Options Trading, Derivatives, & Futures Courses & Certifications Online

The Indian options trading market has grown significantly, driven by the rise in retail participation and technological advancements in online trading platforms. Nevertheless, the growth in speculative trading activities and related risks necessitated regulatory intervention to ensure market stability and investor protection. With the market shifting towards new waves, regulators and participants are embracing the evolving nature of options trading in India. Online brokerage platforms, such as Interactive Brokers, Zerodha, Upstox, tastytrade, TradeStation, Paytm Money, and ProStocks, make options trading more accessible to retail investors.

Table of Contents

What are the Benefits of Choosing Online Options Trading Courses?
What are the Prerequisites for Learning Options Trading Online?
- 2.1 Option Trading Course Syllabus
- 2.2 Skills You Will Learn from a

Table of Contents

What are the Benefits of Choosing Online Options Trading Courses?
What are the Prerequisites for Learning Options Trading Online?
- 2.1 Option Trading Course Syllabus
- 2.2 Skills You Will Learn from an Options Trading Training Course
How to Choose the Right Online Options Trading Course?
Potential Career Paths after Taking Options Trading Courses

What are the Benefits of Choosing Online Options Trading Courses?

Here are some reasons why taking up online Options Trading courses can be better -

The course curricula of top online certifications are designed to reflect the latest changes in the stock market landscape. This is one of the major benefits of online training, specifically in this domain.
Online options trading courses are often available in various formats, including videos, written materials, interactive quizzes, and virtual trading simulations. This variety caters to different learning preferences and helps reinforce understanding.
Many online trading courses offer virtual trading simulations or paper trading exercises. This allows you to practice trading without using real money, helping you understand the practical application of your learning in a risk-free environment.
The world of finance and trading is dynamic and constantly evolving. Online courses can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, strategies, and changes in the options market.
Online Options Trading courses often cover a wide range of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and more.
Numerous free online Options Trading courses are not available in the offline world.
These courses are offered by globally top-ranking institutes, including NSE, NIFM, the Indian School of Business, and Coursera, among others.

Must Read - A Guide to Options: A Key to Expanding Your Investment Portfolio

Boost your financial knowledge and expertise with an online MBA in Finance. Master trading, investment banking, taxation, risk analysis, and financial planning and analysis from top institutions like IIMs, XLRI, MDI, and Amity Online. Also, learn essential soft skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and business transformation.

What are the Prerequisites for Learning Options Trading Online?

Please note that you do not need to fulfil any basic eligibility criteria to take online option trading courses. However, having a basic understanding of certain related concepts can significantly enhance your learning experience. Here are some recommended prerequisites:

Elementary Knowledge of Financial Markets: A general understanding of how financial markets work, including stocks, bonds, and commodities.
Understanding Stocks: Knowing how stocks are traded and how stock prices are determined can be beneficial when learning options trading.
Familiarity with Investment Concepts: Risk and return, diversification, and portfolio management.
Mathematics & Statistics: A basic understanding of mathematical concepts such as percentages, fractions, and statistics to understand option pricing models and risk assessment.
Financial Terminology: Becoming familiar with terms like call options, put options, strike price, expiration date, option premiums, etc.
Basic Economics: Understanding economic indicators, interest rates, and their impact on financial markets
Computer Literacy: Since most online options trading courses are conducted digitally, you are expected to have basic computer skills and internet proficiency.

Must Read - How to Invest in Stock Market? (For Beginners)

Also Read - How to Pick Stocks: Beginners Guide for New Investors

Option Trading Course Syllabus

We have categorized the syllabus of options trading based on their expertise levels -

Beginner	Options Trading Basics Introduction to Options: Basic, payoffs, pricing, deployment Market Structure Market Functionaries Market Participants (Type of Traders) Types of Risk Basics of Buying vs Selling Options Basics of Derivatives/types/Indian stock market Primary and Secondary Market Cash and Derivatives Understanding the Index Market Participants Trade and Settlement How does the Price move? Buy Low, Sell High & Vice Versa How to Use Support & Resistance in Options Trading How to Determine Bullish & Bearish Trends Using EMAs How to Use MACD in Options Trading Risk Management & Position Sizing Strategies Indexes and Indices, making, application, type Introduction to Futures and Forwards Open Trading Strategies: Spreads, Straddle, Strangle Covered Call, Protective put, Butterfly, Calendar
Intermediate	Introduction to different work profiles Option Chain, Moneyness Trading on Sensibull using strategies Event-based strategies View generation, Strike selection Detailed analysis of strategies Deploying strategy and testing Binomial Option Pricing Model Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model Option Greeks: Delta Gamma Theta Vega Rho Volatility Basic Option & Stock Positions Option Trading Strategies Exotic Options Market Indicators
Advanced	Margins for Debit and Credit Spreads Trading Simulator Trading the SPX with Leverage Beta and Strategy Selection Advanced Bullish Options Trading Strategies Advanced Bearish Options Trading Strategies Advanced Neutral Options Trading Strategies Chart Pattern Trading Candlestick Trading Value Investing

Related Read - Commodity Trading: Types and Benefits

Skills You Will Learn from an Options Trading Training Course

Here are the useful Options Trading skills you will gain from online certification courses.

