CFA Permitted Calculators Checker
Instantly verify if your model is one of the official cfa permitted calculators for exam day. Get clarity on the strict CFA calculator policy.
Is Your Calculator Approved?
What Are CFA Permitted Calculators?
CFA permitted calculators are the only electronic calculating devices authorized by the CFA Institute for use during the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams. The CFA Institute maintains a very strict calculator policy to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and to prevent any possibility of bringing in devices with stored text or wireless communication capabilities. As of 2026, possessing an unapproved calculator during the exam is a policy violation that can result in the voiding of your exam results.
This policy is a critical component of exam administration. Every candidate, regardless of their background or location, must adhere to the same rules. The list of cfa permitted calculators is intentionally short and specific, consisting of only two basic model types. This uniformity ensures that no candidate has an unfair technological advantage. If you are preparing for the exam, obtaining one of the cfa permitted calculators should be a top priority. You can find more details in our guide on the how to prepare for the CFA exam.
Common Misconceptions
- Any financial calculator is fine: This is incorrect. Many powerful financial calculators, like the HP 17BII+ or TI-83/84 series, are explicitly forbidden. Only the specified models are allowed.
- The test center provides calculators: This is false. You must bring your own approved calculator. Test centers do not provide them.
- Calculator apps are allowed: Absolutely not. Phones, smartwatches, or any device with communication abilities are strictly prohibited in the testing room.
CFA Calculator Policy and Official Guidelines
The core of the policy regarding cfa permitted calculators is simplicity and fairness. The CFA Institute explicitly lists the only two families of calculators that are authorized. This policy has been in place for many years and applies to all three levels of the CFA exam. The primary reason for this strictness is to prevent candidates from using calculators with text-storage or programming capabilities, which could be used to cheat.
During check-in on exam day, proctors will physically inspect your calculator to ensure it is an approved model. They will also likely ask you to clear the calculator’s memory to ensure no data is stored. Failure to comply or being found with an unapproved model will lead to severe consequences. Therefore, understanding and respecting the rules for cfa permitted calculators is not just a suggestion; it’s a requirement for a successful exam day. The policy ensures that your analytical skills are being tested, not your ability to use a high-powered machine. For a deeper look into the rules, check out the official CFA exam calculator policy.
Policy Details Table
| Aspect | Official Rule / Guideline | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Models | TI BA II Plus (incl. Pro) & HP 12C (incl. Platinum/Prestige) | Critical |
| Prohibited Features | Graphing, programming, text storage, internet access | Critical |
| Exam Day Inspection | Calculators are inspected by proctors before the exam. | High |
| Memory Clearing | You will be required to show you have cleared your calculator’s memory. | High |
| Backup Calculators | You may bring a second, approved calculator. Many candidates do. | Recommended |
| Accessories | Calculator covers, keystroke cards, and loose batteries are permitted. Manuals are not. | Important |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Prepared Candidate
A candidate plans to take the CFA Level I exam. They purchase a Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional. Before exam day, they use our cfa permitted calculators checker and select their model. The tool confirms their choice is “Permitted.” This gives them peace of mind. On exam day, their calculator passes inspection without issue, and they can focus solely on the test questions.
Example 2: The Unprepared Candidate
Another candidate, used to their university coursework, brings a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator to the test center. They did not check the official CFA calculator policy. During inspection, the proctor identifies the calculator as a prohibited model. The candidate is not allowed to take the calculator into the exam room. Since they have no backup, they must take the entire exam without a calculator, severely jeopardizing their chance of passing. This scenario highlights the critical importance of having one of the approved cfa permitted calculators.
How to Use This CFA Permitted Calculators Checker
This tool is designed for simplicity and speed, helping you verify your calculator choice against the official list of cfa permitted calculators in seconds.
- Select Your Model: Choose your calculator’s make and model from the “Select Your Calculator Model” dropdown list. We’ve included all approved models and several common, non-approved models.
- Choose Your Level: Select your CFA exam level. While the policy for cfa permitted calculators is consistent across all levels, this step helps confirm the context.
- Review the Result: The tool instantly provides a “Permitted” or “Not Permitted” verdict. The color of the result box and the icon provide a clear visual cue.
