CMA Exam Calculator – Don’t Get Yours Banned

The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam is a comprehensive exam that assesses the knowledge and skills of management accounting professionals. It is a rigorous and demanding exam that requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. One of the most essential tools that candidates need to have during the exam is a calculator. However, not all calculators are allowed in the CMA exam, and failing to comply with the CMA calculator policy can result in disqualification. In this blog, we will discuss the CMA exam calculator policy, how to avoid getting your calculator banned in the CMA exam, and provide tips on how to effectively use your calculator during the exam.

CMA Exam Calculator Policy

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), which administers the CMA exam, has strict rules about the types of calculators that are allowed in the exam. The IMA only allows calculators that meet specific criteria, and any calculator that does not meet these criteria is not allowed in the exam room. The following are the calculator functions allowed in the CMA exam:

• Basic arithmetic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
• Square root and percentage functions
• Memory functions (recall, clear, and store)
• Trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan, inverse)
• Logarithmic functions (log, ln, inverse)
• Statistical functions (mean, standard deviation, correlation, regression)
• Amortization and depreciation functions
• How to Avoid Getting Your Calculator Banned in the CMA Exam

To avoid getting your calculator banned from the CMA exam, you must ensure that your calculator meets the IMA’s requirements. The IMA provides a list of approved calculators on its website, and it is essential to review this list before purchasing a calculator for the exam. Some of the approved calculators include Texas Instruments BA II Plus, Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional, and Hewlett Packard 12C.

It is important to note that calculators with built-in features such as wireless communication, text editing, or any other functions not allowed in the exam, are strictly prohibited. Therefore, you must ensure that your calculator does not have any of these functions, or it could be banned from the exam room.

CMA Exam Calculator Usage Tips

Apart from ensuring that your calculator meets the IMA’s requirements, there are other ways to optimize your use of the calculator during the CMA exam. The following are some tips to help you make the best use of your calculator during the exam:

• Practice using the calculator beforehand: Familiarize yourself with the calculator’s functions and capabilities before the exam.
• Use a calculator with large keys: This will make it easier to input numbers and calculations accurately.
• Keep your calculator in good working condition: Make sure your calculator is in good condition and fully charged, and always carry a backup calculator in case of technical failure.
• Organize your calculations: Write down the problem or formula on paper before entering it into the calculator, and double-check your calculations for accuracy.
• Manage your time wisely: Use the calculator to help manage your time during the exam. For example, calculate how long you have for each question and stick to the allocated time.

Watch this video for Top Skills You Need To Clear Your US CMA In The First Attempt:

Conclusion

The CMA exam calculator is an essential tool for candidates taking the exam. However, failure to comply with the CMA calculator policy can lead to disqualification from the exam. To avoid this, candidates must ensure that their calculator meets the IMA’s requirements, and they follow the tips outlined in this blog to make the best use of the calculator during the exam. By taking these steps, candidates can increase their chances of success and achieve their goals of becoming a Certified Management Accountant.

The US CMA course requires constant dedication and a proper study plan in order to clear the examinations and become a Certified Management Accountant. If you’re thinking of pursuing this course, then here’s what you need to know about the exam and it’s difficulty level.