The HP Calculator Shortage

The Problem

HP has left the calculator manufacturing business. The full list of NCEES-approved calculators for the FS and PS exams is: Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, HP 33s and HP 35s, and TI-30X and TI-36X models. Of these, only the HP-33S and HP-35S are programmable — meaning they can store and run custom programs like curve solvers and traverse closures. With HP out of the manufacturing business, the price of these programmable calculators has skyrocketed. I bought mine for $50. Today, the same calculator might sell new for closer to $500.

What We Know

HP sold their calculator manufacturing rights to Royal in the US and Morovia in the EU. Neither company is currently producing the HP-35S, though Morovia is rumored to be considering production. When questioned, their timeline appears to be several years out. If new production is still branded as HP with no major hardware differences, it should be automatically accepted. Otherwise it will need separate assessment by NCEES — though approval would be likely given the demand.

Royal did not respond to contact attempts.

Why Alternatives Are Unlikely

Several other manufacturers make calculators of similar caliber to the HP-35S, but NCEES has been very hesitant to approve new models. Their current approval criteria:

“If you have a new model calculator that you would like reviewed, please let me know the manufacturer and model number. The model must not have the ability to communicate with another device, and should be available through major retailers.”

The catch: nearly every modern programmable calculator now includes wireless or USB communication capability. That single requirement effectively rules out most of the market. Getting something new approved would require a manufacturer to produce a calculator specifically designed for testing — a small, uncertain market that few companies want to invest in.

Options We Explored

• HP-35S emulator on the testing screen. A pre-programmed HP-35S emulator already exists. Having NCEES integrate it into the Pearson VUE testing interface would be the cleanest solution, but it would be a tough sell organizationally.
• SwissMicros DM42 with blocked communications. SwissMicros expressed general interest in blocking the connection port on their DM42. However, this is an expensive calculator manufactured in the EU, and nothing concrete has materialized.
• Older HP models (HP-15C, etc.). Some older models are being produced in limited runs, but their “limited edition” status makes NCEES approval unlikely, and they have significantly less programmability than the HP-33S/35S.
• Custom-manufactured calculator. We considered this and determined it is not feasible — too much engineering risk for too small a market.

What This Means for Exam Takers

The picture is not rosy. Calculator prices will continue to rise, and more people will take the FS exam without a programmable calculator. While many test takers don't use programmed calculators, and the FS exam has been trending less math-heavy, having a curve solver or triangle solver to check your work is a genuine advantage — especially for those who are less comfortable with the math and want to focus their study time on other topics.

That advantage is increasingly available only to those who can afford a $300–$500 calculator.

NCEES appears to have little interest in actively resolving the situation. They acknowledge it and express concern, but are not pursuing alternatives. If the HP-35S comes back into production in a few years, they will allow it. Until then, the status quo holds.

What You Can Do

• If you already have an HP-33S or HP-35S: load it up with the programs we've prepared and use it to its full potential on exam day.
• If you don't have one: check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and surveying community forums. Used units show up regularly, though prices are elevated. A working HP-35S in decent condition is worth the investment if you plan to take the FS or PS.
• If you can't find or afford one: you can absolutely pass without it. Focus on understanding the formulas rather than relying on programs, and use the exam's provided reference handbook. Many people pass both exams with a basic scientific calculator.

We Want to Hear From You

We know many people care about this issue. If you have information about HP calculator availability, ideas for alternatives, or want to share your experience taking the exam with or without a programmable calculator, reach out through our community forum.