Diploma in Technical Analysis by STA-UK (MSTA)

About the STA-UK Examination in Malaysia

The Malaysian Association of Technical Analysts (MATA) is proud to announce its official role in providing the Society of Technical Analysts (STA-UK) Examination – Part 1 and Part 2 – in Malaysia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing the standard of technical analysis education in the region.

As a recognized leader in technical analysis, MATA will deliver a comprehensive curriculum aligned with STA-UK standards, ensuring candidates receive world-class preparation locally. The STA-UK qualification is internationally respected and provides a strong foundation for professionals seeking to master the art and science of financial market analysis.

By offering this examination in Malaysia, MATA is making it more accessible for aspiring technical analysts, traders, fund managers, and financial professionals to gain an internationally recognized certification without the need to travel abroad.

Why Enroll for the STA-UK Exam with MATA?

1. Official provider of the STA-UK Part 1 & 2 Examinations in Malaysia
2. Full curriculum and training delivered by MATA
3. Learn from experienced and certified technical analysts
4. Boost your global credibility in financial markets
5. Flexible and local exam scheduling

You can join the growing network of certified technical analysts and take the next step in your financial career with MATA and STA-UK.

Who Should Study for the MATA’s curriculum for the STA-UK Examination?

The  MATA’s curriculum and STA-UK Examination (Part 1 & 2) is designed for individuals who are serious about mastering technical analysis and gaining a globally recognized professional qualification. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, this certification can elevate your understanding of financial markets and enhance your career prospects.

This program is ideal for:

1. Aspiring Technical Analysts
   Individuals seeking a solid foundation in technical analysis with international recognition.
2. Retail and Professional Traders
   Gain deeper insights into price action, chart patterns, and market psychology to make more informed trading decisions.
3. Fund Managers & Investment Analysts
   Strengthen your market analysis with technical tools that complement fundamental strategies.
4. Portfolio Managers & Wealth Advisors
   Enhance client advisory services with a proven methodology for timing market entries and exits.
5. Financial Market Educators & Academics
   Stay current with industry standards and methodologies in technical analysis.
6. Students in Finance, Economics, or Investment Fields
   Add a highly respected qualification to your resume and stand out in the competitive job market.
7. Anyone Pursuing IFTA Certification
   STA-UK is an IFTA-accredited program, making it a key step toward becoming a Certified Financial Technician (CFTe).

Whether you aim to trade smarter, advise clients better, or advance your financial career, the STA-UK exam through MATA gives you the tools, recognition, and confidence to succeed.

Course Objective

The primary objective of MATA’s STA Diploma Preparation Course (for Part 1 & 2) is to equip aspiring technical analysts with the foundational knowledge, analytical tools, and practical skills required to excel in financial market analysis, and to succeed in the internationally recognized STA Diploma Examinations.

This course is tailored to prepare students for both Part 1 (Foundation Level) and Part 2 (Advanced Level) of the STA Diploma, which is accredited by the International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA) and leads to the MSTA designation (Member of the Society of Technical Analysts).

By the end of this program, participants will:

1. Gain a comprehensive foundation in technical analysis, chart types, trends, support/resistance, and key theories including Dow Theory, Elliott Wave, Gann Theory, and more.
2. Learn to apply various technical indicators, including moving averages, oscillators, Ichimoku, candlestick patterns, and Market Profile.
3. Understand market behavior and psychology through Behavioural Finance concepts.
4. Acquire essential skills in money management and risk management, critical to both trading and investment decision-making.
5. Develop the analytical capability to assess market conditions, forecast price movements, and construct well-informed trading strategies.
6. Be fully prepared to sit for the STA Diploma Part 1 examination – a 2-hour, 120-question multiple-choice exam conducted online with Zoom invigilation.
7. Advance toward the STA Diploma Part 2 examination, a 3-hour written exam designed to test applied technical analysis knowledge at a professional level.

This course is ideal for traders, investment professionals, analysts, portfolio managers, and anyone seeking to build or advance a career in technical analysis.

Upon successful completion of both exams and active membership with STA, participants will earn the prestigious MSTA designation, recognized by the global financial community.

Course Syllabus – MATA STA Diploma Preparation Program (Part 1 & Part 2)

MATA’s STA Diploma Preparation Program provides in-depth training across core and advanced areas of technical analysis, fully aligned with the Society of Technical Analysts (STA-UK) curriculum. The syllabus is designed to guide students from foundational concepts to advanced market analysis techniques, preparing them for the STA Diploma Part 1 and Part 2 Examinations.

Part 1: Foundation in Technical Analysis

This section provides essential theoretical and practical knowledge required to interpret charts, recognize trends, and apply technical tools in real market environments.

1. Foundation in Technical Analysis and Chart Types
   Introduction to technical analysis, types of charts (line, bar, candlestick, P&F), timeframes, and price data.

