Become a CAIA Charterholder

Steps to Becoming a CAIA Charterholder

No formal education or work experience is required to take Level I.
Choose an exam window (March or September) and complete the registration process.
Pay the enrollment fee ($400) and the exam registration fee ($995–$1,395).

After passing Level I, register for Level II in the next available exam window.
Dedicate 200–250 hours of study focusing on portfolio management and risk assessment.
Take the 4-hour exam, which includes 100 multiple-choice questions and essay-style (constructed-response) questions.

- Hold a bachelor’s degree + 1 year of professional experience, OR
- Have 4 years of professional experience in financial services.
- Submit two professional references.
- Become a CAIA Association member.

Once all requirements are met, the CAIA Association grants the CAIA Charter.
Join an elite network of alternative investment professionals worldwide.
Leverage your charter for career growth in hedge funds, private equity, and institutional investment roles.

The CAIA Charter provides specialized knowledge in hedge funds, private equity, real assets, digital assets, and structured products, making you a recognized expert in the fast-growing alternative investment sector.
The CAIA designation is highly regarded by investment firms, hedge funds, private equity companies, and institutional investors. It can lead to roles such as portfolio manager, investment analyst, risk strategist, and alternative investment consultant.
With over 13,000 CAIA Charterholders worldwide, earning this credential connects you with an exclusive community of industry leaders, fund managers, and institutional investors. This network opens doors to mentorship, career growth, and global job opportunities.
The CAIA program emphasizes ethics, due diligence, and risk management, ensuring that charterholders adhere to the highest professional and regulatory standards in the investment industry..