What is a Chartered Market Analyst?

The Chartered Market Analyst (CMA), also known as “Financial Analyst Designation (FAD)”, is a title awarded to individuals by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute (formerly American Academy of Financial Management). 

Eligible candidates must complete the AAFM training course, have a number of years of experience in market analysis or financial reporting, a bachelor’s degree in business, tax, accounting, financial services, insurance, law, CPA, MBA, MS, Ph.D. or JD.

The type of examination taken by individuals varies according to the educational requirement.

CMA professionals must complete 15 hours of continuing education every year.

The CMA examination is comprised of three challenging six-hours exams. 

The first is concerned with the fundamental financial principles and can only be taken in June or December. 

The second is concerned with analysis skills and accounting procedures and can only be taken in June. 

The third is concerned with decision-making and portfolio management skills and can only be taken in June or December. 

Chartered Market Analyst Topics

The CMA course was designed to teach the practical marketing techniques and skills required by professionals working in marketing and customer relations.

It covers nine main subject areas and uses a variety of training techniques. 

Core areas of the course include:

• The competitive environment.
• The role of marketing.
• Customer behavior.
• Developing new products and services.
• Pricing strategies.
• Promotion and communication.
• Distribution and multi-channel considerations.
• CRM and marketing strategy and planning.

Individuals who successfully complete the program have the right to use the CMA mark with their names. 

This can give them a higher edge in job opportunities, boost their prestige and upgrade their salaries.