CFA Allowed Calculators Policy Checker
CFA® Exam Calculator Permissibility Checker
Enter your financial calculator model below to instantly verify if it is one of the approved cfa allowed calculators for the exam. The CFA Institute has a strict policy, and using a non-approved calculator is prohibited.
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CFA Institute Policy
Formula/Rule: The CFA Institute permits only two calculator models: the Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including the Professional version) and the Hewlett Packard 12C (including Platinum and other special editions). This tool checks if your input matches one of these approved cfa allowed calculators.
Comparison Chart: Approved CFA Calculators
Chart Legend: ■ TI BA II Plus | ■ HP 12C
What are CFA Allowed Calculators?
The term “cfa allowed calculators” refers to the very specific list of financial calculator models that the CFA Institute authorizes for use during its examinations. Unlike other academic or professional tests that might permit a wide range of devices, the CFA program enforces a strict policy to ensure fairness and standardization across all candidates globally. This policy prevents any candidate from having an unfair advantage through a more powerful or programmable calculator. For anyone preparing for the exams, owning and mastering one of the cfa allowed calculators is not just a recommendation; it’s a mandatory requirement for sitting the exam.
This policy exclusively approves two models: the Texas Instruments (TI) BA II Plus and the Hewlett Packard (HP) 12C. This includes their professional and special editions like the TI BA II Plus Professional and the HP 12C Platinum. Candidates who arrive at the test center with any other model will not be permitted to use it, which could severely jeopardize their exam performance. Therefore, understanding the nuances of the cfa allowed calculators policy is a critical first step in your CFA journey.
CFA Allowed Calculators: The Policy and “Formula”
The “formula” for determining if a calculator is permitted is not a mathematical equation but a simple, binary rule based on the official CFA Institute policy. The rule is: The calculator MUST be either a Texas Instruments BA II Plus or a Hewlett Packard 12C. Any device not falling into these two families is strictly forbidden. This policy on cfa allowed calculators ensures a level playing field for all exam takers.
| Variable | Meaning | Permitted Models/Editions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments BA II Plus | One of the two approved calculator families. | Standard, Professional | Allowed |
| Hewlett Packard 12C | The second of the two approved calculator families. | Standard, Platinum, 25th/30th Anniversary, Prestige | Allowed |
| Other Scientific/Graphing Calculators | Any model not listed above (e.g., TI-84, Casio models). | N/A | Not Allowed |
| Calculator Apps | Software on a phone, tablet, or computer. | N/A | Not Allowed |
Practical Examples of Using CFA Allowed Calculators
Example 1: A Candidate with a Non-Approved Calculator
Scenario: A candidate owns a TI-84 Plus, a powerful graphing calculator from their university days.
Input to Checker: “TI-84 Plus”
Output: NOT ALLOWED
Interpretation: Although a highly capable calculator, the TI-84 Plus is not on the approved list of cfa allowed calculators. The candidate must purchase either a TI BA II Plus or an HP 12C and become proficient with it before exam day. Bringing the TI-84 would result in being unable to use a calculator during the exam.
Example 2: A Candidate with an Approved Model
Scenario: A candidate purchases a new “HP 12C Platinum” for their exam preparation.
Input to Checker: “HP 12C Platinum”
Output: ALLOWED
Interpretation: The HP 12C Platinum is an advanced version of the standard HP 12C and is explicitly permitted under the CFA calculator policy. The candidate can confidently use this calculator for their studies and on exam day. Mastering its functions, whether RPN or algebraic, will be key to their success.
How to Use This CFA Allowed Calculators Checker
- Enter Your Model: Type the model name of your calculator into the input field. Be as specific as possible (e.g., “Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional”).
- Review Real-Time Results: The tool will immediately update. The primary result box will turn green for “Allowed” or red for “Not Allowed.”
- Check Intermediate Values: The boxes below show your exact input, the policy status, and a reference to the official rule.
- Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear the inputs and start over. Use “Copy Results” to save a summary of your check for your records.
This tool helps you quickly verify compliance, removing any doubt about whether you have one of the official cfa allowed calculators. For more information on exam preparation, consider our {related_keywords} guide.
Key Factors in Choosing Between CFA Allowed Calculators
Once you know which models are permitted, the next step is choosing the right one for you. Here are six factors to consider when selecting from the list of cfa allowed calculators.
- Entry Mode (RPN vs. Algebraic): The biggest difference. The HP 12C is famous for Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), where you enter numbers first, then the operator (e.g., `3 [Enter] 4 +`). The TI BA II Plus uses standard algebraic entry, like most modern calculators. RPN can be faster once mastered, but has a steeper learning curve.
- Ease of Use & Learning Curve: The TI BA II Plus is generally considered more intuitive and easier to learn for beginners, as its operation is similar to calculators used in school. Many third-party study materials use the TI as their standard.
- Cost: The TI BA II Plus models are typically less expensive than the HP 12C models. For candidates on a budget, this can be a significant factor.
- Keystrokes & Speed: Proponents of the HP 12C argue that its RPN entry requires fewer keystrokes for complex calculations, saving valuable time during the exam. However, the difference for most standard problems is minimal once you are proficient with either calculator.
- Build Quality and Feel: The HP 12C, particularly the Platinum version, is often praised for its professional build quality and responsive keys. Some users find the standard TI BA II Plus to feel “plasticky,” though the Professional version has a better build.
- Specific Functions: While both calculators handle all necessary functions like TVM, NPV, and IRR, the TI BA II Plus Professional includes a few extra useful functions not on the HP 12C, such as Net Future Value (NFV) and Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR). Explore our {related_keywords} resources to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CFA Allowed Calculators
1. Can I bring two calculators to the CFA exam?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a backup calculator, as long as both are approved models. Many candidates bring one of each, or two of the same model, as a precaution against battery failure or malfunction.
2. What happens if I bring the wrong calculator?
If you bring a non-approved calculator, the exam proctors will not allow you to use it. You would have to take the exam without a calculator, which is a significant disadvantage.
3. Is the TI BA II Plus Professional version worth it?
For many candidates, yes. It has a more solid build quality and includes extra functions like NFV and MIRR which can be helpful. Given the investment in the CFA program, the small additional cost is often justified. Considering a deep dive into {related_keywords} might provide further context.
4. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory before the exam?
Yes, proctors will ask you to show them that you have cleared the memory of your cfa allowed calculators before the exam begins to ensure no unfair advantage.
5. Are calculator covers and spare batteries allowed?
Yes, calculator covers, keystroke cards, and loose spare batteries are permitted in the testing room. Instruction manuals are not.
6. Why is there such a strict policy on cfa allowed calculators?
The policy ensures fairness, uniformity, and exam security. By standardizing the tools, the CFA Institute prevents any candidate from using a device with programming or communication capabilities to cheat.
7. Which calculator is more popular among candidates?
The Texas Instruments BA II Plus is far more popular due to its lower cost, intuitive algebraic entry system, and the wide availability of learning resources tailored to it. If you are looking for related financial tools, check our guide on {related_keywords}.
8. Is the HP 12C’s RPN hard to learn?
It has a learning curve, but most users can become proficient with a few hours of dedicated practice. Fans of RPN find it much faster and more efficient for complex, multi-step calculations once they have adapted to it.