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Seek expert guidance from CAIA Charterholders to ensure exam success.Becoming a CAIA Charterholder
March 28, 2025
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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.
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 for earning 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.
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 notification that your application has been received with further information regarding the verification process.
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 contact CAIA Association for more information regarding their program eligibility.
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% off CAIA 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, our CAIA Level I packages can help you get started.
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.
Find effective CAIA Stackable Study Packages tailored for program participants from Kaplan Schweser to help prepare you for the CAIA Level II exam.
Free eBook: Before You Decide to Sit for the CAIA Exam
Seek expert guidance from CAIA Charterholders to ensure exam success.
Free eBook: CAIA Fundamentals
Explore detailed breakdowns of CAIA Program curriculum topics.
CAIAA does not endorse, promote, review or warrant the accuracy of the products or services offered by Kaplan Schweser, nor does it endorse any pass rates claimed by the provider. CAIAA is not responsible for any fees or costs paid by the user to Kaplan Schweser, nor is it responsible for any fees or costs of any person or entity providing any services to Kaplan Schweser. CAIA®, CAIA Association®, Chartered Alternative Investment AnalystSM, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association®, FDP®, FDPI®, and Financial Data Professional Institute® are service marks and trademarks owned by CHARTERED ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT ANALYST ASSOCIATION, INC., a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation with its principal place of business at Amherst, Massachusetts, and are used by permission. Kaplan Schweser's exam preparation products are not available to residents of countries or regions subject to technology or economic and/or trade sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets (OFAC) or other authorities including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Ukraine (Crimea Region).