Certified Financial Technician (CFT) Program

Introduction
The IFTA Certificate (Certified Financial Technician - CFT) replaces DITA I & II, which started in 1996. The program consists of two levels, with the examinations normally being taken at 12-month intervals. There are usually two exam sittings per year. Venues and dates vary from year to year, but each April they generally include Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris, Madrid, London and Hong Kong, and in October/November they always include the site of IFTA's Annual Conference which takes place at various centres throughout the world (see IFTA Conference link). If strict conditions of security and authorised supervision can be guaranteed, IFTA may agree to permit the examinations to be taken in other places on an individual or (more usually) on a group basis.

Examinations
The two examinations culminate in the award of a truly international professional qualification in Technical Analysis. The exams test not only technical skills, but also ethics and international market knowledge. Level 1: This exam usually consists of 120 questions with multiple choice-answers, covering a wide range of technical knowledge but not usually involving actual experience. The pass mark is generally above 70 percent. Previous exams are not available, but a limited number of sample questions is sent out with the syllabus and reading list. Stage 2 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 has to be analyzed as though for a Fund Manager. The pass mark is normally above 70 percent. Syllabus and required reading list, as well as previous exam papers, are available on receipt of application and fees.

Prerequisites
Only IFTA Colleagues (that is, members of an IFTA Member Society) are eligible for the CFT Program. On receipt of applications, confirmation will be sought from the candidate's local Society that the applicant is a properly accredited and fully paid-up member or associate member of that Society. If there is at present no IFTA-affiliated TA Society in your country, you may still participate in the CFT process by either either Joining an established society in another country. Most societies accept non-resident members. For a list of IFTA societies, please see www.ifta.org/membership/members.html Linking up with other like-minded people, creating a TA Society in your country and applying to IFTA for Developing Society status.

Curriculum
The CFT Program is essentially designed for self-study. Local societies may offer preparation courses to assist potential candidates. Reading lists are available on the IFTA website www.ifta.org.

Exemptions
The following exemptions apply: Individuals who have previously passed the CMT Level 1 exam (set by the US-based Market Technicians Association) are exempt from CFT Stage 1.

Holders of the STA Diploma are exempt from Level 2, but must pass Stage 1 (a multiple-choice, broadly based test) before qualifiying for the IFTA 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 CFT Diploma and may apply for the MFTA Program. Individuals who have passed Level 1 and Level 2 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 exempt from both CMT 1 and CMT 2 and may proceed to the MFTA Program.

Cost
Cost of the exams is as follows: Stage 1 US $500 and Stage 2 US $800.

Registration
Application forms are available on the IFTA website www.ifta.org. Applications must be complete and accompanied by registration fees.

Further Information
For more information on the CFT Program please e-mail cft@ifta.org