A moment of change, a line in the sand marking a very clear “before” and “after” personal transformation that could fundamentally alter your professional life for the better.

In the next few minutes you’ll discover at least 5 ways that earning the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation can be the catalyst for exceptional personal and professional growth.

And, to be clear, this isn’t just a theory.

For those that came before you, it’s already happening.


You see, for the last 50 years the CMT Association has quietly been arming anyone with a market-facing alpha capture role - as well as anyone with a customer-facing alpha capture role - with the knowledge, skillset, and authority to stand out in a crowded market.

It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to this world or a battled tested financial services veteran.

The difference between you WITHOUT the CMT designation and WITH the CMT designation is night and day.

Please note, I say “quietly” because, despite having been the preeminent global credentialing authority committed to advancing the discipline of technical analysis in the financial services industry for decades…

And despite full recognition from regulatory bodies such as FINRA and IIROC…

Not to mention the early endorsement from industry leaders such as “Lifetime Award Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Analysis” John Bollinger…

The CMT designation, and the highly sought after skill set its holders possess, is still a relatively rare commodity.

For context, there are currently around 5,000 CMT charterholders worldwide today.

In contrast, with roughly 190,000 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholders worldwide, the CFA designation is far more common.

Meaning that right now, adding those three little letters to the end of your name (CMT) gives you the competitive edge to stand out, not only in the trading markets - but in the job markets as well.

The future looks bright as this credential continues to gain popularity and influence.

Technical analysis, the systematic evaluation of price volume for the purpose of price forecasting, itself has seen a surge of public interest in the past decade.

Whether attributed to any number of factors, including the increasing availability of technical analysis tools and platforms, the growth of online trading and investing, and the rise of social media and online communities that focus on trading and investment.

The study of the action of the market itself has never been so fixed in the public's eye.

The best part? Anyone considering becoming a CMT charterholder today can look forward to being part of this growing, prestigious field of investment professionals.

CMT charterholders are already holding key positions in juggernaut companies. In fact, the top 15 employers of CMT charterholders today are:

From stock brokerage firms to investment banks to hedge funds...

All eager to utilize the insights that your expertise in technical analysis can provide in roles such as technical analyst, strategist, portfolio manager, broker, and investment advisor.


Of course, many charterholders also work independently as investors/traders as well.

Again, the combination of deep knowledge and unique skill sets you’ll acquire as a CMT charterholder will be met with industry wide respect and recognition as part of the organic growth of the market.

But there’s another sweeping trend happening right now driving the demand for new masters of technical analysis.

Global market uncertainty is predicted to remain elevated for the foreseeable future.

And the blistering pace of change across the investing landscape like:

All combining to drive implied volatility at speed.

Speaking of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), consider this as a testament to how much faster markets move today than even a decade ago.

In 2008, it took two weeks for Lehman to go from “alarm bells ringing” - to a $100 billion failure.

In 2023, it took SVB 48 hours.

Speed and access to information for all market participants is a monumental force influencing behavior at never before seen scale.

And because technical analysis can indicate and reveal market psychology…

This disruption is your opportunity.


Remember, the CMT designation is for those who are interested in how market behavior can impact the value of a stock.

For those who want to bridge the gap between intrinsic value and market price.

So if you choose to take advantage of the opportunity to begin (or continue) your journey toward becoming a Chartered Market Technician today, reading both social and market behavior could become your new superpower.

Because predicting a stock's momentum requires a deep understanding of technical analysis.

A financial journalist might say:

However, maybe John Bollinger put it best when he said, “it’s like having a little peek at tomorrow’s newspaper”.

Now, you may already know everything you need to know about what technical analysis is…

But I’m here today to tell you what becoming a CMT charterholder can do for you personally.

So, if you’re at all interested in discovering the transformation this opportunity holds in store for you, then please read on.

Simply put, CMT designation holders are on the leading edge of technical analysis… and others will take note.

Clients, employers, and portfolio managers will see you as a valuable asset, with a unique expertise in navigating the complexities of the market.

We spoke earlier about market turbulence and volatility.

With a CMT designation, you become an expert in chart patterns, volatility and risk management, and other critical components of technical analysis.

You become the master of predicting how both of these emergent forces impact a stock’s momentum, and how to efficiently position investments to profit immensely.

Meaning that not only does the CMT designation give you the knowledge to position your investments for success, it also sets you apart from your peers.

So if you can see how mastering the theory behind how markets work and how stocks are priced could benefit you, then the CMT designation is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from industry leaders…

And making you a key player in any investment discussion.

Let’s talk about money.

Specifically, the very significant potential increases in your earning power and personal wealth ahead of you should you choose to pursue this path.

Consider, say, an analyst who might typically earn between $65,000 to $95,000 annually in the United States before taxes. Not too bad.

However, this figure pales in comparison to the same analysts earnings holding the CMT designation

The CMT Association conducted a survey revealing the average salary for CMTs in 2018 was $200,000… more than double the average salary of non-CMT holders.

And with their level of knowledge and practical expertise, as well as the required three years of relevant work experience, there’s really no such thing as an “entry-level” role for a CMT - even for newly certified charterholders.

But that’s just the start.

As the preeminent global designation for technical analysis, CMT’s can also anticipate benefits aside from “just” increased salary and bonuses.

Such as:

I should mention the significance of what it means when participants reported “gaining new responsibility”.

If you are a strategist, portfolio manager, investment advisor, run your own shop, work at a fund, or in any capacity where your income is tied to AUM…

Then this is for you.

Time and time again we hear from new CMT’s who report back that along with their designation came greater responsibility - often in the form of more AUM being allocated into their strategies.

It’s both an incredible vote of confidence from your clients or partners, as well as a marked increase in your earning potential.

But that’s still not all.


