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CAIA Exam levels

Understand what CAIA tests, choose your level, and find its study plan, topics, and practice.

2 levels

From alternative assets to portfolio application

Level I establishes the asset classes and analytical tools. Level II applies them to investment decisions and includes constructed responses. Multiple-choice practice alone does not cover the entire Level II format.

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Level I

Tools and alternative asset classes. Two timed sections of 130 minutes; 200 multiple-choice questions.

Testing time
260 minutes
Question format
Multiple choice

What is tested

  • CAIA Ethical Principles
  • Introduction to Alternative Investments
  • Real Assets
  • Private Equity
  • Private Debt
  • Hedge Funds
  • Digital Assets
  • Funds of Funds

Level II

Application of alternatives in portfolios. Section 1: 100 MCQ (130 minutes). Section 2: three constructed-response sets (130 minutes). Handbook allocates roughly 70% MCQ / 30% constructed response.

Testing time
260 minutes
Question format
100 MCQ + 3 constructed-response sets

What is tested

  • CAIA Ethical Principles
  • Institutional Asset Owners
  • Asset Allocation
  • Risk and Risk Management
  • Methods and Models
  • Accessing Alternative Investments
  • Due Diligence and Selecting Managers
  • Volatility and Complex Strategies
  • Universal Investment Considerations
  • Emerging Topics

Testing time excludes check-in and additional scheduled breaks. The topic lists orient your preparation; use the full guide and official syllabus for weights, outcomes, and changes affecting your sitting.

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41 resources to explore

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Level I lessons

Level II lessons

Concepts and exam techniques