Calculator & Exam-Day Rules for FRM: What to Bring, What’s Banned

Kateryna Myrko
Sep 27
3 min read

The FRM® exam is not just a test of risk management knowledge—it’s also a high-stakes, tightly controlled environment. Misunderstanding the rules can lead to unnecessary stress, last-minute scrambling, or, in the worst case, disqualification. This guide outlines exactly what you can bring, what’s prohibited, and how to prepare for exam day based on the latest 2025–2026 guidelines.

Approved Calculators for FRM (2025–2026)

GARP permits only two specific financial calculators for all FRM exam parts:

Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional)
Hewlett-Packard 12C (including HP 12C Platinum, 12C 25th Anniversary, and other 12C variants)

Key Calculator Rules

No other models are allowed—bringing an unapproved calculator will mean going without one.
Calculators may be battery- or solar-powered but cannot connect to the internet or have printing capabilities.
You may bring more than one approved calculator as a backup.
Memory clearing is not required before the exam, but all calculators must be silent.
Cases and covers must be removed before you enter the testing station.

Pro Tip: If you’re buying a new calculator, do it months before the exam and learn every key sequence you’ll need (e.g., NPV, IRR, bond yields, statistics). On exam day, speed matters as much as accuracy.

Identification & Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the exam:

Government-issued photo ID (valid, unexpired, and matching your registration name exactly).
Printed or digital admission ticket as provided by GARP.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow for check-in and security procedures.

What You Can Bring Calculator & Exam-Day Rules for FRM

Along with your approved calculator(s), you may bring:

Silent, non-programmable wristwatch (for time management—smartwatches are banned).
Approved writing instruments (pencils or pens, depending on testing center policy; computer-based exams often provide scratch paper and pens).
Earplugs (soft foam, unconnected to electronics).
Sweater or light jacket without hoods, pockets, or logos that could be considered disruptive. Calculator & Exam-Day Rules for FRM

Testing centers typically provide: Scratch paper or whiteboard sheets Marker or pen Locker for personal items

What’s Banned

The FRM exam security is strict—any banned item, even unused, can result in dismissal. Prohibited items include:

Non-approved calculators or calculator covers
Mobile phones, tablets, laptops
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, or wearable tech
Bags, backpacks, and large cases
Study notes, formula sheets, or books (except for scratch paper provided by the center)
Food and drinks (unless pre-approved for medical reasons)
Earphones, headphones, or audio devices
Weapons or sharp objects of any kind

Exam-Day Environment

The FRM Part I exam is computer-based and lasts 4 hours with 100 multiple-choice questions.
Testing rooms are monitored by CCTV and proctors.
Leaving the room requires permission and is time-penalized—your clock does not stop.
Water breaks are typically allowed only in designated areas outside the testing room.

Pre-Exam Preparation Checklist

One Week Before:

Confirm your testing location and transportation route.
Verify your calculator is working and has fresh batteries.
Prepare your ID and confirm that the name matches your GARP registration exactly.

Night Before:

Pack your approved calculator(s), ID, and admission ticket.
Sleep 7–8 hours—mental stamina is critical.

On Exam Day:

Arrive early for check-in.
Use your scratch paper during the 2–3 minute tutorial to jot down formulas if it helps you.
Keep an eye on your pacing—aim for ~2.4 minutes per question.

Common Exam-Day Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting your calculator or bringing the wrong model—you’ll be forced to work without one.
Bringing a smartwatch—even if powered off, it will be confiscated, and you may face penalties.
Using notes or unapproved materials—grounds for immediate dismissal.
Mismanaging time—too many candidates leave a batch of questions unanswered because they spent too long on earlier ones.

Bottom Line

Your FRM performance depends on two factors: your preparation and your execution on exam day. The rules around calculators and permitted items are not flexible—plan ahead, practice with the exact calculator you’ll use, and arrive with everything in order. That way, the only challenge you’ll face is the exam itself, not the logistics.

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