CFA Can I Use Two Calculators? Policy Checker & Guide
Worried if your calculators are allowed in the CFA exam? This tool provides an instant check based on the official CFA Institute policy, answering the common question: “cfa can i use two calculators?”.
CFA Exam Calculator Compliance Checker
Select the model of your first calculator.
Select your backup calculator if you plan to bring one.
What is the CFA Calculator Policy?
The CFA Institute has a very strict policy regarding calculators allowed during the exam to ensure fairness and prevent cheating. The core of the policy is that only two specific models of business analyst calculators are permitted. Use or possession of any unauthorized calculator model during the exam will result in the voiding of your exam results.
The simple answer to “cfa can i use two calculators” is yes, you can. The CFA Institute explicitly allows you to bring a second, approved calculator as a backup in case your primary one malfunctions or the battery dies. Both calculators must be from the approved list. Proctors will inspect your calculators before the exam begins.
Approved CFA Exam Calculators
The policy is not about brands, but specific models. Any calculator not on this list is forbidden. The two sanctioned models are:
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including the BA II Plus Professional)
- Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30th-anniversary edition, and HP 12C Prestige)
No other versions or models are allowed in the testing room.
Formula and Explanation: The “Compliance Formula”
The “calculation” for compliance is a logical check, not a mathematical one. It can be expressed as:
Compliance_Status = IS_APPROVED(Calculator1) AND (Calculator2 = "None" OR IS_APPROVED(Calculator2))
This means your setup is compliant if your first calculator is an approved model, and your optional second calculator is either not present or is also an approved model.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Allowed Values) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculator1 | The primary calculator you bring. | Model Name | TI BA II Plus or HP 12C |
| Calculator2 | The backup calculator. | Model Name | TI BA II Plus, HP 12C, or None |
| IS_APPROVED() | A function that checks if a model is on the CFA Institute’s approved list. | Boolean (True/False) | N/A |
Practical Examples
Example 1: The Safe Candidate
- Input (Calculator 1): Texas Instruments BA II Plus
- Input (Calculator 2): Hewlett Packard 12C
- Result: YES. Both calculators are approved models. You are fully compliant.
Example 2: The Risky Candidate
- Input (Calculator 1): Texas Instruments BA II Plus
- Input (Calculator 2): Other (e.g., a scientific calculator)
- Result: NO. While your primary calculator is approved, the second one is not. You will not be allowed to bring the unauthorized calculator into the exam room.
How to Use This cfa can i use two calculators Checker
Using this tool is straightforward:
- Select Your Primary Calculator: From the first dropdown menu, choose the model of your main calculator.
- Select Your Backup Calculator: If you plan to bring a second calculator, select its model from the second dropdown. If not, leave it as “None”.
- Check Compliance: Click the “Check Compliance” button.
- Interpret the Results: The result box will appear, showing a clear “Yes”, “Warning”, or “No” and an explanation of your compliance status. This helps you understand if you can use two calculators for the CFA exam based on your choices.
Key Factors That Affect Your Calculator Strategy
- Battery Life: The primary reason to bring a second calculator is as a backup against battery failure. Ensure both have fresh batteries before exam day. You can bring spare batteries and a small screwdriver.
- Familiarity: You should be an expert with your primary calculator. Precious seconds are lost on the exam if you’re fumbling with functions. Practice extensively with your chosen calculator.
- Operating System (RPN vs. Algebraic): The HP 12C uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), while the TI BA II Plus uses an algebraic entry method. They are fundamentally different. It is unwise to switch between them on exam day unless you are proficient in both.
- Memory Reset: Proctors may inspect and clear your calculator’s memory before the exam. Be prepared to set it back to your preferred settings (e.g., number of decimal places) quickly.
- No Sharing: The CFA Institute policy strictly prohibits the sharing of calculators during the exam.
- Exam Day Inspection: Your calculators will be visually inspected by proctors. They must remain on your desk in plain sight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I really bring two calculators into the CFA exam?
- Yes, absolutely. The CFA Institute allows you to bring up to two approved calculators. This is a recommended strategy.
- 2. Can I bring a TI BA II Plus and a TI BA II Plus Professional?
- Yes. Since both are approved variations of the same model, this is a perfectly acceptable and common combination.
- 3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?
- It will be confiscated, and you risk having your exam results voided. Do not take the chance.
- 4. Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory beforehand?
- While proctors may ask to clear it, it is good practice to do it yourself before the exam to avoid any issues.
- 5. Can I use a calculator app on a phone or watch?
- No. All electronic devices other than the approved calculators are strictly forbidden.
- 6. Are calculators provided at the test center?
- No, you must bring your own approved calculator(s). They are not available at the center.
- 7. Can my two calculators be different models (e.g., one TI and one HP)?
- Yes, as long as both models are on the approved list, you can mix and match.
- 8. Do I need to bring the calculator’s manual?
- No, instruction manuals are not allowed in the exam room.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your CFA preparation with these resources: