The Equalified Quantitative Finance Strategist (EQF) is Equalifi’s advanced professional designation for professionals who build and apply quantitative models in finance. It develops the ability to use mathematics, statistics, stochastic calculus and computation to price instruments, construct and optimise portfolios, measure risk, design systematic strategies and validate models, within the regulatory framework of Indian and global markets.

The curriculum covers the foundations of quantitative finance, mathematics, probability and statistics, regression and econometrics, stochastic processes and calculus, derivatives and option pricing, fixed income and interest-rate modelling, portfolio theory and optimisation, quantitative risk management, algorithmic trading and execution, machine learning and AI in finance, quantitative investment strategies, data science and financial data, programming and computational finance, model risk, validation and governance, market microstructure and trading systems, quantitative finance in India, and emerging trends.

The EQF assesses practical capability, not only recall. The designation is earned in three levels: an MCQ examination, an applied quantitative project and a viva. Together, these test a candidate’s ability to frame a quantitative problem, build and test a model in code, interpret its results and limitations, and handle the model-risk, market-conduct and ethical questions that arise in practice. The designation is intended for professionals working in banks, asset managers, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, brokers, exchanges, fintechs and risk and model-validation teams.

Two awards, one pathway

Candidates may stop after Level 1 and hold the Certificate in Quantitative Finance, or continue to Levels 2 and 3 to earn the EQF designation, which is renewed every three years.

Who should take the EQF?

Quantitative analysts and researchers, traders, risk managers, portfolio managers, derivatives and structuring professionals, data scientists and engineers in finance, model validators, and graduates in mathematics, statistics, engineering, economics or finance preparing for quant roles across banks, asset managers, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, brokers, exchanges and fintechs.

Important

The Certificate in Quantitative Finance and the EQF designation are educational qualifications awarded by Equalifi. They do not constitute a regulatory licence or authorisation to provide investment advice, manage portfolios, operate algorithmic trading strategies or provide other regulated financial services.

Exam details

The EQF is assessed in three levels, taken in order.

Level 1: MCQ examination

The Level 1 examination assesses understanding of the full EQF curriculum, through knowledge, application and case-based questions, including numerical problems and questions on interpreting code and model outputs. Passing Level 1 earns the Certificate in Quantitative Finance.

Equalifi offers the Level 1 examination through an external, remote-proctored platform. Once registration and payment are confirmed, candidates receive an exam link by email. Candidates may schedule and take the exam within one year of registration, subject to the platform’s requirements.

Candidates need a reliable internet connection and a computer with a working camera. Please read the technical and exam-day instructions before starting the exam.

Level 2: Project

Candidates who pass Level 1 move on to an applied quantitative project, based on a dataset and problem set by Equalifi, such as pricing and hedging a derivative, building a systematic trading strategy, optimising a multi-asset portfolio or modelling market or credit risk. Candidates submit:

• documented code implementing the model or strategy,
• evidence of testing, such as backtests, out-of-sample results, sensitivity analysis or benchmarking against known solutions, and
• a report setting out the problem, methodology, assumptions, results, limitations and model-risk considerations.

Equalifi will share the project brief, the dataset, the submission guidelines and the evaluation criteria.

Level 3: Viva

Candidates who pass the project are invited to a viva with an Equalifi assessment panel. The viva covers a walk-through of the candidate’s project and the mathematical and technical choices behind it, questions testing their grasp of the underlying theory, an explanation of the model’s results and limitations as they would be presented to a risk committee or investment committee, and a scenario on model risk, market conduct or the responsible use of algorithms. Candidates who pass the viva are awarded the EQF designation.

Assessment structure

Validity and renewal

The Certificate in Quantitative Finance does not expire. The EQF designation is valid for three years from the date of award and is renewed by completing continuing education.

Ways to earn hours: Equalifi cohorts, summits, masterclasses and webinars (credited automatically); courses and events from recognised institutions; speaking, writing, teaching and serving on Equalifi assessment panels; reading professional research; and passing further Equalifi Certificate exams.

Grace period and reinstatement: If the hours are not complete by the end of the cycle, a 90-day grace period applies. After this, the designation lapses and may not be used. Lapsed holders can reinstate within two years by completing the missing hours plus 15 additional hours; after two years, reinstatement requires a fresh viva.

Candidate audit

Equalifi randomly audits a percentage of applications on a regular basis. Candidates are responsible for providing the requested supporting documentation to verify the education and professional background stated in their registration form. Equalifi does not contact employers or educational institutions to obtain verification documents on a candidate’s behalf.

Candidates selected for audit will be notified by email and will have 10 business days to respond. They must meet the audit requirements before receiving the Certificate in Quantitative Finance or the EQF designation.

Failure to comply with the audit, falsification or misrepresentation of information, or any unprofessional conduct will result in denial or cancellation of the registration and/or revocation of the certificate or designation, and all fees will be forfeited. A candidate who does not comply with an audit will also be subject to audit when reapplying in future.

Fee details

Fees are inclusive of GST. The Level 1 examination fee applies to each attempt.

Access Pass benefits

Fee waiver: Equalifi Chartered, Professional and Virtual Pass holders receive a 50% waiver on the exam fee.

Learn more about the Equalifi Access Pass.

Exam preparation: For stronger exam readiness, candidates are encouraged to attend Equalifi’s executive education programmes and masterclasses on quantitative finance. Access Pass holders receive a 10% to 50% fee waiver based on their pass category.