Chartered Market Technician (CMT) is a professional designation that confirms proficiency in technical analysis of the financial markets. To hold the designation, membership in the Market Technicians Association is required. The CMT designation requires completion of an education program and examination series in technical analysis. The Market Technicians Association (MTA) oversees the program curriculum and administration of exams. Candidates who pass all three examination levels of the program can earn the Chartered Market Technician designation, which certifies that the individual is competent in technical analysis.[1]
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The CMT program
The Chartered Market Technician program is a primary part of the MTA's larger mission to:
- "Educate the public and the investment community to the value and universality of technical analysis
- "Attract and retain a membership of professionals devoting their efforts to using and expanding the field of technical analysis and sharing their body of knowledge with their fellow members
- "Establish, maintain and encourage the highest standards of professional competence and ethics among technical analysts."
The MTA began to develop the CMT program in 1985. Just as other professional organizations have standards of competence for members, so the CMT designation provides a recognized standard of proficiency for technical analysts. (The CMT examinations are administered by Thomson Prometric, which administers other professional tests, such as the CPA exam.) The three-part CMT examination includes:
- Definitions ("terminology, charting methods, and ethics")
- Application ("concepts such as "Dow Theory, Elliott Wave, intermarket, etc.")
- Integration ("competency in ethics and in rendering technical opinions integrating multiple aspects of technical analysis. Essay responses should be of the quality of technical research published by practicing CMT charterholders.")
Who seeks the CMT designation
The Chartered Market Technician designation is sought by individuals with a career in finance, such as securities dealers and brokers, market analysts, fund managers, financial planners, advisers and others. Professionals who receive the CMT designation must also become members of the MTA in order to claim the designation. Membership requires sponsorship by three MTA members, a pledge to abide by the MTA's code of ethics, and final approval of the applicant by the MTA board of directors. Individuals who aspire to greater expertise in the use of technical analysis can go through the CMT examination program. Those who are using technical analysis in a non-career capacity can join the MTA as affiliates.
The CMT exam status
In February 2005, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recognized levels 1 and 2 of the CMT exam as an alternative to the Series 86 Examination, as part of the rule changes filed by the NASD and NYSE. [1] This recognition on the part of securities regulators and the self-governing bodies of the securities industry provided significant new credibility to technical analysis.
See also
- Candlestick chart
- Dow Theory
- Elliott wave principle
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Resistance
- Support
- Trend line
