CMT Level II
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
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ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Program is a three-level curriculum in technical analysis of financial markets, administered by CMT Association, leading to the CMT designation. CMT Association describes it as a rigorous program covering behavioral finance, risk management, and quantitative strategies, built on the analysis of statistical patterns in price, volume, and momentum. The association positions the credential for portfolio managers, hedge fund managers, investment advisors, RIAs, investment strategists, heads of research, and chief investment officers - people whose work depends on market behavior, the gap between intrinsic value and market price, and systematic risk control. Level II is the second of the three exams; candidates must pass all three levels, accumulate qualifying professional work experience, and join CMT Association as Professional Members with references before earning the charter. CMT exams are offered twice a year, in June and December. The Level I and II exams will be offered December 1 – 16, 2026 ET, and Level III is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026 ET. Preparation should center on the current edition of the Official Curriculum, which the association states the exams are designed solely around. The curriculum is digital and included with exam registration, hosted on an online learning management system that requires an internet connection, with progress tracking, notes, bookmarks, and confidence ratings. Third-party prep courses are not a substitute for the official curriculum.
What you'll study
About CMT Level II preparation
When is the CMT Level II exam offered?
CMT exams are offered twice a year, in June and December. For the announced December administration, the Level I and II exams will be offered December 1 – 16, 2026 ET, while the Level III exam will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2026 ET. Treat that window as an announced future administration rather than an open one.
How much does it cost to register?
Rates are published per administration. For the December 2026 cycle: Academic Partner Program $295 (ends November 4, 2026), Early Registration $875 (May 14 – August 27, 2026 ET), Standard $1075 (August 28 – October 7, 2026 ET), and Late Registration $1475 (October 8 – November 4, 2026 ET). Registration includes the curriculum, Optuma access, and Nasdaq Dorsey Wright research.
What is included with exam registration?
The association lists the curriculum, access to Optuma, and access to research from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright as included with registration. The curriculum is fully digital, hosted on an online learning management system requiring an internet connection, and lets you track progress, take notes, bookmark sections, and rate your confidence so you can revisit weaker topics.
How should I prepare for Level II?
Build your study plan around the most current edition of the Official Curriculum, since the association states the exams are designed solely on it. Use its progress tracking and confidence ratings to find weak chapters, and treat independent prep courses as supplements rather than standalone preparation. Partner offers such as Optuma charting and the Level I course support the work but are not a substitute.
Is a prep course enough on its own?
No. CMT Association states that courses and education, whether independent or from a Prep Provider, should not be used as a substitute for the official CMT Curriculum and should not be treated as standalone exam preparation devices. Prep materials are not endorsed by the association or reviewed by the Curriculum and Committee, so the official curriculum remains the reference.
What happens after I pass all three levels?
Passing the exams is only the first step. Candidates also need relevant work experience contributing directly to financial market analysis or investment decision-making, which can be accumulated before, during, or after the program. Finally, candidates must join CMT Association as Professional Members and submit professional references verifying work and character to earn the charter.
Are there free tools to help me study?
Long-time partners have offered free resources, including access to Optuma's charting platform and Level 1 video course, six-month TrendSpider access, and Nasdaq Dorsey Wright research. The association notes these are partners' intellectual property, provided at their discretion, liable to change at any time without notice, and that it is not liable for partner services.
Where can I get help while preparing?
CMT Association runs virtual CMT Program Office Hours with Louis Spector, CMT, aimed at candidates preparing for the December 2026 examination. It also maintains an official Discord community where members connect, share ideas, and discuss technical analysis and market trends. Both are listed on the association's site alongside events and webinars.