(CQF) Certificate in Quantitative Finance Certification Programs
Program Overview
CQF (Certificate in Quantitative Finance) is one of the world's most prestigious and intensive programs in quantitative finance (quant finance), financial engineering, and advanced financial modeling. The program is delivered by Fitch Learning, which operates under the global credit rating organisation Fitch Group, and is academically governed by the CQF Institute.
CQF is an application-oriented, advanced-level program designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise in derivatives, algorithmic trading, risk modeling, portfolio optimization, and financial mathematics. Unlike CFA® and FRM, CQF combines the theoretical + mathematical + coding dimensions of finance in a single, integrated approach.
This is not an "exam preparation" course; it is a career transformation program.
CQF graduates are positioned as quants, modelers, structurers, traders, or risk specialists at investment banks, hedge funds, asset management firms, fintechs, and risk & modeling teams.
Learning Outcomes
Participants who successfully complete the CQF program gain directly applicable and globally recognised competencies in quantitative finance:
Quantitative Finance and Financial Mathematics
- Stochastic processes, Brownian motion, Itô calculus
- Option pricing theory (Black–Scholes, binomial models)
- Continuous-time financial modeling foundations
Derivatives and Structured Products
- Vanilla and exotic options
- Interest rate derivatives
- Credit derivatives (CDS, CDO structures)
- Structured products design and pricing
Risk Modeling and Management
- Market, credit, and liquidity risk modeling
- Stress testing & scenario analysis
- Model risk and model validation
- Regulation-compliant risk measurement approaches
Algorithmic and Systematic Investment
- Quant trading strategies
- Factor models
- Backtesting and performance measurement
- Portfolio optimization
Programming and Data Analytics
- Financial modeling with Python and/or R
- Applications with real-world datasets
- Coding financial algorithms
Program Features
General Information
- Program Owner: CQF Institute – Fitch Learning (Fitch Group)
- Program Type: Advanced / Executive – International Certification
- Language of Instruction: English
- Duration: Approximately 6 months (part-time)
- Format: 100% Online – Live + Recorded Sessions
- Start Dates: Typically January and June each year
Who It Is For
- Finance, banking, risk, and treasury professionals
- Engineering, mathematics, statistics, or physics graduates
- CFA / FRM holders or candidates
- Those looking to move into quant finance, algorithmic trading, or fintech
Note: A basic mathematics and finance background is recommended given the advanced level of the program; however, CQF proceeds with a "teaching" approach.
Learning and Assessment System
Learning Structure
The CQF program is built on applied learning and project-based assessment rather than traditional exams:
- Live sessions (global instructors)
- Recorded course materials (flexible review)
- Case studies with real market data
- Coding-based applications
Assessment
- Module-based assignments and projects
- Financial modeling and analysis work
- A Capstone Project at the final stage. Participants deliver a comprehensive project on a topic of their choice (e.g. option pricing, risk model, trading strategy)
There are no multiple-choice exams in the CQF.
Success is measured by real-world applicability.
How CQF Differs from Other Programs
| CFA | FRM | CQF |
|---|---|---|
| Investment & Analysis | Risk Management | Quant Finance & Modeling |
| Exam-Oriented | Exam-Oriented | Project & Application-Oriented |
| Finance Professionals | Risk Experts | Quant, Modeler, Trader |
| Theory + Practice | Regulation & Risk | Mathematics + Coding |
CQF is positioned as an advanced technical specialization built on top of CFA and FRM.
Information and Registration Form
You can complete the form below to learn about advisory / guidance / preparation support available for the CQF program through IFE.