What is the CAIA® Association and the CAIA® designation?
The CAIA Association is a global professional credentialing body dedicated to creating
greater alignment, transparency, and knowledge for all investors, with a specific
emphasis on alternative investments. A Member-driven organization representing
professionals in more than 95 countries, CAIA Association advocates for the highest
ethical standards.
The CAIA® Program is administered by the CAIA Association. The CAIA Association
confers the CAIA designation which is an alternative investment designation and is
considered the highest distinction within the alternative investment space.
Who should consider doing CAIA®?
• Asset Allocators
• Risk managers
• Analysts
• Portfolio managers
• Traders
• Business development/marketing
How do you become a CAIA® charter holder from START to FINISH?
It is important to remember that exams are only held in English.
When you check in at the test center, the test administrator will ask you to present valid
identification (ID). You are required to have two (2) valid forms of identification.
The first step is to register with CAIA via their website www.caia.org.
1. Pass both CAIA exams.
2. A bachelor's degree or the equivalent +
3. Work experience - One year of full-time professional experience within the regulatory, banking, financial or related fields. OR
4. Have at least four years of full-time professional experience within the regulatory, banking, financial or related fields.
5. Submit payment for a one- or two-year CAIA Association Membership.
Once accepted by CAIA, you need to decide your next step:
Option 1: Study only using the CAIA material and the textbook
If you decide to study only using the CAIA material and the textbook, then the only fee
payable by you will be the fee payable to the CAIA upon registration.
Option 2: Make use of a Prep provider like Edge
If you decide to make use of a prep provider (approved by CAIA) like Edge Designations, you will incur additional costs, those charged by the prep provider.
Depending on the package that you select (detailed below) the following additional study options are provided to you by Edge:
• Zoom classes
• Online classes
• Detailed notes
• Summaries
• Question Bank (intuitive)
• Practice questions + question banks
• Revision classes
• Practice exams
Edge Packages:
• Option 1 – Online + Zoom Program
• Option 2 – Online Program
• Option 3 – Revision & Exam Program
• Option 4 – Q-bank
• Option 5 – Full set of notes
• Option 6 – 3 full exams
If you decide to join us at Edge for classes, there will be two fees.
Fee 1: This is the fee paid directly to CAIA. This is paid to enable the candidate to be a part of the CAIA® Program and to write the CAIA® exams. First time candidates have to pay an additional enrolment fee.
Fee 2: This is the fee paid to Edge. This fee is for zoom classes, online classes, revision classes, exam classes and ALL your study notes and summaries.
What is the stackable credentials program?
The stackable credentials program allows CFA charter holders to skip Level I and move straight to CAIA LII.
In order to be eligible for the program, applicants:
• Must have no existing CAIA exam history, (examples of exam history include those who have registered for or passed/failed the Level I or Level II exam)
• Must be a CFA charter holder, in good standing.
Is there a time limit on the course?
No, there is no limit to complete the program.
Do you have to book / schedule an exam?
Yes, once you have registered for your exam, you'll receive an email with a link to schedule your exam appointment (or, you can select "schedule your exam" from the navigation bar above after you've registered). Please be sure to schedule your appointment as soon as you can as space may be limited in some locations.
Where do you write the CAIA® exam?
The CAIA exams are administered via computer exclusively at proctored Pearson VUE testing centers around the world. In addition, CAIA offer an online proctored exam. This allows you to write the exam in the comfort of your own surroundings.
Can you postpone your exam to another exam window?
No, registration is exam-specific and not open-ended. If you are unable to sit for the exam for which you are currently registered, or if you do not pass, you will need to reregister to take the exam during a future exam window.
The fee for retaking an exam is US$450, whether or not you sat for the exam the first time.
Does CAIA® offer other designations?
Yes, the CAIA Association also offers the following two designations:
• Fundamentals of Alternative Investments. A certificate program offering a foundation of core concepts in alternative investments.
• Financial Data Processing (FDP) designation. The Financial Data Professional
Institute (FDPI) was established by the CAIA Association to address the growing need in finance for a workforce that has the skills to perform in a digitized world where an increasing number of decisions will be data and analytics driven. The FDP Credential is the first of its kind in the industry and reflects expertise in data science and its practical applications in finance. For more information visit www.fdpinstitute.org