Skills	Description
Options Basics	Fundamental concepts and principles that underlie the world of options trading
Options Strategies	Predefined combinations of options contracts involving different strike prices, expiration dates, and positions (buying or selling) that traders and investors use to achieve specific trading goals or manage risks.
Risk Management	Mitigate risks by sizing positions appropriately and implementing protective strategies.
Technical Analysis	Learn to analyze price charts, patterns, and indicators for informed trading decisions.
Volatility Assessment	Evaluate the level of volatility or price fluctuations in a financial market or a specific asset.
Options Greeks	Options Greeks are a set of mathematical parameters used to measure the risk and sensitivity of options positions to various factors, such as changes in underlying asset price, time, implied volatility, and interest rates.
Portfolio Management	Learn how to design, optimize, and oversee a collection of investments (portfolio) to achieve specific financial goals. It involves selecting appropriate assets, diversifying holdings, and strategically aligning the portfolio according to an investor's objectives and risk tolerance.
Advanced Chart Reading	Learn to interpret complex chart patterns and trends to identify optimal entry and exit points.
Strategic Analysis Evaluation	Assess the potential of various strategies under different market scenarios and make informed decisions.
Market Sentiment Analysis	Understand market sentiment and use it to inform trading decisions.
Regulatory Compliance	Familiarize yourself with options trading regulations and compliance standards.
Emotional Discipline Development	Cultivate mental resilience and emotional control to make rational decisions during market fluctuations.

How to Choose the Right Online Options Trading Course?

We discussed the types of courses on Options Trading you can take based on your experience level. There are some interrelated factors and questions to consider.

Criteria	Questions to Ask
Instructor’s Profile and Options Trading Expertise	Is the instructor an experienced Options Trading expert knowledgeable about the stock market and trading best practices?
Course Content and Syllabus	Does the course align with your needs and goals, and will it build your stock profile?
Course Format	Is the course format comfortable for you, and does it include any capstone project or assessment?
Price	Is it within your budget?
Ratings	Does it have a rating of 4.5 or higher from more than 1,000 reviewers on the MOOC’s website?

Also Read - Options Trading: How To Start The Journey?

Potential Career Paths after Taking Options Trading Courses

Job Description	Core Responsibilities	Salary Range
Equities Trader	Execute purchase and sell orders for equities on behalf of clients or the trading firm. Analyse and research markets to make informed trading decisions. Use trading platforms and software to execute equity trades on various stock exchanges. Implement trading strategies and algorithms to maximize profitability. Monitor financial news, market trends, and economic indicators to identify potential trading opportunities. Conduct fundamental and technical analysis of stocks to assess their potential for growth or decline. Assess and manage risk associated with trades to protect the firm's and clients' investments.	Rs. 1.2 - 15.4 LPA
Fixed Income Trader	Execute fixed-income securities trades, including bonds and other debt instruments, on behalf of clients or the trading firm. Develop and implement trading strategies to optimize yield and manage risk. Perform credit analysis and assess the creditworthiness of issuers. Evaluate and manage risks associated with fixed-income trades to protect investments and minimize potential losses. Collaborate with clients to understand their investment objectives and risk tolerance. Manage liquidity for fixed-income positions, optimizing trade execution while minimizing market impact. Monitor and evaluate the performance of fixed-income trading strategies, adjusting tactics as needed to achieve desired outcomes. Maintain accurate records of trades, positions, and market analysis for reporting and audit purposes.	Rs. 5.0 - 40.0 LPA
Forex Trader	Execute foreign exchange (forex) trades on various currency pairs to capitalize on market fluctuations. Execute forex trades using trading platforms, ensuring accuracy and timely execution. Develop and implement trading strategies to maximize profit potential while managing risk. Conduct technical analysis and study chart patterns to identify potential forex trading opportunities. Assess and manage risks associated with forex trading to protect investments and minimize potential losses. Utilize risk management techniques such as stop-loss and take-profit orders. Collaborate with clients to understand their forex trading goals and risk tolerance. Provide insights and recommendations on currency trades. Manage trade liquidity to optimize execution and minimize slippage.	Rs. 2.0 - 35.5 LPA
Commodities Trader	Conduct trades in various commodities, such as energy, metals, agricultural products, and more, to capitalize on market movements. Execute commodity trades on relevant exchanges, electronic platforms, or over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Develop and implement trading strategies to optimize profit potential while managing risk exposure. Assess and manage risks associated with commodities trading, including price volatility, geopolitical risks, and supply disruptions. Provide market insights and recommendations to clients based on their investment objectives. Manage liquidity for commodity positions, ensuring efficient trade execution without significantly impacting market prices.	Rs. 1.2 - 24.0 LPA
Derivatives Trader	Conduct trades in financial derivatives, such as options, futures, swaps, and other complex instruments Apply advanced market analysis and risk management techniques to make informed trading decisions. Execute derivatives trades on exchanges, electronic platforms, or over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Evaluate and manage risks associated with derivatives trading, including market, counterparty, and systemic risks. Utilize sophisticated risk management tools and techniques to hedge exposures. Manage liquidity for derivative positions, optimizing trade execution and minimizing market impact. Monitor and evaluate the performance of derivative trading strategies, adjusting approaches as needed. Utilize advanced quantitative models and analysis tools to assess derivatives pricing, volatility, and risk factors.	Rs. 1.8 - 15.0 LPA