IFTA - International Federation of Technical Analysts

IFTA Certifications

Certifications

Member societies recognize that IFTA's Certifications represent the highest achievement and recognition by peers in the Technical Analysis community. The IFTA certification is split into a professional certification, Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) and the Master level designation, Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA). IFTA Colleagues, who are members of IFTA member societies may sit for these examinations.

Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) Program

The IFTA Certificate (Certified Financial Technician) consists of Levels I and II, which together constitute a complete professional program.

The two examinations culminate in the award of this internationally recognized professional qualification in Technical Analysis.

Examinations

The exams test not only technical skills, but also ethics and international market knowledge.

Level I: This multiple-choice exam covers a wide range of technical knowledge and understanding of the principals of Technical Analysis, usually not involving actual experience.

Level II: This exam incorporates a number of questions requiring an essay based analysis and answers. For this, the candidate should demonstrate a depth of knowledge and experience in applying various methods of technical analysis. The exam provides a number of current charts covering one specific market (often an equity), to be analyzed as though for a Fund Manager.

Cost of the exams is:
Level 1 USD $500 and Level 2 USD $800.

Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) Program

IFTA's Master of Financial Technical Analysis, MFTA requires an origianl body of research. It is intended to be a rigorous demonstration of professionalism in the global arena of Technical Analysis.

It is anticipated that most candidates for MFTA will have some academic background, and this should convey the high standard against which these papers will be judged.

Examinations

In order to complete this level and receive your MFTA Diploma, you must write a research paper of no less than three thousand words (but generally no more than five thousand). Charts, Figures and Tables may be presented in addition

Your paper must meet the following criteria:

It must be original
It must develop a reasoned and logical argument and lead to a sound conclusion supported by the tests, studies and analysis contained in the paper
The subject matter should be of practical application, and
It should add to the body of knowledge in the discipline of international technical analysis.

Cost of the exam is US $900.

Our next CFTe examination will be held on November 5, 2008. Online registration will open on July 1. Please check back to Register

Note: One must be a member of an IFTA-affiliated "Member" Society or IFTA-affiliated "Developing" Society to sit for these exams.

Further Information

For more information on the program please e-mail certification@ifta.org or go to either Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) Program or Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) Program