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 $550 US
  • CFTe II $850* US
  • MFTA $950 US

Non-Members

• • CFTe I $850 US
  • CFTe II $1,150* US
  • MFTA $1,200 US

*Additional Fees (CFTe II only):

$100 US proctor fee.
$250 US may apply for non-English exams.  Contents

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 60-70%.  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 the IFTA website for the CFTe I and II and MFTA.  Contents

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. See the process to register here.

The CFTe II examinations are held twice annually, in spring (April) and fall (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. Find more information on CFTe II here Contents

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

A: The CFTe II is proctored via Zoom and is no longer offered as a pen and pencil exam at various locations. However, you may take the exam from a secure office/room anywhere.  Contents

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

A: In some cases, the CFTe I may be offered in your hometown. Check the IFTA to determine if the exam is offered in your hometown. The CFTe II examination is offered in most major cities throughout the world. Additional fees apply to candidates requesting the exam at non-IFTA proctored exam locations and some non-English languages. 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: Candidates who have completed IFTA-accredited certification programs through Australian Technical Analysts Association (ATAA), 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 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. Before 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 Market Technicians Association (MTA) 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 MTA, including the dates attained. There is a one-time application fee of $550 US. No future fees or membership requirements apply. *Important Update: The provision allowing individuals who have passed the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Levels I and II to be eligible for the Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) certification will be discontinued, effective 31 December 2024. 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.  Contents

Q: Can I take the examination in my own language?

A: The CFTe I and II are currently offered in English, Arabic, German, Spanish, French, and Chinese.  Contents