The CAIA Stackable Credential Program allows eligible candidates with the CFA® charter to bypass Level I of the rigorous two-part Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) exam. The goal is to enable qualified candidates to “stack” their CFA charter knowledge and credentials and move directly to Level II of the CAIA exam. This article explains what the program is, how it works, and who is eligible.
Why Was The CAIA Stackable Credential Program Developed?
Using knowledge gained from earning one financial credential to help earn another isn’t new. For example, a CFA charterholder is exempt from many of the education requirements forearning the CFP®mark. More specifically, the CAIA Association recognizes that there is an overlap in the knowledge requirements for the CFA and CAIA credentials.
Therefore, CAIA Association has taken it a step farther with this program by exempting qualified CFA charterholders from having to take Level I of the CAIA exam.
How To Apply For The CAIA Stackable Credential Program?
Once you have decided to pursue the CAIA Stackable Credential Program, you can begin the registration process on the CAIA Exam Registration and Fees page. Be sure to follow the registration directions under the ‘Application and Fees’ header on CAIA Association’s program page.
Once you complete the registration, your application is entered into a verification queue. You will receive notificationthat your application has been received with further information regarding the verification process.
Are You Eligible for the CAIAStackable Credential Program?
The eligibility requirements for the CAIA Stackable Credential program are as follows:
- No existing CAIA exam history
- Being a CFA charterholder in good standing
- A CFA digital badge, verifiable by CAIA Association
- Applying and registering for the program during CAIA’s exam registration periods
It’s important to note that program participants are not eligible for the CAIA Gateway Scholarship or any other CAIA scholarship program. CAIA Academic Partner faculty, who are CFA charterholders, should contactCAIA Associationfor more information regarding their program eligibility.
How To Prepare For The CAIA Level II Exam?
If you’re accepted into the program, consider increasing your odds of passing with a CAIA Level II study preparation package. As a CAIA Stackable Program participant, you are eligible to receive a FREE Kaplan Schweser CAIA Level I package with your purchase of a Level II package.In this way, you can review any Level I topics that you need to brush upon.
As an added incentive, Kaplan Schweser is now offering 10% offCAIA Stackable study packages. To take advantage of this offer, study packages must be purchased through your local CFA Society portal.
Use Promo Code: CAIAStack at checkout.
Or, if you’re interested in earning the CAIA designation the traditional way, ourCAIA Level I packagescan help you get started.
What If You Fail The CAIA Level II Exam While Enrolled In The CAIA Stackable Credential Program?
If you fail the CAIA Level II exam while enrolled in the CAIA Stackable Credential program you can retake the exam. There will be a $795 fee if you decide to re-register for the Level II exam while enrolled in the CAIA Stackable Credential program.
The CAIA Association is committed to helping you earn the CAIA designation and will allow you to try again regardless of your status in the program.
Ready to Start Preparing?
Find effective CAIA Stackable Study Packages tailored for program participants from Kaplan Schweser to help prepare you for the CAIA Level II exam.
FAQs
Difficulty and Pass Rates: The CFA exams are generally considered more challenging due to the breadth and depth of content. The CAIA exams, while still rigorous, have higher pass rates as the scope of information is deeper but not necessarily broad.
What is the best question bank for CAIA exam? ›
SchweserPro™ QBank
This intuitive study tool contains 900+ questions and is known as a must-have among CAIA candidates: Study On-The-Go with short quizzes you can fit into those small periods of downtime.
What is the pass rate for CAIA l1? ›
CAIA pass rates since 2010
The latest March 2024 CAIA exam pass rates are 46% for Level 1 and 59% for Level 2. Since 2011, CAIA Level 1 pass rates continues its downward trend and remained below 70%, compared to the earlier periods of 2006-2011.
What is the best way to study for CAIA? ›
Increase the Likelihood You'll Pass the Level I CAIA® Exam
Participating in classes (online or in-person), practice exams, and study groups increases the likelihood that you'll pass the exam. Investing in CAIA exam prep is one of the best things you can do to make sure that you're on to the next step… Level II.
What is the average IQ of a CFA charterholder? ›
A survey carried out using a sample of 50 CFA Level I candidates reveals an average IQ of 105.
How much do CFA CAIA people make? ›
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Jobs by Salary
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|
| Job Title:Investment Analyst | Range:$69k - $114k | Average:$90,484 |
| Investment Consultant | Range:$98k - $294k | Average:$132,485 |
| Portfolio Manager | Range:$77k - $174k | Average:$115,164 |
| Senior Investment Analyst | Range:$62k - $125k | Average:$97,766 |
3 more rowsJun 25, 2024
How much does a Caia make? As of Sep 1, 2024, the average annual pay for a Caia in the United States is $132,881 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $63.89 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,555/week or $11,073/month.
Is the CAIA graded on a curve? ›
CAIA Exam Grading Information
The CAIA Examination staff uses 70% of the total points as the initial benchmark, but since they compare candidate's score against the average exam score, the curve effectively moves the passing score below 70%. The passing score and candidate's actual score is never disclosed.
Can you skip CAIA Level 1 if you have CFA? ›
The CAIA Stackable Credential Program allows eligible candidates with the CFA® charter to bypass Level I of the rigorous two-part Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) exam.
Who is the best CAIA study provider? ›
2024 CAIA® Exam Prep Study Packages. Give yourself the best chance to pass the CAIA exam by preparing with a personalized study package from Kaplan Schweser. Your future as a CAIA charterholder starts here.
caia certification jobs
- Junior Trader. Black Arrow Capital. ...
- Managing Director, Real Assets. Texas Municipal Retirement System. ...
- Director, Investment Oversight. Fidelity Investments. ...
- Portfolio Advisor. ...
- ASSOCIATE PORTFOLIO MANAGER. ...
- Strengthen your profile. ...
- Investment Analyst. ...
- Investment Services Operations Associate.
Specialized Roles: CAIA charterholders are well-positioned for roles in hedge funds, private equity, real estate investment, and other areas of alternative investments, sectors that are seeing rapid growth and innovation.
Is the CAIA exam hard? ›
How difficult is the CAIA exam? Slightly more than half of those who take the exam pass it, which is a better average than the CFA® Program exam and the FRM® exam. However, taking both levels of the exam isn't exactly a walk in the park.
Can you skip CAIA Level 1 with CFA? ›
The CAIA Stackable Credential Program allows eligible candidates with the CFA® charter to bypass Level I of the rigorous two-part Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) exam.
Should I take CAIA after CFA? ›
Industry Recognition – stacked with your CFA charter, the CAIA designation provides a powerful boost to your alts knowledge and your industry credibility. Relevant Knowledge – the CAIA curriculum reflects the most relevant and up-to-date industry analysis, tools, and best practices.
Is CFA the hardest finance exam? ›
The Chartered Financial Analyst credential is one of the most demanding exams on Earth when it comes to preparation and study time required. The average pass rate for the CFA Level 1 is only 41%. For Level 2, you're looking at a passage rate of 45%. And Level 3 is not much easier at 52%.
