Commodity broker education is an individualized process these days. No longer do you simply register at the local technical institute or college and start classes. The choices and options for training and education can be almost overwhelming and confusing. There are online courses, online certifications and degree programs. There are traditional colleges and universities.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions: “Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?” or “Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the workforce quickly?” You can find good non-accredited commodity broker education and training. You need to research schools and programs the way parents and high school students look for the right college or university. There are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for training programs:

1. Find in-house workshops, seminars, one-on-one coaching or teleconferencing for futures broker training.

2. Use online courses to get your futures dealer education.

3. Look at free tutorials and resources online for futures and options training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find workshops, seminars and coaching for futures and options broker education and training

Use established well-known programs that have good reputations for a good education and certifications that will hold up under scrutiny.

I recommend: Investools has programs for every type of individual and business. They offer thorough training in futures and options. Purchase courses with the tools and training you want and need. Bundled programs include an online course, access to coaching and trading rooms. CIH gives training in futures and options and hedge funds. You can get one-on-one consultations; attend workshops, schedule conference calls for training.

Take rigorous online options training classes

There are many fine fixed income education and training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking web sites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: OIC specializes in webinars, webcasts, online classes and seminars in basic futures and options training. Alaron uses paper trades that simulate real trading.

Use online resources, free tutorials and CD-ROMs for options brokerage training

Take advantage of these free training programs and tools. Learn what you can for free and then make your decision to spend money on a program. You need to do your research. Define your needs and goals and find the right program.

I recommend: Get a free CD-ROM at SchaeffersResearch.com and learn futures and options trading. Look at this Options 101 program and ask about one-on-one consultations, in-house workshops and telephone conferences. MFGlobal offers a free CD program as well. The write-up on the website boasts posts a form to fill out for a free Resource CD-ROM on trading.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing commodity broker training classes. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of futures broker education programs that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find a good training program that meets your needs.