CMT (Chartered Market Technician)
The only widely recognized technical-analysis credential; FINRA Series 86 exemption is a meaningful regulatory benefit for sell-side research analysts.
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Visit Official Site →Founded
1973
HQ
New York, NY, USA
Target Audience
Technical analysts, quantitative analysts, traders, and portfolio managers using charting/technical analysis as primary or supplementary investment process.
Key Features
- Three levels: Level I (132 MCQ, 2 hours), Level II (170 MCQ, 4 hours), Level III (constructed-response/essay, 4 hours)
- Exam administered twice per year (April, October) at Prometric centers worldwide
- Curriculum covers chart analysis, technical indicators, intermarket analysis, risk management, behavioral finance, ethics
- 3 years of professional experience required for charterholder status
- Pass rates: Level I ~65-70%, Level II ~55-60%, Level III ~50-55%
- FINRA-recognized for Series 86 (Research Analyst) exam exemption (with prior fundamental analysis component)
- ~3,500+ active CMT charterholders globally
How to Get This Certification
Prerequisites
Enrollment in CMT Program (no degree required to sit for exams); 3 years of professional experience in a finance-related role for charterholder status.
Why Get Certified — ROI
Salary Impact
Limited US-specific salary data published. CMT Association cites $15,000–$25,000 premium in technical/quant-trading-adjacent roles.
Career Benefits
- What makes this stand out
- The only widely recognized technical-analysis credential; FINRA Series 86 exemption is a meaningful regulatory benefit for sell-side research analysts.
- Industry recognition
- CMT Association proprietary; FINRA-recognized for Series 86 exemption.
Who Should Get This Certification
Ideal for:
- Technical analysts
- quantitative analysts
- traders
- and portfolio managers using charting/technical analysis as primary or supplementary investment process.
Consider alternatives if:
- Highly specialized — irrelevant for fundamental investing, corporate finance, or planning roles
- Technical analysis remains controversial in academic finance; some employers view CMT skeptically
How to Maintain This Certification
- Renewal cycle:
- 1 years
Pricing
Pricing varies.
Weaknesses
- Highly specialized — irrelevant for fundamental investing, corporate finance, or planning roles
- Technical analysis remains controversial in academic finance; some employers view CMT skeptically
- Annual $425 dues add up over a career
- Curriculum heavy on legacy chart patterns; lighter coverage of modern quantitative methods than competing CFA/FRM
Markets Served
Global
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links.
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