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.
Dates
The CFTe I exam is now being offered year-round, at testing centers throughout the world through Pearson VUE, IFTA’s computer-based testing provider. The candidate selects the exam date and location when they register for the exam.
The CFTe II is offered twice annually, typically in April and October. Register here for the next CFTe II on 24 April 2025. The deadline to register for this exam is 13 March 2025. No registrations will be accepted after this date. Note: The CFTe II will be proctored online via Zoom. Details about the process will be distributed to candidates closer to the exam date.
Locations
The CFTe I examinations are offered at testing centers throughout the world through Pearson VUE, IFTA’s computer-based testing provider. After registering for the CFTe I through IFTA, you may view exam locations and schedule your exam at “Find a test center“. Please contact IFTA if you have questions.
The CFTe II is proctored via Zoom. Candidates may take the exam from their office or home.
Languages
The CFTe I exams are currently offered in English, German, Spanish, Arabic, French and Chinese. The CFTe II exam is offered in English, German, Italian, French, Arabic, Spanish, and Chinese. Additional fees may apply to candidates requesting the exam in a non-English language.
Cost
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 proctor fee.
$250 US translation fee.
Examinations & Preparation Guidelines
Passing the CFTe I and CFTe II culminates in the award of an international professional qualification in technical analysis. The exams are intended to test not only your technical skills knowledge but also your understanding of ethics and the market.
The program is designed for self-study. Local societies may offer preparation courses to assist potential candidates.
Level I
This multiple-choice exam consists of 120 questions covering a wide range of technical knowledge, but usually not involving actual experience. In preparation for the exam, candidates should use this Syllabus and Study Guide. Note: The Appendices (A-D) study material will be given to the candidate upon registering for the CFTe I. This exam is currently offered in English, German, Spanish, Arabic, French, and Chinese.
The CFTe I exam is now being offered year-round, at testing centers throughout the world through Pearson VUE, IFTA’s computer-based testing provider. The candidate selects the exam date and location when they register for the exam.
To register for the CFTe I
- Register and pay the application fee here.
- Within 72 hours, IFTA will send you an Authorization to Test letter, via email, with further instructions on how to log in to the Pearson VUE (IFTA’s exam provider) website and schedule your examination. The CFTe I is offered in English, German, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Chinese throughout the year at Pearson VUE exam centers around the world.
In preparation for the CFTe I exam, candidates should download:
CFTe I practice (mock) examination:
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.
The CFTe II is a paper and pencil exam that is offered in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese, bi-annually, typically in April and October. This is proctored via Zoom. The candidate can take the exam in their office or at home. Additional fees may apply to candidates requesting the exam in a non-English language. In preparation for the exam, candidates should use this Syllabus and Study Guide.
To register for CFTe II
- Register here for the next CFTe II on 24 April 2025.
- The deadline to register for this exam is 13 March 2025. No registrations will be accepted after this date. Note: The CFTe II will be proctored online via Zoom. Details about the process will be distributed to candidates closer to the exam date.
In preparation for the CFTe II exam, candidates should download:
CFTe II practice (mock) examination:
New CFTe II practice (mock) examination:
NOTE: The CFTe II will be proctored online via Zoom. Details about the process will be distributed to candidates closer to the exam date.
An IFTA syllabus-compliant Home Study Course which prepares candidates for both the IFTA CFTe I and II examinations is available from one of its member societies, the STA in the UK, here.
Exemptions
Individuals who have successfully completed IFTA-accredited certification programs through the Egyptian Society of Technical Analysts (ESTA), Nippon Technical Analysts Association (NTAA), and Society of Technical Analysts (STA) are exempt and may proceed directly to the MFTA program. See below for more details:
- 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.
- Individuals who have passed Level I and Level II of the certification 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 also exempt from both levels and may proceed to the MFTA Program.
- Beginning January 2013, individuals who have passed the STA Foundation and Diploma Courses offered by the Society of Technical Analysts (STA) and have been awarded the designation of Member of the Society of Technical Analysts (MSTA) are eligible to receive the CFTe certification (please contact STA’s Administration for procedures) and may proceed with IFTA’s MFTA Program. Prior to January 2013, holders of the Society of Technical Analysts (STA) Diploma are exempt from Level II but must pass Level I (a multiple-choice test) before qualifying for the CFTe certification.
Additionally,
- *Individuals who passed the CMT Association, Chartered Market Technician (CMT) levels I and II are eligible to receive the CFTe certification. Please submit an application and provide a pass confirmation from the CMT Association, including the dates attained. There is a one-time application fee of $550 US. *Important Update: The provision allowing individuals who have passed the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Levels I and II to qualify for the Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) credential will be discontinued for CMT II exams taken on or after January 1, 2025. This decision follows a thorough review of the Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) program to ensure it consistently meets the highest standards of professional excellence and relevance. IFTA is dedicated to preserving the integrity and value of the CFTe certification and believes this change will help us maintain these standards. Additionally, we have noted that the CMT material may no longer align with our study materials, further supporting the need for this adjustment.