Which Careers Are Suited for the CMT Credential?
Attaining the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) credential is an excellent choice for professionals who use technical analysis in their careers. It’s globally recognized and instantly signals to financial institutions that you are adept at developing investment strategies, mitigating risk, and evaluating market behavior.
| Where Do Charterholders Work? | What Do They Do? |
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Common Jobs for CMT Charterholders
The CMT Association has tailored its credential to professionals who work with market behavior, quantitative systems design, the gap between intrinsic value and market price, behavioral finance, and risk management. Jobs that commonly fit this description include:
Financial management experts responsible for investing the assets of a mutual, exchange-traded, or closed-end fund. They execute fund strategies and are in charge of day-to-day portfolio management.
Macro-market experts or advisors who monitor economic indicators (e.g., currencies, rates, etc.) and make asset-allocation and trading recommendations to portfolio managers.
Non-traditional asset managers who specialize in short- and long-term investment strategies to maximize a specific hedge fund (or portion of it). They often optimize risk strategies to outperform the market.
Professionals who provide tailored investment advice, manage investment portfolios, or offer other financial planning services. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) or a state securities agency to provide services and handle securities investments.
Upper-level managers responsible for aligning market research activities with a company’s financial goals. This involves making key decisions around investment research, market trends, investigative reports, and related business conditions.
Executives who develop and monitor a firm’s investment strategy and policies to optimize asset allocation, manage risk across portfolios, and achieve established business objectives.
Career Pathways to Attaining Your Charter
Not all CMT charterholders share the same background. Consider the professional work experience requirements set by the CMT Association to become a member and earn your charter. You must complete 3+ years of employment in 1 of the following:
- A job within the field of finance, including any aspect of a company’s business that relates to finance, such as accounting, marketing, portfolio management, actuary, financial planning, compliance, insurance, etc.
- A role requiring the supervision, oversight, or management of individuals or teams who perform duties within the field of finance.
- A position that involves teaching, training, or coaching individuals about subjects related to finance.
- A media position that involves publicizing finance-related material.
What If You’re a Student or Early-Career Professional?
If you’re still in school or new to the finance industry, there are several things you can do to build your experience and learn about the CMT charter.
- Students can take additional courses related to corporate finance, financial modeling, economics, statistics, or accounting and apply for finance internships.
- Early-career professionals should think about building their work experience in roles that would qualify under the CMT Association’s requirements. To learn more about the CMT charter:
CMT Charter Job Outlook and Career Growth
Job opportunities for CMT charterholders are largely reflected in industry demand for financial analysts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment of financial analysts will grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, with 30,700 openings each year.
Job Outlook for Financial Analysts
Projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033:
| Financial and investment analysts | 10% |
| Financial analysts | 9% |
| Financial risk specialists | 8% |
| Financial specialists | 6% |
| All U.S. occupations | 4% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections Program
Growth is expected due to workers changing occupations and exiting the labor force, as well as greater demand from general increases in economic activity. As new businesses are established, existing businesses expand, and emerging markets around the world mature, the need for expertise in technical analysis, market research, and investment strategies increases.
Organizations need analysts who can break down large amounts of data to make accurate market forecasts and predictions. Because the CMT charter is globally recognized and focuses on these exact needs, the outlook for professionals with the designation is expected to remain strong.
Networking and Continuing Education Opportunities
To be a CMT charterholder, you must remain a CMT Association Professional Member in good standing. This opens the door to networking and continuing education opportunities that can benefit your career. There are currently over 4,500 charterholders across 135 countries, with dozens of chapter locations and regularly scheduled events.
Does the CMT Charter Make Sense for Your Career?
The CMT certification was first awarded in 1989 and has steadily grown among technical analysts into a globally recognized credential. If you specialize in technical analysis and want to improve your ability to identify trends, mitigate risk, and develop effective investment strategies, then the CMT charter is the ideal designation to pursue.
