Start learning
← All courses
4Intermediate · Level 4/10Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Essentials: MAs, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands & ATR

A hands-on course that teaches you how the main technical indicators are calculated, what they really tell you, common misuse, and how to combine them with trendlines and chart patterns into simple, tradable setups. Built by FX Academy for disciplined, demo-first practice — expect deliberate exercises, worked examples and backtesting steps before risking real money. Trading forex on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Most retail traders lose money. Never trade with funds you cannot afford to lose.

~12 hours6 modules25 lessons15h of guided studyquizzes included

What you'll learn

  • Calculate SMA and EMA values for any timeframe and implement them in a charting platform.
  • Compute RSI, identify overbought/oversold and divergence, and use it to refine entries.
  • Calculate MACD and its signal line; read histogram changes and spot momentum shifts.
  • Measure volatility with Bollinger Bands and ATR; use ATR to set ATR-based stops and position size.
  • Combine indicators with trendlines and chart patterns to build two simple, rule-based setups.
  • Size a position so a stop loss risks exactly 0.5–2% of the account (worked examples for $100–$1,000 accounts).
  • Backtest a setup over at least 50 trades, record outcomes, and calculate realistic win rate and drawdown.
  • Execute a full demo-trade plan: entry, stop, target, sizing and journal entry.

Course curriculum

6 stages, easiest first. Lesson content unlocks with enrollment.

Stage 1Module 1 — Foundations: Market terms, charts and risk math4 lessons + quiz

Introduce key forex terms (pip, lot, spread, margin, leverage), chart types and timeframes, and the math behind position sizing and pip value. This module explains how to practise safely: demo accounts, trade journals and realistic risk rules. (Ends with a short quiz.)

  1. Forex basics and market structure35 min
  2. Chart types, timeframes and reading price action35 min
  3. Pip values and position sizing math35 min
  4. Demo account, trade journaling and risk rules35 min
Stage 2Module 2 — Moving Averages: SMA, EMA and practical uses4 lessons + quiz

Cover SMA and EMA calculations, smoothing mechanics, choice of periods, and how moving averages are used for trend identification, dynamic support/resistance and crossovers. Include worked numerical examples and common misuse (lag, false signals). (Ends with a short quiz.)

  1. What is a moving average? SMA calculation and example35 min
  2. EMA mechanics and quick-reacting averages60 min
  3. MA-based entries: crossovers, dynamic support and filters35 min
  4. Common misuses and parameter selection35 min
Stage 3Module 3 — Momentum tools: RSI and MACD4 lessons + quiz

Explain RSI and MACD calculations step-by-step, what momentum vs trend means, how to spot divergences and failure swings, and practical filters to reduce false signals. Includes worked chart examples and how to combine these with MAs. (Ends with a short quiz.)

  1. RSI: formula, smoothing and divergence35 min
  2. MACD: MACD line, signal line and histogram35 min
  3. Momentum vs trend: using RSI and MACD as filters35 min
  4. False signals, smoothing and timeframe alignment30 min
Stage 4Module 4 — Volatility tools: Bollinger Bands and ATR4 lessons + quiz

Teach Bollinger Bands (moving average + standard deviation) and ATR calculations, their interpretation for volatility regimes, squeeze and breakout signals, ATR-based stops and scaling. Include numerical examples and misuse (over-reliance on band touch). (Ends with a short quiz.)

  1. Bollinger Bands: math and reading the squeeze35 min
  2. ATR: true range and volatility measurement35 min
  3. ATR-based position sizing and stop placement35 min
  4. Band riding, mean reversion and common mistakes35 min
Stage 5Module 5 — Trendlines, chart patterns and confirmed setups4 lessons + quiz

Formal rules for drawing trendlines, identifying reliable chart patterns (double top/bottom, head & shoulders, triangles), and combining pattern signals with indicators to create higher-probability entries and exits. Includes entry trigger rules, stop placement and example trade execution steps. (Ends with a short quiz.)

  1. Drawing valid trendlines and using pullbacks35 min
  2. Key chart patterns: recognition and measured moves35 min
  3. Combining patterns with indicators for confirmed setups40 min
  4. Trade management: partial exits, trailing stops and risk control35 min
Stage 6Module 6 — Strategy building, backtest and demo practice5 lessons + quiz

Turn learning into action: three simple, fully-specified setups (MA trend-follow, Bollinger mean-revert, MACD divergence), step-by-step backtesting guide, real trade examples with realistic account sizes and risk math, and a 30-day demo practice plan. The module ends with a course capstone checklist and final quiz.

  1. Setup 1 — MA trend-follow system (rules and worked example)35 min
  2. Setup 2 — Bollinger Bands mean-reversion (rules and example)35 min
  3. Setup 3 — MACD divergence and confirmation35 min
  4. Backtesting, forward-testing and building your demo plan40 min
  5. Course capstone: trade journal, checklist and next steps35 min
Not sure yet?

Sample the teaching first

We wrote a free in-depth guide on this exact topic — read it, and if the teaching style clicks, the course goes ten times deeper.

Read: Forex Technical Analysis 2026: Practical Guide for Beginners

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really worth paying for?

Every Forex Fluency course is a deep, structured program — long-form fact-checked lessons, fully worked numeric examples, diagrams and end-of-module quizzes. At $75 it costs less than one impulsive, uneducated trade typically loses.

How do I access the course after paying?

Checkout takes a minute. Once your payment is confirmed you receive an access code by email — enter it on the My Learning page and every lesson unlocks instantly, forever.

Do I need a trading account first?

No. You only need a free demo account for the practice exercises, and we show you exactly when and how to open one — no deposit required.

Will this course make me profitable?

No honest school promises that. Most retail traders lose money; education, risk management and disciplined practice are what separate the minority who succeed. This course gives you that foundation — the results depend on you.

Is it self-paced?

Completely. Lessons are written, not scheduled — read them any time, on any device, and your progress is saved as you go.