Connect with IMF Institute

Quarterly National Accounts (QNA)

Macroeconomic Statistics

This one-week course, presented by the Statistics Department, prepares participants to compile QNA by providing them with a thorough understanding of the concepts, source data, and compilation techniques used for producing these datasets. The course covers both theoretical and practical compilation issues. It introduces participants to benchmarking, seasonal adjustment techniques, as well as volume estimates; and explains the application of these techniques to time series data.

While the course is broadly based on the IMF Quarterly National Accounts Manual (2017 Edition), it expands on techniques required to dealing with alternative data sources, and mixed frequencies. The course covers both theoretical and practical compilation issues.

Participants will learn how to identify and assess available data sources for compiling QNA; use related real-time series databases to assess the quality of QNA; and implement a suitable revisions policy.
 

Read More Topic : Macroeconomic Statistics

    Target Audience

    Officials worldwide responsible for compiling quarterly national accounts (QNA).

    Back to top

    Qualifications

    Participants are expected to have a degree in economics or statistics; or equivalent experience.

    Back to top

    Course Objectives

    Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

    • Recognize the role, scope, and uses of QNA.
    • Describe the compilation framework for the QNA and early estimates.
    • Compile benchmarked series using the recommended techniques.
    • Apply basic techniques for filling data gaps and backcasting.
    • Identify good seasonal adjustment practices and apply basic seasonal adjustment techniques to time series.
    • Formulate a balanced revisions policy taking account of how related real-time database can be used to assess the reliability of the QNA estimates.

    •  
    Back to top

    Upcoming Offering

    Start date End date Location Delivery Method Session No. Primary & (Interpretation) language Apply
    August 18, 2025 August 29, 2025 Vienna, Austria In-person Training JV 25.24 English (Russian) Apply online by May 11, 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.

    Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFSX)

    English | October 15, 2024 - December 17, 2024 | Online Training | Course conducted online

    Apply online by November 22, 2024

    Nowcasting (NWC)

    English | February 17-28, 2025 | In-person Training | New Delhi, India

    Apply online by November 22, 2024

    Selected Issues in the Regulation of Fintech (SIFR)

    English (French, Portuguese) | January 13-17, 2025 | In-person Training | Ebene, Mauritius

    Apply online by November 22, 2024

    Managing Capital Flows: Macroeconomic Analysis and Policies (MCF)

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

    Apply online by November 22, 2024

    Building Institutions to Fight Corruption (BIFC)

    English (Russian) | March 3-7, 2025 | In-person Training | Vienna, Austria

    Apply online by November 24, 2024