CFP® Exam Calculator Use Checker

Instantly verify if your financial calculator is permitted for the CFP® certification exam.

Is Your Calculator Approved?

What is the CFP® Exam Calculator Policy?

The CFP Board has a strict policy regarding the types of calculators that can be used during the CFP® certification exam. This policy is in place to ensure a fair and standardized testing environment for all candidates. Only specific, pre-approved financial calculators are allowed in the testing room. Using an unapproved calculator can result in the voiding of your exam results. This calculator checker tool helps you quickly determine if your device meets the CFP Board’s requirements.

The Official List of Approved Calculators

The core of the policy is a specific list of allowed models. You will need a dedicated financial calculator for questions that may require calculations. The following calculators are the only ones permitted in the testing room. Note that newer and older versions of these models are generally accepted.

Approved Calculator Models for the CFP® Exam

Brand	Approved Models
Hewlett Packard (HP)	10b, 10bII, 10bII+, 12c, 12c Platinum, 17bII+
Texas Instruments (TI)	BA II Plus, BA II Plus Professional
Sharp	EL-733, EL-733a, EL-738

For more detailed information, consider reviewing the BIF Review guide.

Practical Examples

Let’s see how the checker works with some common scenarios:

• Example 1: A candidate enters “TI BA II Plus Professional”. The calculator checks this against the approved list and returns a “Yes – Approved” message because it’s an exact match.
• Example 2: A candidate types “HP 12c”. The tool normalizes the input and finds “HP 12c” in the approved list, showing a “Yes – Approved” result.
• Example 3: A candidate enters “iPhone Calculator” or “TI-89”. The tool does not find this in the list of approved models and returns a “No – Not Approved” message, as calculators with computer-like functionality are prohibited.

How to Use This CFP® Exam Calculator Checker

Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1. Enter Model: Type the model name of your financial calculator into the input field above.
2. Check Status: Click the “Check Eligibility” button.
3. Review Result: The box below the button will instantly update to show whether your calculator is approved (green “Yes”) or not approved (red “No”).
4. Reset: Click the “Reset” button to clear the input field and the result.

Key Factors and Exam Day Rules

Beyond just having the right model, there are several crucial rules to remember for exam day:

• Memory Clearing: You are required to clear your calculator’s memory before the exam. Proctors may inspect your calculator and ask you to reset it to factory settings.
• Batteries: Calculators must be battery-operated. It’s highly recommended to install fresh batteries before the exam and bring a spare set (without packaging) with you.
• No Manuals or Notes: Instruction manuals are not permitted. If your calculator has notes or formulas printed on it, they must be removed or covered with opaque tape.
• Inspection: Be prepared for proctors to inspect your calculator before you enter the testing room.
• No Other Electronics: With the exception of your approved calculator, no other electronic devices are allowed.
• Practice: Do not use a new calculator for the first time on exam day. Choose an approved model and practice with it extensively throughout your studies to build speed and accuracy.

To learn more about what to expect, check out these exam day tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a newer version of an approved calculator?

Yes, the CFP Board states that newer and older versions of the approved models are allowed.

2. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?

You will not be allowed to use it. Possession or use of an unauthorized calculator can lead to your exam results being voided.

3. Can I bring a backup calculator?

Yes, you can bring a spare approved calculator and/or loose batteries into the testing room.

4. Do I have to clear my calculator’s memory?

Yes. Proctors will inspect and may require you to reset the calculator to factory settings. It is your responsibility to know how to do this.

5. What about calculator apps on my phone or watch?

Absolutely not. No electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, are permitted other than the approved financial calculators.

6. Which calculator is the “best” for the CFP exam?

There is no single “best” calculator. The most popular choices are the HP 12C, HP 10bII+, and TI BA II Plus. The best one is the one you are most comfortable and proficient with. Many users find the HP 10bII+ and TI BAII Plus easier to learn, while the HP 12C is popular among experienced professionals but uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), which can be confusing for new users.

7. Are there any calculators that are explicitly forbidden?

Yes, any calculator with programmable features, text storage, or graphing capabilities is not allowed. Examples of prohibited models include the TI-83, TI-84, and HP 48G.

8. What if my calculator has notes printed on the back?

Any supplemental material, notes, or formulas must be removed or completely covered by solid, opaque tape before you enter the testing room.