IFTA Certifications: CFTe, MFTA
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đ Quality Over Quantity: In the world of investing, experience and expertise speak volumes. Uncover the truth by seeking recognized certifications like the CFTe. Only established credentials ensure you’re equipped with the skills to analyze markets effectively and make informed trades.
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It’s time you start becoming an independent professional! Only international recognized diplomas like the CFTe guarantee you pass a high level of quality and apply technical analysis in all of your trades the proper way.
IFTA Certifications: CFTe, MFTA
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 your understanding of ethics and the market as well.
Exam Type
This multiple-choice exam consists of 120 questions covering a wide range of technical knowledge, but usually not involving actual experience. A mock exam is available (see “Preparation”), however previous exams in general are unavailable. Beginning May 1, 2014, all CFTe I & II exams will be marked based on this Syllabus.
Languages
This exam is offered in: English / German / Arabic / Spanish / Chinese and French
Exam Date and Location
The exam is offered throughout the year, via Pearson VUE’s webpage (online exam).
Cost for the CFTe Level I exam
SEEMT Members: $550 US
Non-SEEMT Members: $850 US
Required time to study
Depending on your background, we traditionally suggest a minimum of 3-4 months study. A minimum of 200 hours can be broken down to i.e. 16 hrs p/w (over 3-months) or 12.5 hours p/w (over 4-months).
We recommend you have a study period of about three months for the Level I examination and six months for Level II.
Preparation
Although the exam will be prepared in self-study, there are sample tests available to verify your progress in both English and German.
Please check the following reading list to make sure you will cover all books/subjects. Books can be ordered in both English and German here.
Exam Registration Process:
- Join SEEMT now – this will already help you to save 300$ on the CFTe level I exam and provide you further benefits! This will typically take 1 business day
- start your studies, do the mock exams, participate in SEEMT-events and when you’re ready:
- register and pay the application fee for the CFTe I exam 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 (IFTAâs exam provider) website and schedule your examination. Typically, an exam can be scheduled as early as a few days after you received the “Authorization to Test” letter.
Failure
The results are released immediately following the exam.
Required level to Pass
The candidate must answer 74 out of 120 questions correctly to pass.
Failure
If you fail to pass the exam, you can repeat it again. However, you will have to register and pay again as well.
Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) – Level II
Exam Type
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 analysed, as though for a Fund Manager. In preparation for the exam, candidates should review the Syllabus and Study Guide (CFTe II).
Notice: Beginning May 1, 2014, all CFTe I & II exams will be marked based on this Syllabus. Previous exam papers are available on receipt of application and fees. 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.
Languages
The CFTe II is a paper and pencil exam that is offered in:
English / German / French / Italian / Spanish / Arabic
Exam Dates
bi-annually, typically in April and October. Info and registration deadlines here.
Exam Locations
This exam regularly takes place in Zurich, Geneva, Frankfurt, London and Paris.
Cost for the CFTe Level II exam
SEEMT Members: $850 US
Non-SEEMT Members: $1150 US
Registration
Further information can be obtained on the IFTA-website where you can register for the exam as well.
Note: All applicable local taxes, including VAT, will be collected at the time of registration.
After successfully passing the CFTe II level exam, you will not only get your diploma, but you can also apply for IFTA’s digital badge to share your achievements online.
Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA)
IFTAâs Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) represents the highest achievement and recognition by peers in the Technical Analysis community. The MFTA requires an original body of research. It is intended to be a rigorous demonstration of professionalism in the global arena of Technical Analysts. There are two submission dates per year, in May and October.
Prerequisites
The MFTA is opened to individuals who have attained the Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) designation or its equivalent, including:
- Chartered Member of the Nippon Technical Analysts Association (CMTA) from the Nippon Technical Analysts Association (NTAA)
- Diploma in Technical Analysis (Dip.TA) from the Australian Technical Analysts Association (AATA)
- Certified ESTA Technical Analysts Program (CETA) from the Egyptian Society of Technical Analysis (ESTA)
Alternate Path
For those IFTA Colleagues who do not have the formal qualifications outlined above, but who have other certification and/or many years experience working as technical analyst, the Accreditation Committee has developed an âalternate pathâ by which candidates with substantial academic or practical work in technical analysis can bypass the requirement for the CFTe, and prequalify for the MFTA. There are three categories of applicants for the alternate path. It is open to individuals who have:
- A certification such as Chartered Market Technician (CMT), Society of Technical Analysts (STA) Diploma, PLUS three years experience as a technical analyst; or
- A financial certification such as Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), PLUS five years experience as a technical analyst; or
- Have a minimum of eight years experience as a technical analyst
Candidates in these or very similar circumstances may apply for the âalternate pathâ. If approved, they may register for the MFTA and send in their research proposals.
Cost for the MFTA exam
SEEMT Members: $950 US
Non-SEEMT Members: $1200 US
Exam Dates
bi-annually, typically in April and October. Info and registration deadlines here.
Registration
Further information can be obtained on the IFTA-website where you can register for the exam as well. Note: All applicable local taxes, including VAT, will be collected at the time of registration.