Examinations

The Australian Professional Technical Analysts (APTA) Inc fully supports the Technical Analysis examinations provided by The International Federaltion of Technical Analysts (IFTA).

Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) Program

Note: Only members of the IFTA-affiliated Member or Developing Societies may sit for these exams. To register, see below.

Examinations

Passing both examinations culminates in an 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.

Level I: This multiple-choice exam consists of 120 questions, covering a wide range of technical knowledge usually not involving actual experience. Previous exams are unavailable, but sample questions are included with the Syllabus and Study Guide. This exam is offered in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish (Arabic in July 2010), year-round, at testing centers throughout the world through Pearson VUE, IFTA's computer-based testing provider.

Level II: This exam incorporates a number of questions requiring (short) essay-type answers which should demonstrate both knowledge of, and experience in using, various types of technical analysis; it also provides a number of different charts covering one specific market (often an equity), which must be analyzed as though for a Fund Manager. In preparation for the exam, candidates should review the Syllabus and Study Guide. Previous exam papers are available on receipt of application and fees. The next exam is scheduled for October 6, 2010. See how to register below.

The CFTe II exam is a paper and pencil exam that is offered twice annually, in the spring (April) and fall (October/November). This examination regularly takes place in Cairo, Dubai, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, Madrid, Paris, and Singapore. IFTA may arrange for additional exam locations, on an individual or group basis, upon request. If there are fewer than three individuals, the cost for a site and for proctoring must be borne by the candidate.

Prerequisites

Only IFTA Colleagues who are members in good standing of an IFTA member society or IFTA developing society are eligible to sit for this examination.

Curriculum

The program is designed for self-study. Local societies may offer preparation courses to assist potential candidates. Syllabus and Study Guides are available on the IFTA website.

Exemptions

The following exemptions apply:

  • Individuals who have previously passed the CMT Level I exam (set by the US-based Market Technicians Association prior to 2005) are exempt from Level 1 of the program.
     
  • Holders of the STA Diploma are exempt from Level II, but must pass Level I (a multiple-choice test) before qualifying for the Certificate.
     
  • Persons who have successfully completed E114 and E171 through the Securities Institute of Australia (SIA) and have been awarded the "Diploma in Technical Analysis" by the ATAA are considered to have the equivalent of the certificate and may apply for the MFTA Program.
     
  • Individuals who have passed Level I and Level II of the Testing Program offered by the 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.
     
  • 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.
     

Cost

Cost of the exams is as follows: Level I US $500 and Level II US $800.

Registration

NEW! The CFTe I exam is now being offered in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish (Arabic in July 2010), year-round at testing centers throughout the world through Pearson VUE, IFTA's computer-based testing provider. The candidate chooses, the date, time, and location of this exam.

To register for the CFTe I:
 

  1. Fill in the Candidate Eligibility Information data form completing all required data fields, and forward to your local society requesting authorization to test.
  2. The local society forwards the eligibility data to IFTA , verifying your membership expiration date.
     
  3. IFTA will send you an Authorization to Test letter, via email, with further instructions on how to proceed with registration, through Pearson VUE
     

The Syllabus and Study Guide for the CFTe I can be downloaded at http://www.ifta.org/certifications/application/.

To view available examination locations (before registering)
 

  • Go to, Pearson VUE
  • Select "Locate, Find a test center"
     
  • Under "Choose a testing program" select "International Federation of Technical Analysts"
     
  • Select "Country" from drop down list
     
  • Type in desired city
     
  • Click on the "Search" button
     

To register for CFTe II

The next CFTe II examination will be held on October 6, 2010. The deadline to register and pay is August 20, 2010. Download Application and Register Now!

For more information on the program please e-mail IFTA admin

Please note that fees and conditions may be subject to change without notice.