AMHERST, MASS, March 18, 2009—The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association® today announced that it has made significant curriculum updates to its September 2009 and March 2010 Level II curriculum.

The September 2009 and March 2010 Level II exam will cover a new edition of the CAIA Level II Current and Integrated Topic Readings, a dynamic curriculum section that integrates recent alternative investment industry developments. A total of 7 new and updated articles have been added to this latest edition of the curriculum text.  Below is a list of articles that are new to the program for 2009-2010:

• "Coping with Climate Change" by Christian Weistroffer.
• "Beyond Markowitz: A Comprehensive Wealth Allocation Framework for Individual Investors" by Ashvin B. Chhabra.
• "The Strategic and Tactical Value of Commodity Futures" by Claude B. Erb, CFA, and Campbell R. Harvey.
• "The Subprime Credit Crisis of 2007" by Michel G. Crouhy, Robert A. Jarrow and Stuart M. Turnbull.
• "Tail Risk Management" by Vineer Bhansali.
• "Taming Global Village Risk" by Rodney N. Sullivan.
• "How Good are Private Equity Returns?" by Robert M. Conroy and Robert S. Harris.

"Industry change is occurring at unprecedented rates, making it a challenge for all but the best informed to keep on top of new developments and their implications,"  said Craig Asche, Executive Director of the CAIA Association.  "As the financial landscape adjusts to the realities of a new marketplace, so too must our curriculum. The modifications we have introduced to our Level II curriculum are a reflection of our commitment to maintain the currency and relevance of our program in the face of such dynamic evolutionary change."

Since its inception in 2002, more than 10,000 individuals have registered in the CAIA program, representing more than 89 countries and thousands of financial institutions. Members include fund managers and administrators, investment advisors, consultants, security analysts, lawyers, accountants and educators. The CAIA designation has quickly become the global hallmark of excellence in this rapidly growing field.

For more information about the CAIA program, exam enrollment, fees, dates and more, please visit www.caia.org.

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About the CAIA Association

The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® is an independent, not-for-profit global organization committed to education and professionalism in the field of alternative investments. Founded in 2002, the Association is the sponsoring body for the CAIA designation.  Recognized globally, the designation certifies one's mastery of the concepts, tools and practices essential for understanding alternative investments and promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct. More information is available at www.caia.org