calculators

[SURAJM]

Hi David,

Which is the calculator that one should go for?

The below link gives the FRM approved calculators:
http://www.garp.com/frmexam/policies.aspx?ekmensel=c580fa7b_10_22_144_5

 

[David Harper CFA FRM]

Hi Surajm,

I didn't realize the list had expanded to include HP 10B II and HP 20B. I do not have either of those and I cannot speak to them; although, is the 10B II missing bond TVM keys, I don't see those. I am unsure about the 10B II?

Most use HP 12C or TI BA II+ or TI BA II+ Pro.
Either of these (that's four) do the job fine.
There are some interesting comments here from last year:
http://www.bionicturtle.com/learn/article/texas_instruments_ba_ii_plus_ti_ba_ii_essential_functions_for_the_frm

Major difference, IMO, is the HP uses reverse polish notation. There is some learning curve to the HP 12c RPN, but it pays off nicely: I think you are less prone to comit parenthetical errors with RPN. But if you don't want to invest that learning curve, it's easier to just use the TI straightaway. If you are pressed for time the "safer" choice might be the TI, but I've used them both for years, and now I prefer the HP 12c but that was only after practicing the RPN.

Either way, in the FRM (like the CFA), you won't need to do advanced computations, everything is combinations of basics, so the choice is far less important than picking one and getting comfortable with it early. (I think Telon gives good advice in comments linked above: "The TI BA II Professional is a very versatile calculator and I would advice anyone taking the exams next year and beyond to get the calculator earlier and master it before the 11th hour," says he)

David