Definition
The term Chartered Market Technician refers to an award issued to individuals that demonstrate expertise in the field of technical analysis of investment markets. The Chartered Market Technician, or CMT, designation is awarded to individuals that pass a series of three examinations developed and administered by the Market Technicians Association (MTA). CMT certification is earned by individuals that demonstrate competency in a wide range of technical analysis topics.
Explanation
The Chartered Market Technician Exam, or CMT Exam, refers to a program consisting of three examinations. The objective of these examinations is to ensure the individual possesses analytical skills and technical knowledge in addition to high ethical standards. The examinations were developed using the results of a job survey, which reflects the activities necessary to work as a technical analyst.
The exams are administered in the months of May and October; candidates may register for one exam per administration. Level I and Level II examinations are electronically-scored multiple choice questions, while Level III is in essay form. Exams are administered in test centers located throughout the United States. Descriptions of each exam are as follows:
Level I: the focus of this 132 multiple choice question exam is definitions and the entry-level knowledge of tools and techniques used by technical analysts. Content areas and question weights include: theory and history (10%), markets (3%), market indicators (13%), construction (15%), trend analysis (15%), chart and pattern analysis (18%), confirmation (10%), cycles (4%), selection and decision (5%), system testing money management (4%), and ethics (3%).
Level II: the focus of this 170 multiple choice question exam is the application of more advanced analytical techniques, theory and concepts. Content areas and question weights include: theory and history (3%), market indicators (5%), construction (1%), trend analysis (20%), chart and pattern analysis (23%), confirmation (15%), cycles (3%), selection and decision (17%), system testing money management (10%), and ethics (3%).
Level III: the focus of this nine-essay question, four-hour exam is the integration of research options, portfolio strategies, trading techniques, and use of technical data. Level III also contains a section on ethics, which must be passed to successfully complete this level.
Candidates are provided electronically-scored pass / fail results immediately following Level I and Level II exams, while Level III essays are scored by a select group of CMT holders with results available 60 to 90 days following the examination. In addition to successfully passing all three examinations, candidates must also obtain member status in the MTA, agree to a code of ethics, and have been gainfully employed in an investment or analytical capacity for a minimum of three years.
There is no time limit to complete all three examinations; however, candidates must reapply to the CMT program after five years. There is no mandatory re-test waiting period if a candidate fails to pass an examination.
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