2. Dow Theory, Chart Patterns, Trends, Support & Resistance
   Understanding market phases, classic patterns, trend analysis, and key levels.

3. Market Profile
   Introduction to volume-based analysis, auction theory, and market structure insights.

4. Moving Averages
   Simple, exponential, weighted moving averages; crossover signals and trend confirmation.

5. Momentum Indicators and Oscillators
   RSI, MACD, Stochastics, and other tools to gauge market strength and momentum shifts.

6. Cycles Theory
   Time-based market analysis, identifying cycles, and their influence on price behavior.

7. Point & Figure Charting
   Non-time-based charting techniques for identifying trends and breakout points.

8. Elliott Wave Principle
   Wave structure theory, impulse and corrective waves, and fractal market behavior.

9. Gann Theory
   Gann angles, squares, and time/price relationships for forecasting.

10. Ichimoku Charts
    Multi-indicator charting system combining trend, momentum, and support/resistance.

11. Candlestick Charts
    Reading and interpreting Japanese candlestick patterns for price action insights.

12. Behavioural Finance
    Understanding psychological factors influencing investor behavior and market trends.

13. Money Management and Risk Management
    Position sizing, risk-reward ratios, drawdowns, and capital protection strategies.

Part 2: Advanced Techniques & Professional Application

Part 2 of the course prepares candidates for professional-level analysis and report writing. It emphasizes practical application, independent thinking, and strategic decision-making.

14. Advice on Report Writing
    Structuring and writing professional technical analysis reports as required in Part 2.

15. Exam Revision
    Comprehensive review and mock preparation for STA Diploma Part 1 & Part 2 exams.

Examination Format

• STA Diploma Part 1:
  A 2-hour, 120-question multiple choice exam. Conducted online with Zoom invigilation.

• STA Diploma Part 2:
  A 3-hour written examination, testing practical application, professional report writing, and advanced technical analysis techniques.

This syllabus ensures that students gain both the theoretical grounding and practical insight necessary to become certified technical analysts and obtain the MSTA designation.

What will be studied

1. Understanding Market Analysis: 3 Powerful Methods Explained

   • Learn the difference between fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis. Discover when and why to use each method to better understand price movements and market behavior.

2. Key Statistical Terms for Traders (and How to Use Them)

   • Master essential trading statistics like standard deviation and kurtosis. See how these apply to tools like Bollinger Bands to measure market volatility.

3. Line Charts in Technical Analysis: What They Show and Why They Matter

   • Understand how line charts are built and how to use them for spotting trends and support/resistance levels with clarity and simplicity.

4. Bar Charts: How to Read Them and What They Reveal

   • Learn to construct and interpret bar charts, identify daily price patterns (inside days, outside days), and recognize important market signals.

5. Chart Patterns Made Simple: Reversal and Continuation Patterns

   • Identify common reversal patterns (like head and shoulders, double tops) and continuation patterns (triangles, flags, pennants). Learn how to set target projections from these formations.

6. Chart Scaling: Arithmetic vs. Logarithmic – What’s the Difference?

   • Explore the pros and cons of arithmetic and logarithmic chart scaling. Understand how scale affects your perception of price movement.

7. Support, Resistance & Trendlines: How to Draw and Use Them

   • Discover how to spot support and resistance zones, draw accurate trendlines, and use channel return lines to find high-probability trade setups.

8. Relative Strength Charts: Compare Stocks Like a Pro

   • Learn how to build and interpret relative strength charts to quickly identify market leaders and laggards.

9. Multi-Timeframe Analysis: Zoom Out for the Big Picture

   • Understand why analyzing multiple timeframes is critical. Learn how to align short-term entries with long-term trends for better decision-making.

10. Candlestick Charts Explained: Patterns, Psychology & Practical Use

    • Dive into the world of candlestick charts—their history, how they work, and what they reveal. Learn the meaning behind powerful patterns like the Doji, Marubozu, Hammer, Engulfing, Abandoned Baby, and Star formations.

11. Japanese Chart Types: Kagi, Renko, and Three-Line Break

    • Explore lesser-known but powerful Japanese charts. Understand how Kagi, Renko, and Three-Line Break charts help filter out market noise.

12. Point and Figure Charts: A Hidden Gem for Price Targets

    • Master this timeless charting method. Learn how to read Point and Figure charts, generate buy/sell signals, and calculate horizontal and vertical price targets.

13. Dow Theory Simplified: The Foundation of Technical Analysis

    • Get a clear overview of Dow Theory—its history, principles, and relevance in today’s markets. Learn how to identify confirmed trends and reversals.

14. Fibonacci Levels in Trading: Retracements and Extensions

    • Explore how Fibonacci numbers and ratios are used to predict market turning points. Learn how to apply retracements and projections in real-world charts.

