The Engineer in Training exam is a closed book test. You are unable to have anything on your desk other than the issued exam materials (answer sheet, exam booklet), Identification Card, admission paper, snacks (which are energy bars, candy, etc), two straightedge tools (scale, triangle, ruler, etc), and one approved (models) calculator. Some testing facilities allow you to set your wristwatch on the table for timekeeping purposes, if they don’t just keep it on your wrist, it is definitely a critical item to have. The model of your calculator is extremely important and deserves heavy consideration prior to the test. If the calculator is not an exact match to those on the approved model list, as defined by NCEES current guidelines, then you will not be able to use it, and the NCEES shows no mercy. Prior to the start of the test, each Proctor for your group will hand out a reference manual which includes common equations, unit conversions, and various engineering tables. The Proctor will also hand out an official NCEES pencil which I like to chew on throughout the test.
Although the Engineer in Training exam considered closed book, you are allowed to use the Reference Manual that the NCEES hands out. It is important to get familiar with the format and content of this manual prior to sitting for the exam. This will ensure you will be able to efficiently locate information when you need to.
