Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the Certified Financial Technician program?
A: This two-stage education and testing program in technical analysis is offered to members of IFTA-affiliated societies worldwide. It is designed for self-study (syllabus and reading list may be provided), with an examination at the end of levels I and II.
Upon successful completion of both levels, the candidate is awarded the "Certified Financial Technician" designation, which certifies that the candidate has a thorough knowledge of the field, and is able to understand and apply advanced technical analysis concepts and tools.
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Q: What is the Master of Financial Technical Analysis program?
A: This is an academic research-style paper offered to members of IFTA-affiliated societies worldwide.
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Q: How much does it cost?
Certified Financial Technician Level I: US $ 500
Certified Financial Technician Level II: US $ 800
Master of Financial Technical Analysis: US $ 900
Requests for foreign language translation may add to the cost.
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Q: How long does it take to complete the programs?
A: There is no fixed time limit, although candidates are encouraged to complete the Certified Financial Technician program in two years, and the Master of Financial Technical Analysis in one. Most of the candidates sit the examinations in successive years.
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Q: What is the pass rate?
A: The rate varies from year to year, but is approximately 65-70%.
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Q. Does IFTA distribute the final exam grade?
A. Candidates who complete the CFTe1 or CFTe2 examinations, will be informed by the IFTA administration of either a Pass or Fail grade. Grades may be released only to the candidate (not to a third party) upon request, with proof of identity and with the approval of the IFTA Accreditation Committee.
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Q: How long does it take to prepare for the exams?
A: We recommend you have a study period of about 3 months for the Level I examination and 6 months for Level II.
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Q: How do I register?
A: Registration forms are available on our website, and may also be accessed from the website of some of our member societies. Please note that all applications and fees must be received by the deadline, and that only individuals affiliated with one of IFTA's member societies may enroll in the program (list of societies www.ifta.org/membership/members.html)
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Q: Where and when are the examinations held?
A: Examinations are held twice annually, in spring and late autumn. Exact dates are posted several months in advance on the IFTA home page.
Examination sites can be set up anywhere in the world. If there are three or more individuals wishing to write the examination in a given city, IFTA will arrange for a site and proctoring. If there are fewer than three individuals, the cost for a site and for proctoring must be borne by the candidate.
Traditionally, examinations are given in Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris, Lugano/Milan, London, Hong Kong, Madrid and Singapore.
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Q: Can I take the exam at the IFTA Conference?
A: Exams are usually held at the site of the Annual IFTA Conference.
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Q: Can I sit the exam in my home town?
A: Given enough notice, sittings can be arranged anywhere. If there are fewer than three candidates at a location, candidates may incur additional costs.
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Q: Do I have to be an IFTA Member to take one of these programs?
A: You must be an IFTA Colleague (member of your local IFTA society) to take either exam. If you are not sure whether you qualify, please check the list of IFTA member societies at www.ifta.org/membership/members.html.
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Q: How do I join IFTA?
A: You cannot join IFTA directly, you must join one of IFTA's member societies.
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Q: Can I take the exams, even if there is no TA society in my country?
A: Yes, you can, but you must still join an IFTA-member society. Most societies welcome non-resident members.
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Q: Can I sit both levels of the Certified Financial Technician program on the same day?
A: Unfortunately not. The exams are usually held on the same day and at the same time.
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Q: I have been a Technical Analyst working in the markets for many years, do I have to take the Certified Financial Technician program before going on to the MFTA?
A: Current exemptions to this requirement are: - ATAA: Persons who have successfully completed E114 and E171 through the Securities Institute of Australia (SIA) and have been awarded the "Diploma in Technical Analysis" by the Australian Technical Analysts Association (ATAA) are exempt from both levels of the Certified Financial Technician examination program.
- MTA: Persons who successfully completed CMT 1 offered by the US-based Market
Technicians Association (MTA) before 2005 are exempt from Level I only. - NTAA: Persons who have successfully completed Level I and Level II of the Testing Program offered by the Nippon Technical Analysts Association (NTAA) and have been awarded the designation of "Chartered Member of the Nippon Technical Analysts Association" (CMTA) are exempt from both levels of the Certified Financial Technician program.
- STA: Persons who have successfully completed the Diploma Course offered by the Society of Technical Analysts (STA) in the UK are exempt from Level II only (on condition that they take and pass Level I).
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Q: Can I take the examination in my own language?
A: The examinations are available in several languages, depending on demand. In most years, the examination may be taken in English, French, German, Italian,Spanish and Arabic. If numbers warrant, IFTA may provide translations into other languages as well.
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Q: What if the program is not currently offered in my language?
A: If your native language has not been requested for an official IFTA site, then you will have to request it at least 3 months in advance. Additional translation costs may apply. Please contact your national TA society and ask them to discuss language options with us.
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