Certification

Member societies recognize that IFTA Certification represents the highest achievement and recognition by peers in the Technical Analysis community. The IFTA certification program is split into a professional certification, Certified Financial Technician (CFTe), and the Master level designation, Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA).

Certified Financial Technician (CFTe)

The IFTA Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) consists of CFTe 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.

CFTe I: This multiple-choice exam covers a wide range of technical knowledge and understanding of the principles of Technical Analysis, usually not involving actual experience. This exam is currently offered in English, German, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Chinese. See the process to register here.  Download the Syllabus and Study Guide | CFTe I practice (mock) examination (English) | CFTe I practice (mock) examination (Arabic) | CFTe I practice (mock) examination (Chinese).

CFTe 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. This exam is offered in English, German, Arabic, Spanish, French, Italian, and Chinese. Register here for the next CFTe II on 20 October 2022. The deadline to register for this exam is 9 September 2022. No registrations will be accepted after this date.  Download the Syllabus and Study Guide | CFTe II practice (mock) examination (English) | CFTe practice (mock) examination (French) | CFTe II practice (mock) examination (German) | CFTe II practice (mock) examination (Spanish) | CFTe II practice (mock) examination (Arabic). Note: The CFTe II will be proctored online via Zoom. Details about the process will be distributed to candidates closer to the exam date.

The cost of the exams are:

IFTA Member Colleagues
CFTe I $550 US
CFTe II $850* US

Non-Members
CFTe I $850 US
CFTe II $1,150* US

*Additional Fees (CFTe II only):
$100 US applies for non-IFTA proctored exam locations
$250 US translation fee may apply.

Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA)

IFTA’s Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) requires an original 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 and no more than five thousand words. 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.
    • It must meet all of the guidelines set forth in the MFTA/IFTA Journal Style Guide.

The cost of the program is:

IFTA Member Colleagues
$950 US

Non-Members
$1,200 US

Further Information

For more information on these certifications, please e-mail admin -at- ifta.org. or go to the Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) Program or Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) Program pages.

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