Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) program?

A: This two-stage education and testing program in technical analysis is offered to members of IFTA-affiliated societies and non-members worldwide. It is designed for self-study, with an examination at the end of levels I and II. Upon successful completion of both levels, the candidate is awarded the “CFTe” 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.Contents

Q: What is the Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) program?

A: This is an academic research-style paper offered to members of IFTA-affiliated societies and non-members worldwide.Contents

Q: How much does it cost?

IFTA Member Colleagues
CFTe I $500 US
CFTe II $800* US
MFTA $900 US

Non-Members
CFTe I $700 US
CFTe II $1,000* US
MFTA $1,100 US

*Additional Fees (CFTe II only):
$250 US translation fee applies to non-English exams
$100 US applies for non-IFTA proctored exam locations

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 in two years, and the Master of Financial Technical Analysis in one. Most of the candidates sit for the examinations in successive years.Contents

Q: What is the pass rate?

A: The rate varies from year to year, but is approximately 65-70%.Contents

Q. Does IFTA distribute the final exam grade?

A. The CFTe I exam results are released immediately upon completion of the examination. The CFTe II results are released from six weeks to three months following the examination.Contents

Q: How long does it take to prepare for the exams?

A: We recommend you have a study period of about three months for the Level I examination and six months for Level II.Contents

Q: How do I register?

A: Candidates may register through Pearson VUE, after receiving an Authorization to Test letter via email from IFTA. CFTe II and MFTA candidates may register through the IFTA website during the open registration period.

Q: Where and when are the examinations held?

A: The CFTe I is offered year-round through IFTA’s examination provider Pearson VUE. The candidate chooses the date, time, and location of the exam when they register through the Pearson VUE site. The CFTe II examinations are held twice annually, in spring (April) and fall (October/November). Exact dates are posted several months in advance on the IFTA website. IFTA’s next CFTe II examination will be held on April 18, 2012. The deadline to register is March 2, 2012. Click here to register!

This exam regularly takes place in Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Singapore. IFTA may arrange for additional exam locations, on an individual or group basis, upon request. Additional fees apply to candidates requesting the exam in a non-English language or non-IFTA proctored exam location. IFTA will attempt to accommodate any exam location request.

Contents

Q: Can I take the exam at the IFTA Conference?

A: The CFTe II exam is usually held at the site of the Annual IFTA Conference. The CFTe I is offered year-round at testing centers throughout the world, through Pearson VUE, IFTA’s computer-based testing provider.Contents

Q: Can I sit the exam in my home town?

A: In some cases, the CFTe I may be offered in your home town. Check the Pearson VUE website to determine if the exam is offered in your home town. The CFTe II examination is traditionally, regularly takes place in Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Singapore. IFTA may arrange for additional exam locations, on an individual or group basis, upon request. Additional fees apply to candidates requesting the exam in a non-English language or non-IFTA proctored exam location. IFTA will attempt to accommodate any exam location request.

Contents

Q: Do I have to be an IFTA Member to take one of these programs?

A: No, you do not have to be a member of an IFTA society to take the exam. However, the exam is offered for a slightly higher fee to non-members. To join an IFTA member society, please check the list of IFTA member societies or developing member societies.Contents

Q: How do I join IFTA?

A: You cannot join IFTA directly, you must join one of IFTA’s member societies or developing member societies.Contents

Q: Can I take the exam as a member, even if there is no IFTA society in my country?

A: Yes, you can, but you must still join an IFTA-member society. Most societies welcome non-resident members.Contents

Q: Can I sit both levels of the Certified Financial Technician program on the same day?

A: Since the CFTe I is offered year-round, it is possible, but not recommended.Contents

Q: I have been a Technical Analyst working in the markets for many years, do I have to take the CFTe before going on to the MFTA?

A: Current exemptions to this requirement are:

• Individuals 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 ATAA are considered to have the equivalent of the certificate and may apply for the MFTA Program.
• Individuals who have passed Level I and Level II of the Testing Program offered by the NTAA and have been awarded the designation of “Chartered Member of the Nippon Technical Analysts Association” (CMTA) are also exempt from both levels and may proceed to the MFTA Program.
• Individuals who have successfully completed Levels I, II, & III of the Certified ESTA Technical Analyst Program (CETA) through the Egyptian Society of Technical Analysts (ESTA), and have been awarded the CETA diploma, are exempt from both levels and may proceed to the MFTA Program.

Contents

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.Contents