Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) Program Note: that only members of IFTA-affiliated Societies may sit these exams. The IFTA Certificate (Certified Financial Technician) program has two levels, with a spring (April) and fall (November) session each year. Our next exam is scheduled for November 5, 2008. Examinations are regularly given in London, Frankfurt, Paris, Lugano, Madrid, Cairo, Singapore and a number of other cities around the world, and can be set up on request almost anywhere in the world. Exams are also usually given the day before each IFTA Annual Conference. IFTA may agree to permit the examinations to be taken in additional locations on an individual or on a group basis. Examinations The two examinations culminate in the award of an international professional qualification in Technical Analysis. The exams test not only technical skills knowledge, but also ethics and market understanding.
Level I: This multiple-choice exam consists of 120 questions, covering a wide range of technical knowledge usually not involving actual experience. Previous exams are not available, but a limited number of sample questions are sent out with the syllabus and reading list.
Level II: This exam incorporates a number of questions requiring (short) essay-type answers which should demonstrate both knowledge of and experience in using various types of technical analysis; it also provides a number of different charts covering one specific market (often an equity), which must be analyzed as though for a Fund Manager. Syllabus and required reading list, as well as previous exam papers, are available on receipt of application and fees.
Prerequisites Only IFTA Colleagues who are members in good standing of an IFTA member society or IFTA developing society are eligible for this program. If there is not an IFTA-affiliated TA Society in your country, you may still participate in the process by either: - Joining an established society in another country. Most societies accept non-resident members. For a list of IFTA societies, please see IFTA Member Societies or IFTA Developing Societies.
- Linking up with other like-minded people, creating a TA Society in your country and applying to IFTA for Developing Society status.
Curriculum The program is designed for self-study. Local societies may offer preparation courses to assist potential candidates. Reading Lists are available on the IFTA website. Exemptions The following exemptions apply: - Individuals who have previously passed the CMT Level I exam (set by the US-based Market Technicians Association prior to 2005) are exempt from Level 1 of the program.
- Holders of the STA Diploma are exempt from Level II, but must pass Level I (a multiple-choice test) before qualifying for the Certificate.
- 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 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.
Cost Cost of the exams is as follows: Level I US $500 and Level II US $800. Registration Online registration is available three months prior to each examination at IFTA CFTe Registration. For more information on the program please e-mail certification@ifta.org
Please note that fees and conditions may be subject to change without notice. | 
