Is the HP 35s Allowed on the FE Exam?

iThe plain answer

Answer.

Approved

Yes. The HP 35s is approved for the NCEES FE exam because the cited NCEES whitelist covers the HP 35s model. This verdict is limited to the physical calculator with that printed model name, not other devices or software copies.

iiThe reasoning

Why this verdict.

Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, this verdict treats the HP 35s as approved because the FE rule is a whitelist, not a broad permission for every scientific calculator. The important match is the printed model family: the HP 35s model. The calculator data describes the device as a scientific calculator, and the stored note says: Programmable RPN-capable scientific calculator. One of the few HP models explicitly listed in the NCEES FE calculator whitelist. For FE use, category alone is not enough; the model name must fit the listed NCEES family or model. This conclusion is therefore limited to the physical calculator whose label matches that family. It does not approve unrelated HP models, retail bundles with unclear names, phone calculators, computer emulators, or future editions that NCEES has not listed in the cited policy.

iiiPrimary evidence

Official source.

Official source · 01NCEES Calculator Policy

Based on the cited NCEES whitelist quote, the relevant evidence is the named calculator family or model. The HP 35s is matched to the HP 35s model using the stored calculator model data. This evidence note does not treat every scientific calculator as allowed; it only explains why this exact printed model name fits the whitelist language currently recorded for the FE exam.

“Only the calculators listed below may be used during the FE exam: Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, Hewlett Packard HP 33s and HP 35s, Texas Instruments TI-30X and TI-36X models.”

NCEESAccessed 2026·05·15

ivWhat to watch

Caveats.

Match the visible model label to the HP 35s model before test day; the NCEES FE rule is a whitelist and spelling matters.

Do not generalize this approval to other HP calculators, even if they are scientific or look similar on a product shelf.

Bring the physical calculator in working condition rather than a phone app, tablet app, browser tool, emulator, or borrowed software copy.

Recheck the NCEES calculator page close to your appointment and carry only calculators that still appear in the allowed family list.

For planning, write down the exact model, color, serial-style label, borrowed owner, backup choice, charger, batteries, cover, and accessories before exam morning so no last-minute substitution changes the device being evaluated.

If you buy secondhand, avoid vague listings, regional editions, school bundles, modified firmware, missing labels, cracked screens, unreadable keys, or seller claims that cannot be matched to the authority's written policy.

vEquivalent models

Alternatives.

Texas Instruments

TI-36X Pro

Advanced scientific calculator with equation, statistics, and matrix tools, but no graphing or CAS feature.

ScientificOpen file

Texas Instruments

TI-30XS MultiView

Non-graphing scientific calculator with a four-line display and no programmable or CAS feature.

ScientificOpen file

Casio

fx-991CW

ClassWiz scientific calculator with natural textbook display, equation tools, matrix tools, and no graphing or CAS feature.

ScientificOpen file

Reader questions

FAQ.

Q.01What exact policy point approves the HP 35s?

The key point is whitelist membership. Based on the cited NCEES policy quote, FE calculator approval is limited to named families and models, and this verdict matches the HP 35s to the HP 35s model. It is not approved merely because it is familiar, scientific, inexpensive, non-graphing, or commonly used in engineering courses.

Q.02What should I check on the calculator label?

Check the printed model name on the physical calculator and make sure it clearly fits the whitelisted family used in this file. Retail titles, marketplace abbreviations, classroom nicknames, and replacement packaging can be less precise than the label molded or printed on the device. If the name is ambiguous, use a cleaner approved model or ask NCEES before the appointment.

Q.03Does this approval cover apps or emulator versions?

No. This verdict is about the physical HP 35s calculator described in the data file. It does not approve a phone app, tablet app, browser calculator, desktop emulator, screenshot, remote session, or software copy with similar keys. For the FE exam, the safest reading is to bring only a listed physical calculator in reliable working condition.

Q.04What if NCEES changes the allowed list?

Use the official NCEES page as the final authority. This guide stores a verification date and a recheck date, but the policy page can still change between editorial reviews. If the current NCEES wording differs from this summary, follow the current NCEES rule and treat this page as a dated explanation of the stored evidence.

Cross-exam matrix

This calculator in other exams.

No other verified exam verdict exists for this calculator in the current data set.

Corrections

Policies change. If this file is stale or incomplete, send the exact source URL.

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Is the HP HP 35s permitted on the FE?

Answer.

Why this verdict.

Official source.

Caveats.

Alternatives.

FAQ.

This calculator in other exams.