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To become a chartered market technician (CMT), you need to take and pass all three levels of the CMT exam, become a CMT member, and then work in a related field—typically one with a technical analysis aspect in investment management—for at least three years.<\/p>" } } , { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Much Do Chartered Market Technicians Make?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the average salary for a market technician has been about $65,000, the average salary for a CMT is somewhere above $200,000, depending on the region of the country and job.<\/span><\/p>" } } , { "@type": "Question", "name": "How Do I Prepare for the CMT Level I Exam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

For the CMT Level I exam, the CMT Association recommends 100 hours of study time. For Level II and Level III, 140 hours and 160 hours are recommended, respectively. Third-party test providers approved by the CMT Association are available to help candidates prepare for the exam but the official CMT curriculum is recommended first.<\/span><\/p>" } } ] } ] } ]

Chartered Market Technician (CMT): Exam Guide & Career Benefits

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James Chen
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James Chen, CMT is an expert trader, investment adviser, and global market strategist.
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Updated October 10, 2025
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What Is a Chartered Market Technician?

Chartered Market Technician (CMT) is a preeminent professional credential awarded to professional technical analysts who have achieved the highest level of training in the discipline of technical analysis. It is granted by the CMT Association, a global credentialing body that serves the financial industry. Candidates must complete an intensive self-study program and pass three comprehensive exams to earn the CMT designation, which can provide career advantages such as high salaries and industry recognition. The CMT program aims to develop professional skills and to teach and instill a code of ethics by which CMTs should work throughout their careers. 

Key Takeaways

  • The Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation is a leading credential in technical analysis globally.
  • Candidates must pass three comprehensive exams and adhere to a code of ethics to earn the CMT.
  • The CMT curriculum focuses on deep market knowledge, technical analysis, and ethical practice.
  • The CMT Association does not require membership to take exams but mandates sponsor endorsements for designation.

Exploring the Chartered Market Technician Designation

Technical analysis tools help analysts, traders, and investors bridge the gap between intrinsic value and market price across all asset classes.

Practitioners study price, volume movements, and supply and demand to understand and benefit from market behavior.

CMT designees are recognized for their deep knowledge of markets, technical analysis, investment risk, quantitative research, and trading systems.

Among industry practitioners and financial institutions worldwide, the CMT designation is considered the global gold standard in technical analysis expertise and proficiency.

Steps to Obtain Your Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Credentials

1. Complete the membership application process through the CMT Association.
2. Pass all three levels of the CMT examination.
3. Agree to the CMT Association's code of ethics.
4. Secure endorsements from at least three CMT sponsors to validate your skills.
5. Accumulate at least three years of professional work experience in technical analysis.

To enroll in the CMT program and take the exams, individuals must pay registration fees associated with the exam cycle. There is no longer a membership requirement/fee for CMT test candidates. All three levels of the CMT program exams are given on a computer at testing facilities or proctored remotely.

Costs

Registration costs for each of the CMT exams are as follows: for early registration, the cost is $625; for standard registration, the cost is $825; and for late registration, the cost is $1,225. UWorld curriculum costs $300 for each section.

Mastering the Chartered Market Technician Exams

The purpose of the CMT Program is to promote the development of a candidate's professional knowledge with respect to the study and application of technical analysis. The CMT Program is self-study. The curriculum is available through UWorld.

CMT Level I

The CMT website states that the Level I exam measures basic, entry-level competence and understanding of technical analysis. The Level I test candidate needs to have a working knowledge of the essential tools of a technical analyst.

Once a candidate successfully completes the first level, there is no time limit imposed to pass the subsequent levels.

CMT Level I Topic Areas
Content Areas Percent
Theory and History 9%
Markets 5%
Market Indicators 7%
Chart Construction 5%
Trend Analysis 16%
Chart and Pattern Analysis 23%
Confirmation 3%
Cycles 5%
Selection and Decision-Making 13%
System Testing 5%
Statistical Analysis 6%
Ethics 3%
Total 100%

CMT Level II

The CMT Level II exam requires the candidate to demonstrate a greater depth of analysis and use of technical tools. They must be proficient in more advanced technical analysis techniques and theory.

CMT Level II Topic Areas
Content Area Percent
Theory and History 5%
Market Indicators 8%
Chart Construction 3%
Trend Analysis 15%
Chart and Pattern Analysis 15%
Confirmation 6%
Cycles 3%
Selection and Decision-Making 10%
System Testing 10%
Statistical Analysis 7%
Risk Management 15%
Ethics 3%
Total 100%

CMT Level III

The CMT Level III exam tests the candidate on logical and consistent research opinions, portfolio strategies, and trading decisions based on a wide range of charts and technical data.

Test candidates are asked to analyze case studies, make recommendations, and justify those recommendations based on the data provided. They must support their analyses.

The exam focuses on the practical and ethical use of technical analysis..

All candidates must pass the ethics portion of this exam. Upon successfully completing Level III, candidates can start the membership process to obtain the CMT designation.

CMT Level III Topic Areas
Content Areas Percent
Ethics  5%
Risk Management 21%
Asset Relationships 18%
Portfolio Management 18%
Behavioral Finance 10%
Volatility Analysis 7%
Classic Methods 21%
Total 100%

Additional CMT Association Membership Requirements

Besides passing exams and upholding ethical codes, candidates need three CMT sponsors. These sponsors must speak to the candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability in the field of technical analysis.

CMT candidates need at least three years of experience in technical analysis..

Should you desire, you may become an affiliate member before enrolling in the CMT Program. However, it isn't required.

How Do I Become a Chartered Market Technician?

To become a chartered market technician (CMT), you need to take and pass all three levels of the CMT exam, become a CMT member, and then work in a related field—typically one with a technical analysis aspect in investment management—for at least three years.

How Much Do Chartered Market Technicians Make?

While the average salary for a market technician has been about $65,000, the average salary for a CMT is somewhere above $200,000, depending on the region of the country and job.

How Do I Prepare for the CMT Level I Exam?

For the CMT Level I exam, the CMT Association recommends 100 hours of study time. For Level II and Level III, 140 hours and 160 hours are recommended, respectively. Third-party test providers approved by the CMT Association are available to help candidates prepare for the exam but the official CMT curriculum is recommended first.

The Bottom Line

The Chartered Market Technician designation is awarded by the CMT Association to candidates who demonstrate expertise and proficiency in the field of technical analysis. It's a global professional gold standard and highly respected by financial professionals, especially those in the trading and investment communities. To achieve the CMT designation, candidates engage in a rigorous self-study program that develops both technical analysis skills and a strong, ethical approach to their work. The CMT credential is a sign to others that its holder possesses a thorough understanding of market behavior, technical analysis tools, and trading strategies, and is committed to upholding the profession's code of ethics and high standards of behavior.

Article Sources
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  1. CMT Association. "Frequently Asked Questions." Select "CMT Designation."

  2. CMT Association. "Frequently Asked Questions." Select "Program Fees."

  3. CMT Association. "Frequently Asked Questions." Select "Exam Prep."

  4. CMT Association. "CMT Level I."

  5. CMT Association. "CMT Level II."

  6. CMT Association. "CMT Level III."

  7. CMT Association. "2023 CMT Level III: The Integration of Technical Analysis." Page 10.

  8. UWorld. "Is the CMT Charter Worth It?"

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