The Certificate in Quantitative Investing is Equalifi’s exam-based qualification for professionals who want to understand and evaluate systematic, data-driven investment approaches. It recognises a sound understanding of how financial data, statistical methods, investment signals and portfolio-construction techniques can support investment decisions.
The Certificate covers the foundations of quantitative investing, financial data, probability and statistics, regression, time-series analysis, factor investing, signal development, systematic equity and fixed-income strategies, multi-asset investing, portfolio construction, backtesting, transaction costs, risk management and performance evaluation. It also addresses machine learning, AI-assisted research, investment tools, quantitative manager due diligence, model governance and professional ethics.
The Certificate is designed for investment professionals rather than only mathematicians or programmers. It builds the knowledge needed to interpret quantitative research, challenge model assumptions, recognise misleading backtests and evaluate systematic investment strategies.
The Certificate is assessed through a single MCQ examination, with knowledge, numerical, application and case-based questions drawn from practical investment situations.
Who should take the exam?
Investment analysts, research professionals, portfolio managers, fund-selection teams, wealth managers, financial advisers, family office professionals, risk and performance analysts, investment consultants, fintech professionals, and graduates seeking a foundation in quantitative investing.
Important
The Certificate in Quantitative Investing is an educational qualification awarded by Equalifi. It does not constitute regulatory registration or authorisation to provide investment advice, manage client portfolios or conduct other regulated activities.
The Certificate focuses on quantitative investment concepts, analytical interpretation and applied judgement. It does not, by itself, establish competence to develop production trading systems, undertake high-frequency trading or independently deploy complex investment models.
Exam details
The administrative terms below are proposed in line with the earlier program-page drafts and should be confirmed before publication.
The examination is proposed to be delivered through an external, remote-proctored platform. Once registration and payment are confirmed, candidates will receive examination access and scheduling instructions by email.
Candidates may schedule and take the examination within one year of registration, subject to the platform’s requirements. A reliable internet connection and a computer with a working camera are required.
| Examination | Type of Questions | Duration | No. of Questions | Passing Criteria | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Quantitative Investing | MCQ, including numerical and case-based questions | 2 hours | 100 | 60% | Deduction of 20% of the marks assigned to each incorrectly answered question |
Questions may include financial-data tables, portfolio exhibits, statistical outputs and backtest results. The permitted calculator or spreadsheet tools, if any, will be specified in the examination instructions.
Advanced programming is not a prerequisite for the proposed examination. Candidates should be comfortable with basic mathematics, financial statements and investment concepts.
Validity
The Certificate in Quantitative Investing is proposed to have no expiry date.
Certificate holders are encouraged to keep their knowledge current as investment techniques, data sources, technologies and market practices evolve.
Candidate audit
Equalifi may select applications for audit to verify information provided during registration. Candidates selected for audit will be notified by email and asked to submit supporting documentation within the specified period.
Candidates are responsible for providing accurate information and meeting the audit requirements before the certificate is awarded.
Falsification, misrepresentation, examination misconduct or failure to comply with applicable requirements may result in denial or cancellation of registration, withholding or revocation of the certificate, and other action under Equalifi’s published policies.
Fee details
Exam fee: INR 2,360
The fee is inclusive of GST and applies to each attempt.
Access Pass benefits
Fee waiver : Equalifi Chartered, Professional and Virtual Pass holders receive a 50% waiver on the exam fee.
Exam preparation
Candidates are encouraged to complement their preparation with relevant Equalifi executive education programs and masterclasses on quantitative methods, portfolio management, financial data and AI for finance, where available.
Applicable Access Pass benefits for these programs will be specified on the respective program pages.