IFTA CERTIFICATIONS: CFTE, MFTA
Everything about the CFTe and MFTA certifications: with the rise of social media, financial influencers and other wanna-be experts have seen an unprecedented rise that makes it look like investing is as easy as 1-2-3. Suddenly, even 19 year old Instagrammers (with barely no market experience) advice you how to invest. Youtube traders tell you how they became rich overnight. And scammers promise you that their system makes a gazillion % per year. Following such people is typically a bad idea. You can learn technical analysis nowadays online and often completely “free”, but from sources of questionable quality. We see technical analysis applied by those “professionals” in horrific ways violating even basic standards. People do everything for more clicks, likes and followers! In the long run (every professional with vast market experience can confirm) it’s QUALITY that makes you outperform the rest.
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.
The path to success
There are several independent ways how you can achieve your CFTe diploma:
- buy the books of the recommended reading, study by yourself and sit the exam directly. Good preparation is required.
- get the recommended books, study by yourself, attend a preparatory course like the SAMT immersion course, which will offer you good preparation and the opportunity to ask qualified experts plenty of 1:1 questions, then sit the exam
- buy the books of the recommended reading, study online with the SAMT Home Study course, take mock exams and quizzes online as part of the course, then sit the exam.
Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) – Level I
Everything about the CFTe and MFTA certifications: 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.
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:
CFTe I practice (mock) examination:
English |Arabic | Chinese | 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.
Cost for the CFTe Level I exam
SAMT Members: $550 US Non-SAMT Members: $850 US
Languages
This exam is offered in:
• English
• Spanish
• German
• Chinese
• Arabic
• French
Exam Date and Location
The exam is offered throughout the year, via Pearson VUE’s webpage (online exam).
Exam Registration Process:
Results
Results are released immediately following the exam.
Required level to Pass
To pass the test, the candidate must answer
74 out of 120 questions correctly.
Failure
If you fail to pass the exam, you can repeat it again. However, you will have to register and pay again as well.
SAMT Home Study Course
9 examples of practical technical analysis- How to trade CFDs
CFTe Digital Badges from IFTA- Trade With A Plan
What is the ICHIMOKU indicator and how does it work?
The Roadmap from 2024: Harnessing Super Cycles
Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) – Level II
Exam Type
The CFTe II exam incorporates a number of questions requiring an essay based analysis and answers. Therefore, 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
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Italian
• Arabic
Exam Dates
bi-annually, typically in April and
October. Info and registration deadlines here.
Preparation
Although the exam will be prepared in self-study, there are sample tests available to verify your progress:
CFTe II practice (mock) examination:
English | Arabic | French | German | Spanish
New CFTe II practice (mock) examination:
English | Arabic | 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 Locations
This exam regularly takes place in Zurich, Geneva, Frankfurt, London and Paris.
Cost for the CFTe
Level II exam
SAMT Members: $850 US Non-SAMT 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.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
―Malcolm X
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)
Everything about the CFTe and MFTA certifications: IFTA’s 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:
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 “alternate path” 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:
Candidates in these or very similar circumstances may apply for the “alternate path”. If approved, they may register for the MFTA and send in their research proposals.
Cost for the MFTA exam
SAMT Members: $950 US Non-SAMT 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.
