CAIA level I : an introduction to core topics in alternative investments

CAIA Association has developed two examinations that are used to certify Chartered Alternative Investment Analysts. The Level I curriculum builds a foundation in both traditional and alternative investment markets--for example, the range of statistics that are used to define investment performance as well as the many types of hedge fund strategies. The readings for the Level II exam focus on the same strategies, but change the context to one of risk management and portfolio optimization. Level I CAIA exam takers have to work through an outline of terms, be able to identify and describe aspects of financial markets, develop reasoning skills, and in some cases make computations necessary to solve business problems.