CFA Exam Calculator Policy Checker
An essential tool for all CFA candidates to verify if their calculator is compliant with the official CFA Institute policy.
Is Your Calculator Approved?
Select your calculator’s brand and enter the model number to see if it’s allowed in the CFA exam room.
Enter the full model name as it appears on your calculator.
What is the CFA Exam Calculator Policy?
The CFA Institute enforces a very strict policy regarding the types of calculators permitted during the exam. This policy is in place to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and to prevent the use of devices with text-storage or communication capabilities. Answering the question “can we use calculator in cfa exam” is simple: yes, but only very specific models. Candidates must bring their own approved calculator, as none are provided at the testing centers.
Approved CFA Exam Calculator Models
The CFA exam calculator policy is straightforward: only two base models are authorized. Any calculator not on this specific list is strictly forbidden. The approved models have been selected for their specific financial functions while lacking features that could compromise exam integrity.
| Manufacturer | Base Model | Approved Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | BA II Plus | BA II Plus, BA II Plus Professional |
| Hewlett Packard | 12C | 12C, 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30th-anniversary edition, and HP 12C Prestige |
Practical Examples of Compliance
Example 1: A Compliant Calculator
- Input Brand: Texas Instruments
- Input Model: BA II Plus Professional
- Result: APPROVED. This model is explicitly listed in the CFA Institute’s policy.
Example 2: A Non-Compliant Calculator
- Input Brand: Casio
- Input Model: FX-991EX
- Result: NOT APPROVED. Even though it is a powerful scientific calculator, it is not one of the two authorized models.
How to Use This CFA Exam Calculator Checker
Using this tool is a simple, three-step process to ensure you are prepared for exam day.
- Select the Brand: Choose your calculator’s brand from the dropdown menu. If it’s not “Texas Instruments” or “Hewlett Packard,” select “Other.”
- Enter the Model: Type the model name and number exactly as it appears on the device (e.g., “12C Platinum”).
- Check Compliance: Click the “Check Compliance” button. The result will instantly tell you if your calculator is approved and provide a brief explanation.
Key Factors Governing the Calculator Policy
The strictness of the policy on whether you can use a calculator in the CFA exam is based on several key factors:
- Fairness: Ensures all candidates use tools with the same core functionalities.
- Security: Prohibits calculators with programmable memory or communication capabilities that could be used for cheating.
- Standardization: Simplifies proctoring and inspection on exam day. Your calculator will be inspected before the exam begins.
- Focus: The exam tests analytical skill, not the ability to program a calculator. The approved models focus on relevant financial functions.
- Personal Responsibility: Candidates are solely responsible for bringing an approved, working calculator, including spare batteries.
- No Sharing: To maintain exam integrity, you are not allowed to borrow or share a calculator during the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring a calculator that is not on the approved list?
No. Only the specified Texas Instruments and Hewlett Packard models are allowed. Possession or use of any other calculator will result in disqualification.
2. What if my calculator runs out of batteries during the exam?
You are responsible for your calculator’s power. It is highly recommended to install fresh batteries before the exam and bring a spare set of batteries with you. Proctors will not provide batteries.
3. Can I bring two approved calculators?
Yes, bringing a backup calculator is a wise strategy, as long as the backup is also an approved model.
4. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?
Yes, proctors will likely check to ensure your calculator’s memory has been cleared before the exam begins.
5. Is the “BA II Plus Professional” better than the regular “BA II Plus”?
Both are fully compliant. The Professional version has some additional functions like Net Future Value and a modified payback period, plus a slightly more premium build. However, the standard BA II Plus is sufficient for the exam.
6. Why is the HP 12C still popular?
It is trusted by finance professionals and uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), which can make complex calculations faster once mastered. Both the standard and Platinum versions are allowed.
7. Are calculator instruction manuals or keystroke cards allowed?
Original, unmodified keystroke cards are permitted. However, full instruction manuals are strictly forbidden in the exam room.
8. Where can I find more information on the can we use calculator in cfa exam topic?
The official CFA Institute website is the definitive source for the most current calculator policy and all other exam-related rules.