Calculator Policy
Two models of business calculator are authorized for use on the CFA exams: the Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including the BA II Plus Professional) and the Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum). CFA Institute strictly enforces all policies with regard to calculator usage during the exams and candidates are required to abide by the policies of CFA Institute.
Your calculator will be inspected prior to the
start of the exam. Your calculator must then remain on your desk in full
view and proctors will continue to inspect calculators throughout the
administration of the exam. Use of an unauthorized calculator will result
in the voiding of your exam results and may lead to the suspension or
termination of your candidacy in the CFA Program. Failure by the
proctors to detect an unauthorized calculator prior to the start of the
exam, or your use of an unauthorized calculator at any time during the
exam, does not imply that the calculator is an approved model or that
your scores will ultimately be reported.
Calculator covers are permitted in the testing
room. The Texas Instruments BAII Plus cover contains a keystroke card;
the Hewlett Packard 12C has keystrokes printed on the back of the
calculator. Candidates may refer to these keystroke instructions during
the exam. Loose batteries (no packaging) are permitted in the testing
room; however, CFA Institute advises you to place fresh batteries in your
calculator on the day before the exam. You may keep a small screwdriver
with you if necessary to replace batteries in the BAII Plus. Instruction
manuals are not permitted in the testing room.
Both authorized models of calculators are widely
available. If you are unable to purchase one through retail or online,
you can purchase by mail, phone or fax from the distributors listed on
the CFA Institute website. You can obtain a copy of this list by mail or
fax by calling us at +1 (434) 951-5499 or +1 (800) 247-8132. You are
encouraged to practice with one of these models as you study, and you may
bring more than one of these calculators to the exam. Do not wait until
the weeks before the exam to order your calculator or you may not be able
to obtain one in time for the exam. Prior to entering the exam room,
remember that all programmable calculator memory must be cleared.
Please note that CFA Institute does not profit
from the sales of these calculators. While we have asked
distributors to make calculators available for sale to candidates, the
distributors are solely responsible for the availability, quality and
operation of any calculator ordered from them by candidates. CFA
Institute does not endorse, warrant, or guarantee the calculators or any
other products or services provided by these distributors.
Learn more about the two permitted models, order
online, or find local retailers:
Find a
distributor:
Texas
Instruments BA II Plus and Hewlett Packard 12C