Good for
Used calculators for the CFA exam
The CFA Institute allows only two calculator models in the exam room: the TI BA II Plus, including the Professional, and the HP 12C, including the 12C Platinum, the 12C Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition, the 12C 30th Anniversary Edition and the 12C Prestige (CFA Institute calculator policy, updated January 2026). Every 12C below qualifies. The original 12C is RPN only; the Platinum, the 25th Anniversary and the Prestige also do algebraic entry, which helps if you've never used RPN. Check the policy page again before your exam, since the rules can change. The Society of Actuaries allows no HP calculators at all.
4 calculators we cover.
HP
FinancialHP 12C
- Launched
- 1981
- Entry and display
- RPN · LCD
- Features
- Programmable · Keeps memory
$15–$35 typical ask
439 on eBay
HP
FinancialHP 12C Platinum
- Launched
- 2003
- Entry and display
- RPN or algebraic · LCD
- Features
- Programmable · Keeps memory
$30–$50 typical ask
108 on eBay
HP
FinancialHP 12C Platinum 25th Anniversary
- Launched
- 2006
- Entry and display
- RPN or algebraic · LCD
- Features
- Programmable · Keeps memory
$35–$50 typical ask
41 on eBay
HP
FinancialHP 12C Prestige
- Launched
- 2008
- Entry and display
- RPN or algebraic · LCD
- Features
- Programmable · Keeps memory
Specs and what to check →