By leveraging the authority of your CMT designation you could find opportunities for new side income streams.

Consider consulting, teaching, or even writing about technical analysis. Any of which could result in additional income streams.


Or use your high level knowledge to trade for yourself.

And let’s not forget that some CMT holders may also work as independent traders or analysts, where their newly honed knowledge and skills could lead to higher returns on investments and ultimately higher earnings.

In the world of professional investing returns/risk is king and networking is queen.

Simply put, networking is what will open opportunities for you regardless of what you’re after. It’s like a “cheat code” to rapid advancement.

Also, let’s face it, it’s just nice to feel like you're part of a community. Especially one so niche as this.

So consider this your ticket to the center of the technical traders universe.

When you obtain the CMT designation an entire world of professional networks will open up to you.

Whether it’s through the CMT’s Annual Symposium, one of their Chapter Meetings, or other industry events, if you’re looking for a group of open and like-minded individuals to develop professional and personal relationships with, there’s no better place than through the CMT Program.


You can join and network with several local chapters across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

There are 24 charters in North America alone.

So chances are that if you are near a major investing hub there is a local charter for you, and I’d strongly encourage you to get involved.


NEW: Virtual networking on Discord.

Plus with the recent addition of the CMT Association Discord server, members can now easily connect with each other, share ideas, and participate in discussions related to technical analysis and market trends


Bottom line: Networking is the secret weapon for the investing industry and you may find that gaining access to the local chapters alone is worth the CMT designation.

But with options from large in person Summit and Symposium events, local charter meetings, and/or access to our private Discord server - you’ll always have the opportunity to network in the way that suits you best.

On February 8th, 2005, something remarkable happened.

That was the day FINRA recognized CMT Levels 1 and 2 as an alternative to the series 86 exam, enabling financial analysts to obtain two designations simultaneously.


Now, this was an incredible development… not just because of the obvious benefit to anyone seeking these designations, but because it was a stunning vote of confidence from a premiere regulatory body.

And the implications of industry recognition created waves we are still feeling today.

Like when the IIROC in Canada also deemed that the CMT program also meets their credentials for industry continuing education programs.

Or later, in 2017, when the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance authorized the CMT as a certified designation.

Meaning that financial professionals could finally advertise to prospective clients.

This approval was particularly significant since Omaha, Nebraska, is a prominent finance hub, increasing regulatory endorsement rates.


Each year sees the CMT designation gaining wider recognition within the investment world.

And it’s likely to become one of the most sought-after designations of the coming decade.

With the ongoing rise of glowing regulatory recognition, there's truly never been a better time than now to pursue the designation.

Finance never sleeps.

Global interconnected markets, disparate time-zones, 24 hour news cycles…

And the decades long precedent of an 80+ hour work week.

It’s an oftentimes brutal culture that can take its toll on your health and your relationships.

Not to mention the lower down on the totem pole you are, the worse you have it.

At best it’s a rough slog, at worst there are serious consequences (like the reported horrific death of a Goldman intern after a 72 hour shift).


But, thankfully, with your CMT skills and expertise in high demand, you’ll have bargaining power and clout.

You’ll be in a better position to negotiate not only a higher salary but ancillary benefits like a flexible work schedule and more PTO.

Even further, as many CMT holders advance very quickly in their career - you could likely end up taking on senior leadership roles within your respective fund, bank, or other institution.

And once you’ve ascended to VP level you’ll have a team under you to help manage the hours.

Potentially seeing a reduction in your requirements fall down to a much more reasonable 40 hour week or better.

If you want to master the discipline of studying the action of the market itself… then you’re going to love this.

And if you want to catapult your professional career in finance by:

Then please pay attention.

Because we, the CMT Association, are a global credentialing body with nearly 50 years of service to the financial industry.

Our Chartered Market Technician® (CMT) designation marks the highest education within the discipline and is the preeminent designation for practitioners of technical analysis worldwide.

And this designation is ONLY available through us.

We're thrilled to be able to offer you this opportunity.

So whether you're already involved in the process of becoming a CMT Charterholder, or just beginning your process... we're here for you.

Simply choose a button below to let us know how we can best guide you from here.

The CMT Exam Program is your path toward becoming a CMT charterholder.

The Chartered Market Technician® (CMT) credential is only awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of a core body of knowledge of investment risk in portfolio management settings by passing a series of 3 distinct levels of exams.

We’ve spent decades creating and continually refining these course curriculum and exams to best reflect our serious desire to improve your investment performance and career opportunities.

There are no prerequisites for sitting for these examinations, and there is no limit to how many times you may attempt the exams.

However, you may only take one level of exam per administration period.

Time Sensitive Information: Please note that exams are only given twice per year in June and December.

And standard registration is open now for the next exams given between June 1, 2023 – June 12, 2023.

So please don’t delay or you will have to wait until December 2023 to get started.

Whether you are beginning your pursuit of the CMT designation or well past your test-taking days...

The CMT Association is the global destination for professional development to improve your investment performance and open a world of career opportunities.

And we've created a special level of membership to help best serve you along your journey.

Become an Affiliate Member today to:

Your membership also supports valuable ongoing corporate and regulatory advocacy.

At a glance, the key benefits of Affiliate Membership include:

These discounts alone will save you $175 in registration fees EACH time you register for testing.

Meaning that you'll save $525 over the course of taking all 3 levels of tests.

Not to mention all the other impressive benefits you'll recieve along the way.

All for an annual membership of just $325. 

And, if after your first year of membership, you feel that this isn't for you - then simply cancel your membership. No obligation, no questions asked.

We’ve done everything we can to make this process as valuable and streamlined for you.

The only thing we can’t do - is make the decision to get started for you.

But for those of you who are ready to take the next step toward becoming a CMT charterholder, we recommend clicking the button above today.