numeric solver lets you enter an equation and solve for any unknown variable. This is useful for problems where you have a known formula but need to isolate a variable that is difficult to rearrange algebraically. Enter the equation, supply the known values, and let the calculator find the unknown. It handles polynomial and transcendental equations alike.

Unit Conversions

The FE exam reference handbook uses SI units, but some problems may present values in other unit systems. The TI-36X Pro has a built-in unit conversion function that covers length, area, volume, temperature, energy, power, pressure, and more. Instead of memorizing dozens of conversion factors, you can let the calculator handle the arithmetic.

Statistics Mode

The statistics mode supports one-variable and two-variable data sets, giving you mean, standard deviation, linear regression coefficients, and correlation. While statistics is not the largest topic on the FE E&C exam, having these functions readily available saves time when you encounter probability and statistics questions.

Vector Calculations

The TI-36X Pro can store and operate on 2D and 3D vectors. You can compute dot products, cross products, and magnitudes directly. This is particularly helpful for electromagnetics problems involving electric and magnetic fields, where vector operations are fundamental.

Tips for Using Your Calculator Efficiently During the Exam

Having the right calculator is only half the battle. You also need to know how to use it quickly and confidently under pressure. Here are practical tips that can save you valuable minutes on exam day.

  1. Learn the key sequences, not just the features. Knowing that your calculator can do complex number math is not enough. You need to be able to switch to complex mode, enter a number in polar form, and convert the result to rectangular form without fumbling through menus. Practice the exact button sequences until they are automatic.
  2. Use the multi-line display to check your inputs. The TI-36X Pro shows your entire expression before you press enter. Always glance at the display to verify you entered the right numbers before executing a calculation. Catching a typo before you commit is much faster than redoing a problem.
  3. Store intermediate results. The TI-36X Pro has memory variables where you can store values. When a problem requires multiple steps, store your intermediate answer rather than writing it down and re-entering it. This reduces transcription errors and speeds up your workflow.
  4. Know when NOT to use the calculator. Some problems are faster to solve by inspection, estimation, or using the FE reference handbook formulas directly. Do not reach for the calculator on every single question. If you can eliminate answer choices quickly by order-of-magnitude reasoning, do that first.
  5. Bring fresh batteries. The TI-36X Pro uses a single CR2032 coin cell battery. Replace it a few days before your exam so you know it is fresh, and consider bringing a spare in your pocket. A dead calculator mid-exam is a nightmare scenario that is entirely preventable.
  6. Reset your calculator before the exam. Clear all stored data and reset your calculator to its default settings the morning of the exam. This ensures you start with a clean slate and avoids any confusion from leftover values in memory.

Practice with Your Calculator Before Exam Day

This cannot be overstated: your calculator is a tool, and like any tool, you need to practice with it before you rely on it under pressure. Many examinees buy the TI-36X Pro a week before their exam and barely learn the basics. That approach leaves significant time savings on the table.

Here is what a solid calculator practice plan looks like:

The difference between someone who has practiced with their calculator for weeks and someone who is learning it during the exam is enormous. Calculator fluency can easily be worth 5 to 10 extra correct answers simply by saving you time and reducing arithmetic errors.

The Bottom Line

The TI-36X Pro is the most capable calculator on the NCEES-approved list and the best match for the FE Electrical and Computer Engineering exam. Its complex number support, matrix operations, numeric solver, and other features map directly onto the problem types you will face. Buy it early, learn it thoroughly, and walk into your exam with confidence that your calculator will not slow you down.