Series 65 Exam Calculator Policy and Tools
🧾 Series 65 Exam Calculator Policy and Tools
📘 What You Can and Can’t Use During the Series 65 Exam
If you’re preparing for the Series 65 exam, understanding what calculator and tools are allowed is critical. Many questions involve time value of money, risk/return calculations, and portfolio management math. While the math isn’t advanced, knowing your calculator options and how to use them efficiently can save precious time on test day.
🧮 1. Is a Calculator Allowed on the Series 65 Exam?
✅ Yes, but you cannot bring your own calculator.
Instead, a basic calculator is provided on-screen as part of the exam software interface.
🧠 2. What Type of Calculator is Provided?
- It is a four-function calculator:
- Addition (+)
- Subtraction (−)
- Multiplication (×)
- Division (÷)
💡 No financial functions like present value (PV), future value (FV), or NPV are included.
❌ 3. What’s Not Allowed?
- ❌ No personal calculators, including:
- Financial calculators (e.g., TI BA II Plus, HP 12C)
- Scientific calculators
- Graphing calculators
- ❌ No calculator apps or smartwatch tools
FINRA exams, including the Series 65, are administered in a controlled testing environment, and you’ll be provided with all necessary digital tools on screen.
🖊️ 4. Are Scratch Papers Allowed?
✅ Yes. You’ll be given a whiteboard or laminated sheet with a dry-erase marker at testing centers or an online whiteboard during remote proctored exams.
This is important for:
- Writing out formulas
- Performing multi-step calculations
- Tracking numeric logic
🧠 5. What Formulas Should You Practice by Hand?
Since the calculator is basic, you’ll need to be fluent in:
🧩 6. Exam Day Tip: Use the Calculator Strategically
- Don’t overuse it for simple math.
- Write out multi-step calculations on your whiteboard first.
- Be efficient—practice with an on-screen calculator simulation before exam day to get comfortable with its functionality and speed.
🚀 Summary: What You Need to Know
| Tool/Resource | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Calculator | ❌ Not allowed | Leave it at home |
| On-Screen Calculator | ✅ Yes | Basic 4-function only |
| Financial Functions | ❌ Not available | Learn to calculate manually |
| Scratch Paper/Whiteboard | ✅ Yes | Provided by the testing center or online exam |
| Calculator Practice Online | ✅ Recommended | Use mock tools to prepare your pace |
🎓 Want Series 65 calculator practice exercises and formula drills?
Access printable and digital tools for time management and math questions at:
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com
Know your tools. Practice the math. Walk in ready.