FAQs

Here you'll find answers to some of the frequently asked questions we receive from Members, Candidates, and industry professionals. If you don't find what you need here, please get in touch.

FAQ Categories

Applying for CAIA Membership

When can I start using the CAIA designation?

Once your Membership application is confirmed by an email sent to your primary email address, you have earned the right to use the CAIA designation.

How do I submit payment?

You may pay by credit card, ACH, or wire during the online checkout process. 

What types of Membership does CAIA offer?
  • 1 Year Membership: Ideal for professionals looking for annual access to CAIA's resources and community.
     
  • 2 Year Membership: Offers a longer-term engagement with CAIA, providing all the benefits of Membership for two years at a reduced rate.
     
  • Retired Membership: Designed for active CAIA Members who are unemployed, retired, full-time students, leaving the industry, or experiencing other extenuating financial or personal circumstances and are unable to pay the full Membership fee.
     
  • Affiliate Membership: Suitable for CAIA Candidates who have passed the Level II exam and are working to meet the requirements for full Membership.
If I select Pay by Wire, is my Membership registration/renewal process complete?

Your Membership registration or renewal will not be considered complete until CAIA has received your dues payment and applied it to your account. 

I need a receipt for payment. What should I do?

Receipts can be printed directly from your account at caia.org. Log in to your CAIA account with your email and password and click on My Account in the top right corner of your screen to access your profile. All past invoices will be stored on your profile under the “My Invoices” tab.

My employer requires an invoice for my Membership dues. What should I do?
  • Pending invoices can be printed directly from your account at caia.org. Log in to your CAIA account with your email and password and click on My Account in the top right corner of your screen to access your profile. All past invoices will be stored on your profile under the “My Invoices” section. 
     
  • If you need an invoice for submission to your employer, please complete the Membership application or renewal process, and select "Bill me later" when you reach your shopping cart. Your unpaid invoice will be available to be printed or saved from within your profile under the “My Invoices” tab. 
Can you tell me who will be contacting my professional references, so I can alert them?

We do not contact professional references on a routine basis. However, we reserve the right to contact all references if we perform a random audit.

Do my references have to be CAIA Members?

Membership in the CAIA Association is not a requirement to serve as a reference. The only requirement for your references is that they have relevant information regarding your professional experience. 

How much does Membership cost?

A one-year Membership costs US$350 and a two-year Membership is US$650. 

  • CAIA also offers an Emerging Market rate for Membership. A one-year Emerging Market Membership costs US$100 and a two-year is US$200.  At this time, the emerging market rate is based on the MSCI Emerging Market Index.
Are there any disadvantages in delaying my Membership registration?

With Membership, comes the exclusive right to use the marks. To enjoy a full year of benefits, including the use of the CAIA marks, we encourage you to apply for Membership as soon as possible after passing the CAIA exams.  

Do I have to apply for CAIA Membership within a certain period after passing my Level II exams? If I wait too long, will I have to retake my exam?

There are no time restrictions on the validity of your exam results. To enjoy a full year of benefits, we encourage you to apply for Membership as soon as possible after passing the CAIA exams.  

I’ve passed the Level II exam. What are the other requirements for CAIA Membership?

has the required experience of:

  • holds a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) and has one (1) year of professional experience in the field of alternative investment analysis or other regulatory, banking, financial, or related field, OR
  • has four (4) years of professional experience in the field of alternative investment analysis or other regulatory, banking, financial, or related field, OR
  •  is a CFA charterholder in good standing;
  • provides the name and e-mail of two (2) people as professional references; 
  • agrees to abide by the CAIA Candidate and Member Agreement, including the use of the CAIA designation as an exclusive right for Full and Retired Members whose membership is in good standing and fully paid; and
  • submits payment to join CAIAA after passing CAIAA’s Level II exam, and thereafter submits a renewal payment on or before the expiration date of May 31.
  • Please keep in mind that we offer Affiliate Membership as an option if you do not meet the CAIA Membership requirements when you pass your Level II exam. Please contact member@caia.org to request an Affiliate Membership.