Permitted calculating devices for the Fundamentals of Engineering examination are restricted to specific models. These limitations are in place to ensure fairness and standardization across all examinees. Acceptable devices generally include certain Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard, Casio, and NCEES-approved models. For instance, the TI-30XS MultiView is a common, permitted calculator, while programmable calculators with advanced graphing capabilities or external memory storage are typically prohibited.
Adherence to the specified calculator policy is crucial because using an unauthorized device can result in disqualification from the examination. The policy exists to prevent examinees from gaining an unfair advantage through the use of sophisticated computational tools or pre-programmed information. Historically, calculator restrictions have been in place to maintain the integrity of the examination and to assess fundamental engineering principles rather than calculator proficiency.