Fundamentals of Alternative Investments

Practical, relevant, affordable. The core concepts in alternative investments for you or your team, in a flexible, accessible format.

The first certificate program available on UniFi by CAIA™, the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® offers a foundation of core concepts in alternative investments and fills a critical education gap when you need to understand the ever-changing landscape of alternative investments.

A self-paced, 20-hour, online certificate program, Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® provides you, or your team, a base knowledge of alternative investments. As a certificate holder, you will be prepared to comprehend, discuss, and position these asset classes with your client. The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® certificate program is recommended for:

  • Wealth managers, financial planners, and consultants 
  • Sales and marketing personnel 
  • Administration/operations professionals  
  • Students  
  • Lawyers, legal counsel, and compliance professionals
  • Accountants  
  • Journalists and media professionals

Why Fundamentals of Alternative Investments®?

In the pursuit of diversification and seeking better outcomes for the end investor, new instruments and asset classes are making portfolio construction more complex. The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® certificate program is: 

  • Accessible: Presented in an engaging, conversational video format
  • Flexible: 20 one-hour modules online, plus 3 bonus modules (Liquid Alts, Private Credit, and ESG Investing)
  • Assessable: A quiz requiring 70% proficiency at the end of each module confirms your understanding 
  • Practical: Created and taught by CAIA’s alternative investment experts
  • Comprehensive: Your guide to the core concepts in alternative investments

Continuing Education Credits

The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments certificate program is available for 20 hours of continuing education credits for the following organizations:

  • Investments & Wealth Institute (CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA®)
  • CFP® Board
  • National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
  • The American College of Financial Services (Chartered Financial Consultant)
  • IIROC

What does it cover? 

The curriculum covers the basics of private equity, hedge funds, real assets, and structured products, as well as an overview of important portfolio construction, risk management, and due diligence concepts. See the description of all 20 (plus 3 bonus) modules. Beyond Fundamentals of Alternative Investments®, you may choose to continue developing your competencies across a broader set of investment opportunities with UniFi by CAIA™

Cost

Individual course registration is $995. Corporate group rates and student rates are also available. Enroll online today, get in touch or view the frequently asked questions. Paid participants of the Fundamentals program may wish to deepen their knowledge of alternatives with the CAIA Charter program and will receive a $500 discount off their Level I exam. Contact candidate@caia.org to request more information.