15. Elliott Wave Principle: Structure, Rules, and Strategy

    • Break down the Elliott Wave theory into understandable parts. Learn the wave structure, mathematical logic, and practical application in trading setups.

16. Market Cycles: How Time Affects Price Action

    • Understand the basics of time cycles, including left/right translation, and learn about economic, seasonal, and presidential cycles that influence market behavior.

17. Moving Averages: Your Guide to Smoother Price Action

    • Learn the differences between simple, exponential, weighted, and centered moving averages. Discover how crossovers (price or moving average) generate reliable trade signals.

18. Momentum Indicators and Oscillators: Spot Strength and Reversals

    • Discover top momentum indicators like RSI, MACD, Stochastics, and Rate of Change. Learn how they help you gauge strength, momentum shifts, and trade opportunities. Bonus: Introduction to the Coppock Curve for long-term analysis.

19. Volume, Breadth, and Sentiment: Unlock Market Psychology

    • Explore additional data series that provide deeper insights:
      • • Volume (e.g. On-Balance Volume)
        • Market Breadth (Advance/Decline Line)
        • Sentiment Indicators (AAII, VIX)
        • Commitment of Traders (CoT)
          Learn how to use these tools to confirm trends and identify crowd behavior.

20. Building on the Basics: Support, Resistance, Trends, and Patterns

    • Deepen your understanding of price action by expanding on foundational tools—support and resistance levels, trendlines, and chart patterns—and learn to enhance them with advanced Fibonacci target strategies.

21. Advanced Candlestick Charting: Patterns, Gaps & Precision Entries

    • Take your candlestick chart skills to the next level. Learn how to analyze price gaps, recognize complex candlestick patterns, and combine these insights for precise trade setups.

22. Point & Figure Charts: Box Sizes, Targets, and Trendlines Explained

• • Explore advanced Point & Figure charting, including:

1. How to choose box sizes and timeframes
2. Drawing subjective and 45° trendlines
3. Applying logarithmic scaling
4. Using Point & Figure charts for relative strength, market breadth, moving averages, and volume analysis

23. Ichimoku Cloud System: Complete Guide to Construction and Strategy

1. Master the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo charting system:
2. Discover its Japanese roots and unique visual structure
3. Learn to read Tenkan-sen, Kijun-sen, Senkou Span A/B, and the Chikou Span
4. Combine Ichimoku with indicators and apply it across multiple timeframes
5. Bonus: Ichimoku with Point & Figure chart.

24. Dow Theory Deep Dive: Beyond the Basics

Explore the evolution of Dow Theory:

1. Study its history and critics
2. Revisit the six tenets with advanced insights
3. Understand how professionals use it for trend reversal signals and market structure analysis

25. Elliott Wave in Practice: Psychology, Patterns & Professional Use

Move beyond theory with practical applications of Elliott Wave:

1. Learn how professionals apply wave counts and sub-waves
2. Predict wave endings and corrections
3. Understand the psychology behind the waves
4. Review real-world case studies for clarity

26. Market Cycles: From Economic Theory to Timing Strategy

Master cycle theory and its real-world use:

1. Understand the difference between stock market and economic cycles
2. Learn from historical models: Kondratiev, Kuznets, Juglar, Kitchin, and Schumpeter
3. Explore alternative cycles like the sunspot cycle and how they influence timing

27. Advanced Moving Averages: Tools for Dynamic Trend Analysis

Go deeper into moving averages:

1. Understand adaptive, weighted, and exponential moving averages
2. Learn how top traders use crossovers, bands, and slope analysis
3. Discover how different chart types interact with moving average signals

28. Bollinger Bands Mastery: Beyond the Basics

Discover advanced strategies using Bollinger Bands:

1. Learn how to trade breakouts, squeezes, and bandwalks
2. Use standard deviation metrics to assess volatility and mean reversion

29. Oscillators & Momentum Indicators: In-Depth Signal Systems

1. Deepen your indicator knowledge with advanced tools:
2. Learn to construct and interpret ADX, ATR, CCI, Coppock Curve, Parabolics, and more
3. Understand Directional Movement Index and how to time entries with MACD, RSI, ROC, and Stochastics

30. Market Breadth Indicators: Participation & Strength Analysis

Learn how to measure market participation and trend strength:

1. Analyze Advance/Decline Lines, including cumulative versions
2. Use tools like Arms Index and McClellan Oscillator to confirm or challenge the market’s direction

31. Relative Strength, Breadth, and Sentiment in Technical Analysis

1. See how professionals use relative strength charts, market breadth, and sentiment indicators (e.g. AAII, VIX) to gain a multi-dimensional view of the market.

