CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide: BA II Plus Tips That Save You 10+ Minutes on Exam Day

Dimitri Dangeros, CFA, CAIA
Oct 26
4 min read

If your exam is just weeks away, this CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide shows exactly how to set up, speed up, and avoid the BA II Plus pitfalls that burn time and points. Everything below aligns with official exam-day policies and the approved features of the TI BA II Plus (standard or Professional).

CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide: Approved gear & quick setup

Approved models. Only the TI BA II Plus (incl. Professional) or HP 12C are allowed. Bring one you’ve practiced on.
Bring a backup. Pack spare batteries and, ideally, a second approved calculator. A tiny Phillips screwdriver is permitted for BA II Plus battery changes.
Memory clear. Proctors will inspect and ask you to clear memory before you start. Know how to do it fast on your BA II Plus.

BA II Plus fast setup (do this at the desk before the tutorial):

Reset variables (safe, quick): 2nd → RESET → ENTER (confirms RST).
Decimals: 2nd → FORMAT → type 4 → ENTER (four decimals balances precision and readability).
Payments/Compounding: 2nd → P/Y → type 1 → ENTER; press ↓ to C/Y → type 1 → ENTER; 2nd → QUIT.
Annuity mode: 2nd → BGN; if “BGN” shows, press 2nd → SET to toggle to END (default for most Level I TVM).

Micro-check: P/Y = 1, C/Y = 1, mode = END, DEC = 4. If any differ, fix now—these settings cause most exam-day miscalculations.

CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide: TVM and worksheet shortcuts that save minutes

1) TVM in two breaths

Set N instantly with P/Y multiplier. Enter years and press 2nd → xP/Y to auto-multiply by P/Y. Example: 30 years, monthly payments → set P/Y = 12, then 30 → 2nd → xP/Y → now N = 360.
Clear only TVM (not everything): 2nd → CLR TVM. Use this when switching between TVM questions to avoid “ghost” values.

2) Annuit(ies) without traps

Ordinary annuity (most questions): END mode.
Annuity due (payments at period start): toggle BGN (2nd → BGN → 2nd → SET). A big “BGN” flag appears—remember to toggle back afterward.

3) Cash flows, NPV, IRR—zero to done

Clear CF worksheet: CF → 2nd → CLR WORK.
Enter flows fast: CF0, then C01, F01, C02, F02, …
NPV: NPV → enter discount rate as I → ENTER → ↓ → CPT.
IRR: IRR → CPT.Knowing these keystrokes cold can shave 2–3 minutes across common Corporate Finance or PM items.

4) Bonds & dates (only if you’ve practiced)

The BA II Plus has BOND and DATE worksheets. If you’re fluent, they’re quicker (clean/dirty price, YTM, accrued). If you’re not, prefer formula-first to avoid mis-entries. Always clear a worksheet before reuse.

5) 1-pass Stats for Quant

Clear: 2nd → DATA → 2nd → **CLR WORK`.
Enter pairs: x then ENTER, ↓, y then ENTER, ↓ …
Compute: 2nd → STAT for x̄, σx, n, regression (a, b, r).This is the fastest way to compute sample stats/regression values from small tables.

CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide: Common BA II Plus errors (and quick fixes)

Wrong sign convention. Cash outflows (deposits, loan amounts you receive) vs. inflows (withdrawals, final values) must have opposite signs in TVM. If you get Error 5 or nonsense outputs, flip the sign on PV/PMT/FV and re-compute.
P/Y ≠ C/Y or leftover P/Y. If a previous question used P/Y = 12, your next one will inherit it. Always confirm P/Y and C/Y at the top of each fresh TVM problem.
BGN left on. The stealth score-killer. If you set BGN for a lease/annuity due and forget to toggle back, every subsequent TVM result will be off.
Forgetting to clear worksheets. CF and STAT retain entries. Always 2nd → CLR WORK before entering new data.
Decimals and rounding confusion. Four decimals display is a good default; the BA II Plus stores more precision internally, but display rounding can mislead you when writing intermediate numbers to scratch paper.
Percent vs. decimal rate. Enter I/Y as a percentage on BA II Plus (e.g., 8 for 8%, not 0.08).
Typing speed without anchors. Don’t sprint: say the field names in your head as you enter them (e.g., “N… I/Y… PV… PMT… FV… CPT FV”). This prevents cross-field mis-entries.

CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide: A 10-minute daily drill (the week before)

Run this once per day to build flawless muscle memory:

Global reset & setup (as above): RESET → DEC=4 → P/Y=1, C/Y=1 → END mode.
TVM minute: Solve a standard annuity payment (CPT PMT), then switch to BGN and re-solve to see the difference, then back to END.
CF/NPV/IRR minute: Clear CF, enter 4–5 uneven flows with one repeat frequency, compute NPV at a given rate, then IRR.
Stats minute: Clear DATA, enter three pairs, read x̄, σx, and r.
Amort burst (optional): Run 2nd → AMORT to get first-year PRN/INT quickly after computing a loan payment.
Final sanity check: Confirm no BGN flag, P/Y=C/Y=1, and that memory is clear for the next session.

CFA Level 1 November 2025 Calculator Guide: Exam-day execution & backups

Pack two approved calculators (or one plus spare batteries) and keep them in your clear belongings. If your primary glitches, switch immediately—don’t troubleshoot under the clock.
Expect a memory clear. Proctors will instruct you to clear memory before you begin. Do it quickly, then re-check DEC/P/Y/C/Y/END.
Use scratch-paper “rails.” Write a tiny TVM frame (N, I/Y, PV, PMT, FV) and tick each value as you enter it. For CF questions, list flows with counts before touching the calculator—then key them in.
When stuck, back-solve. For options that list payments or values, use your TVM/NPV result to eliminate rather than derive from first principles.
Don’t overuse exotic functions. Stick to what you’ve practiced: TVM, CF/NPV/IRR, simple stats, amort, and (if rehearsed) bond/date worksheets.

Preparing for the CFA Exam?

Boost Your Success Rate with Swift Intellect — Try It for Free (No Credit Card Required!)

Whether you're tackling the CFA Level 1 or CFA Level 2 exam, Swift Intellect gives you the edge with Advanced learning, structured study tools, and real-time feedback.

Our platform is designed to cut study time, improve retention, and help you focus on exactly what you need to pass. Join thousands of candidates already using Swift Intellect to stay sharp and on track.

Why Choose Swift Intellect?

Advanced Learning Support
24/7 Expert Tutor
Knowledge Graph Visualization
Comprehensive Practice Tools – Question Bank & Mock Exams (Pro Plan)
Erudit Mode (Multi‑LLM Ensemble)
Multi-Device Access
Community Access
Video Library

Free Trial