CFT vs CMT

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Difference Between CFT and CMT

CFT focuses on moving averages, charting methods, candle charts, candle patterns, technical terminology, Elliott wave theory, determination of trends about price, etc. In contrast, CMT focuses on providing knowledge about terminology tools used in technical analysis, application of various concepts, theory, and techniques, etc.

When you think about a professional Technical Analysis course, you need to be sure before signing up. With the notes given below, you can be double sure before registering.

CFT-vs-CMT

Below is the flow of the article –

What is a Certified Financial Technician (CFTe)?

A certified financial technician or CFTe is a complete professional course with two levels: Level I and Level II. For finance professionals who take a test on not just their technical knowledge and skills, they are also tested on their ethical standards and market understanding.

This course is accredited by IFTA (International Federation of Technical Analysts). This non-profit organization has 23 member societies, and currently, the CFT course is available in six different languages, like English, German, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, and French. The examination is a paper and pencil or a written examination.

What is the Chartered Market Technician (CMT)?

Chartered Market Technician (CMT) is a designation attained globally by completing a 3 level examination and displaying basic and extreme knowledge of investment risks, specifically portfolio management strategies.

The certification is received from the CMT Association, the Market Technician Association, after clearing all three levels of examination and receiving approval from the board of directors and the Admission Committee of MTA. The candidate should also have three years of relevant experience to add to the examination.

Being a CMT, you join a society of investment professionals known as experts and generators of the value of money across the globe. This course keeps you on the leading front of the investment industry that is never stable. It is a total compliment to the logical restraints and your financial designation.

CFT vs CMT Infographics

CFT-vs-CMT-info

Exam Requirement

CFTe

To clear this examination, you must ensure that the following are achieved.

  • The candidate needs to have three years of experience in the relevant field.
  • The minimum qualification required is graduation or a bachelor’s degree.
  • He needs to clear two levels of examinations; they are divided as Level I consist of 120 questions that cover only the technical knowledge; however, the experience is not used. Level II consists of many questions; these questions are based on their experience. The question types are essay bases analysis and answers.
  • The course is designed as a self-study course; however, local bodies conduct training classes for these courses.
  • Candidates who have cleared their CMT Association certification or CMT level I and II are eligible to get their CFTe certification as well.

CMT

  • The minimum qualification required is a bachelor’s degree in any finance program; to add to the certification, candidates also peruse the MBA before the certification.
  • Three years of work exp in investment management or professional analytical profile.
  • Candidates should be a master in handling large sums of finance to give estimations, develop portfolio strategies, and make decisions related to trading.
  • Three levels of MTA examination need to be cleared and take five years of the initial exam.
  • The three-level examination level I concentrate on the basic knowledge, Level II measures the candidate's competencies. Finally, Level III is a test of the candidate's ability.

CFT vs CMT Comparative Table

Section CFT CMT
Organizing Body The International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA), USA , manages and controls the exams. The Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Association, USA, manages and controls the exams.
Pattern The course is divided into two levels
  • CFTe I
  • CFTe II
The course is divided into three levels
  • CMT Level I
  • CMT Level II
  • CMT Level III
Duration of Course Although there is no time limit, the candidates are encouraged to complete the course in 24 months. Most candidates take between 18 to 36 months to complete all three levels successfully.
Syllabus The syllabus primarily covers the following topics
  • General Principles & Sentiment Indicators
  • Financial Markets & Business Cycle
  • Classical Chart Analysis
  • Time Cycles Analysis
  • Computerized Technical Analysis
  • Trend lines, Channels, Reversal Patterns, Support and Resistance
  • Point and Figure Charts
  • Dow Theory, Elliott Wave Theory & Steidlmayer Theory of Markets
  • Market Cycle model
  • Portfolio Risk Management
  • Concept of Relative Strength
  • Wave Principle
The syllabus primarily covers the following topics
  • Selection & Decision Making
  • Chart & Pattern Analysis
  • Statistical & Trend Analysis
  • Chart Construction
  • Classical Methods
  • Risk Management
  • Assets Relationship
  • Behavioural Finance
  • Portfolio Management
Exam Fees For members, the cost of the course is $1,950, which includes the exam fees and an enrollment fee of $550. On the other hand, the cost for non-members is $2,550. Also, candidates must pay $100 extra for CFTe II exams at non-IFTA proctored exam locations. The exam fees vary depending on the time of registration. For members, the cost varies from $1,535 to $2,635, including the exam fees and an enrollment fee of $250. On the other hand, the same varies in the range of $2,000 to $3,100 for non-members.
Jobs Some of the common profiles include
  1. Technical Analyst
  2. Banker
  3. Portfolio Manager
Some of the common profiles include
  1. Trading Analysts
  2. Portfolio, Risk Manager
  3. Investment Manager
  4. Hedge Fund Analyst
Difficulty The difficulty level of the exams is fairly reasonable, as reflected from historical pass rates of 60% to 70%. The difficulty level of the exams is fairly reasonable, as reflected from historical pass rates of around 70%.
Exam Date The exams are held twice a year, in April (spring) and October (fall). The upcoming exams for both levels are scheduled for April 21. The upcoming CMT Level I and CMT Level II exams will take place during June 02-12, 2022, while for CMT Level III will take place on June 09, 2022.

Why pursue CFT?

Certified Financial Technician is a globally recognized course in more than 24 countries. It gives you the following benefits.

  1. If you want to pursue or need international recognition and a professional qualification in the financial market, then CFTe rewards you.
  2. It is a globally recognized examination conducted in various languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Arabic, and conducted in major cities worldwide.
  3. This course gives you technical skills and knowledge, understanding the market, and improving your ethical understanding.
  4. It teaches you Algorithmic trading and how technical analysis is impacted.
  5. The subjects covered are interpretations, terminologies, and basic IQ.

Why pursue CMT?

CMT is a course that is similar to CFTe. Let us have a look at some of its benefits:

  1. Like CFTe, CMT is a globally recognized course for candidates who want to become International Professional Technical Analysts.
  2. It aims to create professionals in the field of technical analysis.
  3. They promote very high ethical and professional standards in financial trading.
  4. You are helping and guiding the candidates in gaining expertise in the professional body of financial knowledge.
  5. This course teaches you and gives you the ability to read various points and figures, lines and candlesticks, price perspectives past, present, and future. They also learn and understand the relationships between price and price patterns and the trends, what they mean, and how to understand and draw them.