AMHERST, MASS - The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIAA)-an independent, not-for-profit international organization that provides the only professional financial designation for the alternatives industry-will close registration for the September 2007 CAIA Level I and Level II examinations on Monday, July 30.  For the first time, the CAIA exam will focus entirely on alternatives, with the segments that formerly covered traditional investments now considered prerequisite knowledge for all CAIA candidates.

More than 2,200 candidates have registered for the September exams, up from 1,800 in March and 1,400 in September 2006.

"The autumn exams will be the first time we consider basic knowledge of traditional investments-defined as long-only stocks and bonds-as a prerequisite.  This has allowed us to devote the entire curriculum exclusively to alternatives, raising the bar for our candidates" said Craig Asche, executive director of CAIAA.  "The growth in complexity and breadth of alternative strategies, often cutting across multiple disciplines, demands that industry professionals continuously upgrade their product knowledge. For instance, the fallout from the subprime mortgage market has not only impacted credit hedge funds but private equity firms and real estate companies as well.  For alternative investment professionals, the need to be well-versed in a variety of areas is essential."

Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,100 individuals have become full CAIAA members, having passed both levels of the exam and fulfilled the professional prerequisites for membership, while the number of exam registrations has continued its rapid growth, from 2,500 in 2006 to over 4,000 in 2007.  CAIA enrollees represent more than 60 countries and thousands of financial institutions, and 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. 

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.