Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions we often get asked about the CQF program. If you have further questions or would like clarification on any aspect of the CQF, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Is the CQF a professional qualification?

The CQF is a CPD certified, globally recognized professional qualification that has been chosen by thousands of people around the world looking to advance their careers in data science and machine learning, portfolio management, risk management, quant trading, quant strategies and research, and technology. Founded by Dr. Paul Wilmott in 2003, the part-time, online program teaches the practical, real-world financial engineering skills desired by employers. 

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What is the value of the CQF?

The CQF is the world’s largest, master’s-level professional qualification in quant finance, teaching not only the theory of the models and methods used in quant finance, but the practical implementation of techniques too. This means you can take the skills you gain on the program and immediately apply them to the workplace as you have the knowledge of how to use these skills in real-world scenarios. Many CQF alumni quote the value of this practical education as it enabled them to offer new insights on projects at work or progress into a new quant role.

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How do I begin my CQF studies?

You start by applying online. Applying to the CQF is free.

Once completed you will be contacted within 48 hours by a member of our admissions team indicating your preliminary acceptance.

You begin your program when you submit your enrollment form and make your initial payment.

 

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How will I benefit from earning the CQF?

The Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) is the world’s largest professional qualification in quantitative finance.

The globally recognized program is designed to help you develop practical, market-ready skills you can apply today and in the future.

 

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How long does it take to complete the CQF program?

You have up to three years to complete the CQF, at no additional cost beyond your enrollment fees. 

The CQF program can be completed in six months. We are dedicated to flexibility and offer two study options:

Full Program

The program can be taken in full by completing the six modules and chosen electives in six months. 

or
Level I & Level II

The alternative option involves taking the CQF in two levels of three months per level. Level I consists of the primers and modules one to three. Level II consists of modules four to six, advanced electives and Lifelong Learning.

 

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How much math do I need to know?

Delegates come to the CQF with a range of backgrounds and experience.

If you feel like your math is a bit “rusty” or you don’t think you have the finance or programming skills required for the CQF we offer Mathematics, Finance and Programming primers.

These optional primers are included in your enrollment fees and are designed to refresh your skills ahead of the program.

 

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How long are the lectures, and what is expected of me each week?

Each week there are two live lectures that typically run 2.5 hours.

You can either participate in the live webcast or watch them at your own convenience using the CQF Learning Portal or CQF App. We also recommend you allow approximately 10 hours of additional study a week. 

 

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How do I become CQF qualified?

You earn the CQF qualification by completing module exams and submitting a final practical project.

There is also the option of sitting a comprehensive final examination for distinction. You may defer any, or all, of your examinations to a later cohort.

You have a three-year window to complete the program.

 

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What happens if I fail an exam?

If you are struggling with a module, contact us to receive one-to-one support from a member of the CQF faculty. If you fail one of your exams, the CQF faculty will meet to discuss your options recommending that you either retake the examination or defer to the next program. 

There is no extra cost to defer the CQF program. 

 

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When does the CQF program start?

The program is delivered twice a year, commencing in January and in June. Find out more about the next cohort by attending an information session. 

 

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What are the admissions criteria for the CQF program?

Our admissions team looks at the academic and professional background provided in your application form to determine your suitability for the program.

 

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How long will it take to receive a decision on my application?

The CQF Admissions team will come back to you within 48 hours indicating whether you have been granted preliminary acceptance onto the program.

 

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How do I participate in the lectures?

All CQF lectures are broadcast live from our London training center, and are recorded and made available to all delegates on the CQF Learning Portal and the CQF App.

Want to see what our lectures look like? Visit our Sample Lectures page. 

 

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How long will I have access to the recorded lectures?

Delegates have permanent access to the recorded lectures on the CQF Learning Portal.

 

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How do I get my questions about the CQF answered?

If you have more questions sign up to one of our live information sessions. Sessions consist of a one-hour presentation by the CQF Program Director followed by a Q&A.

 

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Or

 

You can contact your regional learning manager.

 

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How much does the CQF cost?

Find out how much the CQF program costs and about our payment plan options on the fees page. 

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