Go Further with the Certificate in Quantitative Finance
The world's largest professional qualification in quant finance and machine learning
23+
years' shaping quant careers
11,500+
alumni and current delegates
41,000+
People in the CQF community
90+
Countries with CQF alumni
Next Program Start:
25th June 2026
Awarding Body:
The CQF is awarded by the CQF Institute, part of Fitch Learning
Career-Focused Syllabus:
The CQF teaches the implementation of cutting-edge quant finance and machine learning skills
Practitioner-Led Faculty:
The program is taught by world-renowned quant practitioners working at leading institutions
Global CQF Community:
CQF delegates are part of our CQF Institute, comprising 41,000+ members worldwide
Level of Study:
Master's-level professional qualification
Founded By:
The CQF was founded by Dr. Paul Wilmott in 2003 to bridge the gap between academia and industry
Flexible Delivery:
The CQF is delivered online, part-time over 6 months, with the option to defer for up to 3 years
Unique Study Support:
Study support includes Python Labs, tutorials, one-to-one support, math drop-in clinics, and more
Lifelong Alumni Benefits:
CQF alumni have access to the Lifelong Learning library and CQF Institute membership perks forever
CQF Study Journey
The CQF program is split into three phases - preparation, qualification, and Lifelong Learning. Download a brochure to learn more.
Sections
Accordion Heading
Accordion Content
Your CQF journey begins with optional, online primers to refresh your skills before the program starts (available upon enrollment):
- Mathematics Primer
- Python Programming Primer
- Finance Prime
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Accordion Content
The CQF qualification comprises 6 core modules, followed by 2 advanced electives of your choosing:
Module 1 - Building Blocks of Quantitative Finance
Module 2 - Quantitative Risk & Return
Module 3 - Equities & Currencies
Module 4 - Data Science & Machine Learning l
Module 5 - Data Science & Machine Learning ll
Module 6 - Fixed Income & Credit
+
2x Advanced Electives
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Accordion Content
Financial markets are always evolving and your skillset needs to adapt with them. As alumni, you will have permanent access to extra lectures, masterclasses, and the latest CQF curriculum via the Lifelong Learning library.
Study Support
We are dedicated to ensuring your success on your CQF journey, so have a range of study support.
Benefit from one-to-one faculty support
Delve deeper with discussion-based tutorials
Practice applying models with Python Labs
Access math support via our drop-in clinics
Join workshops to support your final project
Connect with peers via the CQF Forum
Assessment
The CQF teaching methodology blends cutting-edge theory and real-world implementation, to ensure you graduate with a 'desk-ready' skillset.
Modules 2, 3, and 4 conclude with open book exams that require you to derive, apply, and interpret financial models. At the end of the program, you will complete a practical final project based upon a real industry scenario. This final project is used by many alumni to impress future employers at job interviews.
Joining the CQF Program
Entry Requirements
You must be 18+ to enroll on the CQF program.
We recommend that you have at least an A-Level or equivalent in mathematics.
How to Enroll on the CQF
- Submit your CQF application.
- Your application will be reviewed by our admissions team within 48 hours.
- Once accepted, you have 1 month to submit the program fees.
- After your initial payment, you will have access to the primers and support options.
CQF Alumni Benefits
As a CQF alumni, you will enjoy exclusive benefits to keep you on top of the latest quant techniques throughout your career.
Lifelong Learning
CQF alumni have permanent access to the Lifelong Learning library which includes additional lectures, masterclasses, and the latest CQF curriculum. This means you can do the CQF today, and in 10 years time, you can upskill with the new lectures and electives added onto the program.
CQF Institute
When you enroll on the CQF program, you become a member of the CQF Institute, the largest, global quant finance membership organization. This membership gives you access to exclusive events and conferences, networking opportunities, thought leadership, and the Careers Service.
How will the CQF Help You Advance Your Career?
Whether you are looking to start or advance a quant career, the CQF will equip you with the industry-relevant skills you need. That's why thousands of professionals worldwide have trusted the program to help them achieve their career goals.
"The knowledge and practical insights gained from the CQF were instrumental in my transition into the front office."
"The CQF has given me valuable insights which have augmented my on-job learning and advanced my career in this industry."
"The biggest value of the CQF was that it helped me transfer to a new role in the risk models team very smoothly."
"I've always been interested in trading, and the CQF was a great way to expose myself whilst developing my math and coding skills."
"I enrolled to fill a knowledge gap and gain practical exposure to quant problems. The depth and breadth of the CQF is astonishing."
"The CQF added value to my career, particularly in the ability to transition from risk to trading. I wouldn’t be where I am without it."