Connect with IMF Institute

Consumer Price Index (CPIx)

CPIx

This online course, presented by the Statistics Department, introduces participants to key CPI concepts and methods. The course provides an overview of key CPI concepts, definitions, and uses. It provides an overview of different index number formulas and the practical implications of choosing the index number formula at lower and higher levels of aggregation. The course also discusses the sources and methods for sampling areas, items, outlets, and varieties; treatment of temporarily and permanently missing prices; and updating and linking CPI data series. Linkages to the 2008 SNA are highlighted, including the related principles of scope, coverage, and valuation. The course covers the following topics: 

  • defining key concepts and uses of CPI data and how these influence the design of a CPI; 
  • meeting data users’ needs to ensure relevancy; 
  • calculating elementary and upper-level indexes; 
  • methods for sampling areas, items, outlets, and varieties; 
  • methods for handling temporarily and permanently missing prices, including adjusting prices for quality changes; and 
  • chaining and linking indexes with updated weighting structures. 

The course follows the principles and recommendations of the CPI Manual (2020).

Read More Topic : Macroeconomic Statistics

    Target Audience

    Compilers of consumer price indexes (CPIs) and users of CPI data interested in understanding key concepts and compilation issues.

    Back to top

    Qualifications

    Some knowledge of economics and statistics or equivalent experience in CPI is helpful. Access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection and a Google Chrome web browser are essential.

    Back to top

    Course Objectives

    Upon completion of this online course, participants will be able to:

    • Identify key uses of CPI data and explain key consumer price index concepts and definitions and how these are applied in practice.
    • Identify and explain differences between the different index calculation formulas.
    • Define and explain the different levels of sampling in a CPI and how these sampling methods are applied in practice.
    • Identify and explain the different methods for the treatment of missing prices and describe how these are applied in practice.
    • Update CPI weights and link old and new indexes to form continuous time series of data.
    Back to top

    Upcoming Offering

    Start date End date Location Delivery Method Session No. Primary & (Interpretation) language Apply
    May 1, 2024 April 15, 2025 Course conducted online Online Training OL 24.134 English Apply online by April 1, 2025
    May 1, 2024 April 15, 2025 Course conducted online Online Training OL 24.135 Spanish Apply online by April 1, 2025
    May 1, 2024 April 15, 2025 Course conducted online Online Training OL 24.136 French Apply online by April 1, 2025
    Back to top

    Apply Now - Application deadline approaching:

    IMF offers online training to government officials and the public. Click Learn more to find our current offerings.

    Institutional Sector Accounts (ISA)

    English | December 9-13, 2024 | In-person Training | New Delhi, India

    Apply online by November 5, 2024

    Central Bank Digital Currency - Initial Considerations (CBDC)

    English (Arabic) | January 5-9, 2025 | In-person Training | Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Apply online by November 7, 2024

    Effective Policy Communication Blended

    English (English) | January 20-24, 2025 | Blended Training | Singapore, Singapore

    Apply online by November 8, 2024

    Strengthening Revenue Administration for Gender Equality

    English | December 9-11, 2024 | In-person Training | New Delhi, India

    Apply online by November 9, 2024

    Government Finance Statistics - Advanced (GFS-A)

    English | February 10-21, 2025 | In-person Training | Singapore, Singapore

    Apply online by November 10, 2024