CFA Stackable Credential Program

Are you a CFA charterholder?

Earn the CAIA designation with only one exam.*

Stackers CFA

Portfolio construction is constantly evolving and requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Diversify your skills with the CFA Stackable Credential Program and gain:

  • Complementary Expertise – build on your current level of investment expertise with specialized education in the rapidly evolving alternatives landscape.
  • Industry Recognition – stacked with your CFA charter, the CAIA designation provides a powerful boost to your alts knowledge and your industry credibility.
  • Relevant Knowledge – the CAIA curriculum reflects the most relevant and up-to-date industry analysis, tools, and best practices.

*As a CFA member, you may be eligible for a CAIA Level I exam waiver toward earning the
CAIA designation and enter the program as a Level II Candidate! 

Am I Eligible? 

To take advantage of a Level I exam waiver, applicants must: 

  • Have no existing CAIA exam history. 

  • Be a CFA charterholder, in good standing. 

  • Have a CFA digital badge, verifiable by the CAIA Association.

For more information, please review our complete Stackable Credential Eligibility Policy. 

Next Steps 

To apply for the CAIA Level I exam waiver through the CFA Stackable Credential program, you may begin the process at our Registration & Fees page then: 

  • Select “Registration” and create an account. 

  • Upon acceptance of the Candidate Agreement, you will be asked to select an exam type. Please select “Seek Level I Exam Waiver.” 

  • For verification purposes, you will be asked to enter your CFA Digital Badge, obtained through your LinkedIn profile. Information or questions regarding obtaining your digital badge link should be directed to the CFA Institute directly at: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/membership/social-media. 

    • In addition you'll need to provide:

      • The year you became a CFA charterholder.

      • The name of the CFA Society you are affiliated with.

  • Your application will then be entered into a Verification queue. You will receive notification from candidate@caia.org that your application is being reviewed and further information regarding the verification process. 

NOTE: Applications accepted are exclusive to the current exam period. If you do not wish to take the exam in the current cycle, you may apply beginning with a subsequent cycle.

Questions? 

Please contact us at candidate@caia.org with any questions about the CFA Stackable Credential Program or your application status. Questions regarding your CFA Digital Badge should be directed to CFA Institute directly at: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/membership/social-media.