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About this exam

The Chartered Market Technician® (CMT®) designation is awarded by the CMT Association and is described by the association as the preeminent global designation for practitioners of technical analysis. Earning it requires passing all three levels of the CMT Program, accumulating qualifying professional work experience that contributes directly to financial market analysis or investment decision-making, and applying for Professional Membership, which includes submitting professional references to verify work and character. The curriculum is built for portfolio managers, traders, investment advisors, RIAs, investment strategists, research heads, and chief investment officers who want a structured foundation in technical analysis of financial markets, with coverage extending into behavioral finance, risk management, and quantitative strategies. Exams are offered twice a year, in June and December. Preparation centers on the official digital curriculum, which is included with exam registration and hosted on an online learning management system; registration also carries partner access to Optuma charting software and research from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright. The CMT Association notes that exams are designed solely on the most current edition of the Official Curriculum and that third-party prep courses are not endorsed and should not substitute for it. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the CMT Association.

What you'll study

Common questions

About CMT preparation

How many exams are in the CMT Program, and when are they offered?

There are three comprehensive exams, and the program states that candidates must pass all three, with the levels building proficiency from basic concepts to advanced trading strategies. CMT exams are offered twice a year, in June and December.

When is the next CMT exam administration?

For the December 2026 administration, the Level I and II exams are offered December 1 – 16, 2026 ET. The Level III exam is a single day, held Thursday, December 3, 2026 ET.

What subject areas does the CMT curriculum cover?

The program emphasizes technical analysis of financial markets and delivers insights into behavioral finance, risk management, and quantitative strategies. The association frames the curriculum as practical, data-driven tools for interpreting market trends and managing risk.

What does exam registration cost right now?

As of the end of October 2026, the Late Registration rate of $1,475 is in force for the December 2026 administration; that window opened October 8, 2026 ET and closes November 4, 2026 ET. Earlier windows were $875 (Early) and $1,075 (Standard).

Are there any discounted registration rates?

Yes. An Academic Partner Program rate of $295 is listed with an end date of November 4, 2026. Standard tiered rates are $875 for Early Registration, $1,075 for Standard Registration, and $1,475 for Late Registration for the December 2026 exams.

What is included with the exam registration fee?

Registration includes the digital official curriculum, access to Optuma charting software, and access to research from NASDAQ Dorsey Wright. The curriculum is hosted on an online learning management system and requires an internet connection.

Do I need to buy a prep course to pass?

The CMT Association states that the exams are designed solely on the most current edition of the Official Curriculum, and that independent courses or prep provider materials are not endorsed and should not be treated as substitutes for the official curriculum or as standalone preparation.

Besides passing the exams, what else is required for the charter?

Candidates need qualifying professional work experience that contributes directly to financial market analysis or investment decision-making, which can be accumulated before, during, or after the program. They must also join CMT Association as Professional Members and submit professional references verifying work and character.

What order should I study the levels in?

Study in sequence. The program describes the three levels as building technical analysis proficiency from basic concepts through advanced trading strategies, so the Level I material underpins Level II, which in turn supports Level III. The digital curriculum allows progress tracking and bookmarking to revisit weak topics.

What is the retake policy if I do not pass?

The pages reviewed do not publish a retake policy or a limit on attempts, so treat this as unconfirmed. Confirm directly with the CMT Association through its CMT Program Frequently Asked Questions and official exam communications before you build a multi-attempt plan.