32. W.D. Gann Techniques: Time & Price Mastery

Learn how to apply the work of W.D. Gann:

1. Use Gann fan angles, price/time targets, and square of nine concepts
2. Discover how Gann’s theories align with modern charting and forecasting tools

33. Market Profile™: Structure, Auction Theory & Trader Behavior

Understand how Market Profile™ reveals market structure:

1. Learn the auction market process and the role of trader types
2. Discover how to read TPO charts and use them to identify value zones, balance areas, and breakouts

34. Building a Technical Trading Strategy: Timeframes, Charts, and Stops

Learn how professionals build a strategy:

1. Choose the right timeframe and chart scaling
2. Know where to place stop-losses and manage trade exits
3. Adapt strategies to your risk tolerance and trading personality

35. Money Management for Traders: Risk, Systems, and Sizing

Master risk control with real-world techniques:

1. Understand trading system types (mechanical vs discretionary)
2. Apply smart position sizing (e.g. Martingale, Kelly Criterion)
3. Learn about risk types, Turtle Trading, backtesting pitfalls, and reward-to-risk ratios

36. Behavioral Finance for Traders: Psychology, Biases, and Better Decisions

Learn how psychology influences markets and your own trading decisions:

1. Discover key biases like the endowment effect, confirmation bias, gambler’s fallacy, and more
2. Understand why emotions and heuristics matter—and how to manage them
3. Apply behavioral insights to avoid common mistakes and improve consistency

Recommended Reading

To ensure your success in the STA Diploma Part 1 & Part 2 Examinations, we recommend the following essential texts. These books are widely recognized in the global technical analysis community and support the core concepts taught in the STA curriculum delivered by MATA.

Core Textbooks

1. “Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets” by John J. Murphy
   A classic reference that covers all the foundational tools and techniques of technical analysis. Perfect for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.

2. “The Handbook of Technical Analysis” by Mark Andrew Lim
   A comprehensive and structured guide that bridges theory and practical application. This two-volume work is invaluable for serious students aiming to master both the STA Part 1 and Part 2 exams, covering everything from indicators and oscillators to risk management and trading psychology.

3. “Technical Analysis Explained” by Martin J. Pring
   A detailed exploration of technical tools, price behavior, and market psychology, with clear explanations and real-world examples.

4. “Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques” by Steve Nison
   The definitive resource on candlestick patterns and their use in modern trading strategies.

5. “Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns” by Thomas N. Bulkowski
   A data-driven guide to pattern recognition, complete with success rates and backtested statistics.

6. “The Definitive Guide to Point and Figure” by Jeremy du Plessis
   A must-read for mastering non-time-based charting techniques, as featured in the STA syllabus.

7. “Elliott Wave Principle: Key to Market Behavior” by A.J. Frost & Robert Prechter
   The foundational work for understanding market cycles and wave patterns.

8. “Gann Made Easy” by William McLaren
   A simplified yet powerful introduction to W.D. Gann’s time and price forecasting tools.

9. “Behavioural Finance: Insights into Irrational Minds and Markets” by James Montier
   A modern take on how investor psychology impacts financial markets and price movements.

10. “Technical Analysis Using Multiple Timeframes” by Brian Shannon
    Excellent for understanding trend alignment, entry/exit strategy, and timing using multiple timeframe analysis.

11. “The Trading Game: Playing by the Numbers to Make Millions” by Ryan Jones
    A practical approach to money and risk management, essential for building long-term trading success.

Additional textbook to supplement:

1. Kirkpatrick, Charles D. and Dahlquist, Julie R. Technical Analysis: The Complete Resource for Financial Market Technicians
2. Lambert, Clive, Candlestick Charts
3. Nison, Steve, Beyond Candlesticks
4. Valcu, Dan, Heikin-Ashi
5. Linton, David, Cloud Charts: Trading Success with the Ichimoku Technique
6. Elliott, Nicole, Ichimoku Charts: An Introduction to Ichimoku Kinko Clouds
7. du Plessis, Jeremy, 21st Century Point & Figure
8. Robert Rhea, The Dow Theory
9. Frost and Prechter, Elliott Wave Principle – Key to Market Behaviour
10. Dalton, James/Jones, Eric/Dalton, Robert, Mind over Markets
11. Bandy, Howard, Quantitative Trading Systems
12. Keller, David, Breakthroughs in Technical Analysis (chapter on Gann)
13. Grafton, Christopher, Mastering Hurst Cycle Analysis
14. Brown, Constance, Trading Market Dynamics using Technical Analysis
15. Brown, Constance, The Thirty-Second Jewel
16. Sperandeo, Victor, Trader Vic: Methods of a Wall Street Master
17. Bernstein, Peter, Against the Gods – The Remarkable Story of Risk
18. Schwager, Jack D., Unknown Market Wizards