- Read the Details: The intermediate results boxes show your selection and the specific policy rule that applies, giving you a clear explanation for the verdict.
Making a decision on which model to use can be influenced by your background. Explore our article on understanding RPN calculators if you’re considering the HP 12C.
Key Factors: Choosing Between CFA Permitted Calculators
Once you know the approved models, the next question is which of the cfa permitted calculators is right for you? This decision usually comes down to the Texas Instruments BA II Plus vs. the Hewlett Packard 12C. Here are the key factors to consider.
| Factor | Texas Instruments BA II Plus / Professional | Hewlett Packard 12C / Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Logic | Algebraic (AOS) – e.g., 2 + 3 = 5. Very intuitive for most users. | Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) – e.g., 2 Enter 3 + . More keystrokes but can be faster for complex calculations once mastered. |
| Learning Curve | Low. Most people can pick it up and use it within minutes. | High. RPN feels unnatural to many new users and requires dedicated practice. |
| Popularity | Extremely popular among CFA candidates. Most prep materials use it for examples. | A classic in the finance industry, but less common among new candidates. |
| Key Functions | Worksheet-based functions for TVM, Cash Flow (NPV/IRR), Bonds, and Depreciation are very user-friendly. | Powerful and efficient for experienced users, but functions are less guided than the TI’s worksheets. |
| Build & Feel | The standard model is plastic. The Professional version has a better feel and a metal case. | Often praised for its professional look, solid build quality, and responsive keys. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable than the HP 12C models. | Typically more expensive, sometimes significantly so. |
Ultimately, the best choice is the one you are most comfortable with. However, for the vast majority of candidates, the TI BA II Plus is the recommended and safer choice due to its intuitive operation and the prevalence of learning materials that use it. It’s a key part of your toolkit, much like a good investment return calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring two cfa permitted calculators to the exam?
Yes. The CFA Institute allows you to bring more than one approved calculator into the exam room. Many candidates bring a backup—either the same model or one of each type—as a precaution against battery failure or malfunction. Both calculators will be inspected.
2. What is the difference between the BA II Plus and the BA II Plus Professional?
The Professional version has a sturdier, metal build, no-slide rubber feet, and a few extra worksheet functions like Net Future Value (NFV) and Modified IRR (MIRR). While these extra functions are not strictly necessary for the exam, some candidates prefer the superior build quality. Both are fully compliant cfa permitted calculators.
3. What happens if my calculator’s battery dies during the exam?
If you do not have a backup calculator, you will have to complete the exam without one. Test proctors will not provide batteries or a replacement calculator. You are allowed to bring spare batteries and a small screwdriver, but changing them mid-exam is stressful and wastes valuable time. A backup calculator is a better strategy.
4. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory?
Yes. Proctors will likely ask you to demonstrate that you have cleared the memory of your cfa permitted calculators before the exam begins. It’s best to know how to do this quickly. For the TI BA II Plus, this is typically done via the [2nd] [RESET] function.
5. Is the HP 12C’s RPN logic hard to learn?
For many people, yes. RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) requires you to enter your numbers first, then the operator. It can be more efficient once mastered but feels counter-intuitive if you’re used to standard algebraic calculators. If you’re new to financial calculators, the TI BA II Plus is a much safer bet. Learning RPN is not a productive use of valuable CFA study time.
6. Are keystroke cards or calculator covers allowed?
Yes. According to the official CFA calculator policy, you can bring the calculator’s cover and any keystroke cards that came with it. However, you cannot bring the full instruction manual.
7. Where is the best place to buy cfa permitted calculators?
They are widely available online from retailers like Amazon, as well as office supply stores. The TI BA II Plus is often sold in university bookstores as well. The CFA Institute provides links to distributors but does not endorse or profit from sales.
8. Why isn’t a more advanced scientific calculator on the list of cfa permitted calculators?
The CFA Institute’s goal is to ensure fairness and prevent cheating. Advanced scientific or graphing calculators often have extensive memory for storing notes, formulas, or even entire programs, which would compromise the integrity of the exam. The limited list of cfa permitted calculators ensures everyone uses a basic, non-programmable tool.