Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Level I CAIA Exam

If you are considering sitting for CAIA® Level I exam, you probably have questions. We’ve created this article to answer some of the most common questions we receive from people preparing to take the first step toward becoming a CAIA Charterholder. You’re always welcome to reach out to Schweser’s knowledgeable Student Support team for help as well.

What is CAIA?

CAIA is an acronym for Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. Offered by CAIA Association, the CAIA Charter is recognized globally as the benchmark for analysis, application, and standards of practice in the alternative investments arena.

What are Alternative Investments?

They are investments that are not stocks, bonds, and cash. Examples include real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, commodities, hedge funds, private equity, collateralized debt obligations, and credit derivatives.

What is the Median CAIA Charterholder Salary?

The CAIA Charter is valued by top employers and recognized globally as the highest standard of achievement in alternative investment education. As the CAIA designation continues to grow, so do its benefits. According to Payscale, the median salary for a CAIA Charterholder in the United States is $96,000 a year.

Investment analysts who hold a CAIA make about $74,197. On the top end of the scale are investment consultants, who earn an average of $139,565.

Wondering if the CAIA charter is a good fit for your career? Download the free Before You Decide to Sit for the CAIA Exam eBook for advice from successful CAIA professionals.

How Do I Earn the CAIA Charter?

To earn the charter, you must take and pass the Level I and Level II CAIA exams. There are no degree or work requirements for taking the exams, but after you pass both, you must earn or finish earning a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have at least 1 year of professional experience, or complete a minimum of 4 years of professional experience without a degree. You also have to join CAIA Association and submit two professional references to the association.

What is the Level I CAIA Exam Date?

The Level I CAIA exam is administered over a period called a “window” twice a year, in March and September. Those who register for the exam can choose a date within the window for their exams.

2025-2026 CAIA Level I Exam Dates

What is the Level I CAIA Exam Format?

The Level I CAIA exam is 200 multiple-choice questions broken up into two parts. The total exam length is 4 hours. There are 100 questions in the first 2 hours (section 1), followed by a 30 minute break, and then 100 more questions in the last 2 hours (section 2).

What are the Level I CAIA Exam Subjects?

The world of alternative investments is fluid, and it is not unusual to read that new types have been created. Also, new regulations or even deregulation can affect charterholders. Therefore, the topics of the CAIA Level I exam can change from year-to-year. That said, the current topics are:

• CAIA Ethical Principles

• Introduction to Alternative Investments

• Real Assets

• Private Equity

• Private Debt

• Hedge Funds

• Digital Assets

• Funds of Funds

What are the Level I CAIA Exam Topic Weights?

The weights of the Level I exam topics can also change from year to year. The current weights of Level I Exam topics are as follows:

• CAIA Ethical Principles: 10%

• Introduction to Alternative Investments: 20%–28%

• Real Assets: 14%–20%

• Private Equity: 8%–12%

• Private Debt: 10%–15%

• Hedge Funds: 14%–20%

• Digital Assets: 4%–8%

• Funds of Funds: 2%–6%

How Much Time Does it Take to Study for the Level I CAIA Exam?

CAIA Association recommends that candidates spend 250–300 hours studying for the CAIA exam. And, you should do that over a period of several months. Cramming in the last few weeks for the exam won’t work. The topics you’re being tested on require a type of knowledge that can only be gained over a structured, careful course of study—not last-minute, frantic reviews of core materials.

How Hard is the Level I CAIA Exam?

More people pass than fail the CAIA Level I exam, but not by much. It’s an intense exam. Some self-directed and motivated candidates are able to pass the CAIA exam using a course of self-study, but the majority of those who pass have taken exam prep classes or used CAIA level I study materials.

Explore Fellow Candidate's Views On CAIA Level I Exam Difficulty.

What is the Level I CAIA Exam Pass Rate?

The all time average CAIA exam pass rate for Level I is estimated to be about 60%. However, only 40% of candidates who begin the program actually earn the charter. You can greatly improve your odds of success by learning from other candidates’ experiences and avoiding common study mistakes.

How Much Does the Level I CAIA Exam Cost?

It costs $400 to enroll in the CAIA Program including those participating in the CAIA stackable credentials program. It costs $995 - $1,395 to take the Level I exam depending on when you register. If you want to retake the exam, the fee is $795.

Are You Ready For the Next Steps?

Check out our CAIA exam prep for all learning styles now.