AMHERST, Mass.—The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association today announced that more than 1,200 investment professionals passed the CAIA Level II exam in 2010, making them eligible for the CAIA designation, the only globally recognized designation focused on alternative investments. By year-end 2010, CAIA membership worldwide for the 8-year-old organization grew to more than 4,600.

“Employers and investors are looking for professionals with an in-depth and current understanding of the dynamic world of alternatives,” says Florence Lombard, CEO, CAIA Association.  “The CAIA designation’s international reputation is unique and draws investment professionals to the CAIA Association’s comprehensive educational program.”

The CAIA designation is awarded twice a year to investment professionals who complete the rigorous self-study curriculum and pass two levels of examinations given in March and September. The program is designed to teach candidates how to analyze and evaluate investments in hedge funds, private equity, real estate, managed futures, and real assets, and how to construct portfolios comprised of both traditional and alternative assets. A significant portion of the program also focuses on ethics.

A roster of the newest CAIA designees from the class of September 2010 is available at caia.org. Membership is reserved for those professionals who earn the CAIA.

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About the CAIA Association (www.caia.org)

The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) 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 worldwide, 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.