Final Call! 🚀 Get 20% off last-minute Case Study prep for the Feb sitting. Use code: CSFEB25 at checkout. Hurry—offer ends 5th Feb!
There are plenty of calculations you need to do during the exam, so what resources can you utilise? While Pearson Vue provides an on-screen calculator during your CIMA exam (both certificate and professional levels), I DO agree that it is easier (and faster) to perform calculations on a machine that you are familiar with—especially when using one of the CIMA approved calculators.
Newly registered CIMA exam candidates often wonder – ‘does CIMA allow the use of personal calculators during the exam’? CIMA officials have addressed this situation and announced in this FAQ’s that YES, they are generally allowed…Long story short, you can bring your own calculator, but it has to be a non-programmable one from a pre-approved list (shown below for your convenience).
All the calculators from the CIMA approved calculators list are non-programmable, ensuring no candidate can use them for unfair advantages. The exam administrator will check your calculator to confirm it matches a model from the approved list, and they may reset the calculator’s functions before the exam to ensure compliance.
ONE TIP – I would suggest that you print out CIMA’s official guide just in case before the exam so you have it with you. I read on different FB CIMA groups, that few students had this issue with the Pearson Vue office – they were not allowed to bring in their personal calculators, even if they were from the pre-approved calculators’ list. That happened last year and those were rare cases, however just to be on the safe side, better to take the guideline with you. Once again, here it is: using a calculator in the CIMA exams guideline.
I believe it is always easier to use your own calculator, but you also have an on-screen calculator available to you in case.  By using ‘Question Tutorials hosted by Pearson VUE,’ the exam candidates can practice the exam questions and try out the on-screen calculator before the big day. You can also download a tutorial to make sure they are familiar with the application of on-screen calculator.
This is where you open a free account at Pearson Vue in order to see how the real exam will look like:
https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/cima/questiontutorials.html
Â
Good luck with your exam and please contact us if you would like to add anything to this article.Â
Also if you like the idea of utilising your calculator a bit more, check the box below and provide us your email address, so we could send you directly a guide with additional resources that show you how to use your calculator to the maximum! That’s a skill personally I find really useful during the exam, especially if you have to perform plenty of calculations in a very limited time. You don’t want the technology to hold you back, do you?
Experience the real CIMA exam feel with our practice materials. Get familiar with the format, sharpen your skills, and boost your confidence. Start practicing today!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert guidance, study resources, career tips, the latest discounts, and more.
The ultimate and comprehensive online accountancy tuition provider. We offer an unmatched question bank, interactive video lectures and expert tutor support that you won’t find anywhere else!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert guidance, study resources, career tips, the latest discounts, and more.
Copyright © 2025 - Practice Tests Academy
