Anybody ever take the CFA after the CAIA

CFA General
#1

I’m 31 and am taking the CAIA level 2 exam in March. Was thinking about taking CFA level 1 in June(not sure if i have it in me) but wanted to see if the CAIA prepares you at all for the CFA (i know the CFA is much harder then CAIA). Thoughts?

#2

I took CFA 1, CFA 2, CAIA 1, CAIA 2, CFA 3 in that order.

CFA 1 is still harder than CAIA 2. Not massively harder, but definitely more info and more technical. CFA 2 is massively harder than CFA 1. Just so you know.

If you have any trouble, ANY trouble with the CAIA exams, don’t bother with the CFA.

(and yes I left the word “level” out of this post for ease)

#3

.

#4

double

#5

No need to accumulate designations. Once you pass the CFA, you don’t need the rest.

#6

I disagree on this one. I completed CAIA first, then did CFA. CAIA L1 was definitely the easiest but also CFA L1 was pretty straightforward, almost like a review of university basic courses in finance and economics. On the other hand, CAIA L2 had a bunch of articles that were a lot less straightforward - not mathematically tough but also not easy to memorize. Looking at the results, it was easier to get 70+ scores in all categories in CFA L1 than in CAIA L2 even if I studied more for the latter.

Not sure if the new format has changed this somehow. When I took CAIA, they had a CAIA association book & list of journal articles in L2.

#7

CFA L1 is a recap of undergrad.

#8

double

#9

Hi irishmurf 82,

I have completed the CAIA program and am now studying for the CFA level 1 exam. To answer your question - CAIA prepares you well as there is a lot of overlap between the full CAIA program and the first level of the CFA. After passing CAIA, you should already be familiar with the sections on ethics, quantitative methods, portfolio management, derivatives, and alternatives. And that is 50% of the curriculum.

#10

Agreed. except for ethics though.

#11

Your plan may work since it’s CAIA 2 + CFA 1, if you are famieliar with some stuff in CFA1.

From my experience, just don’t take CAIA 2 and CFA 2 at the time time, it can kill both. :slight_smile:

#12

Moff is being a saboteur. I have taken and passed CFA 1, CAIA 1, CAIA 2, and CFA 2 in that order and the only real overlap is in ethics BUT do not ignore ethics in CFA 1. The CAIA curriculum for PM, alts, etc is nothing compared to what you will find in CFA 1 so no it does not prepare you well.

#13

I did CAIA 2 in March 2013 and CFA 2 in June 2013…wasn’t so bad, just don’t have a life for 6 months.

#14

Both are really hard for me and being consistent is only key to make them all passed.Well i put all my time on reviewing on all those exam and i can say that it is worth it.Well being consistent in everything is always turns the result in good thing like some business in Finland where they are focusing more on their strategy or strategia which is amazing cause they consistenly follow it.

#15

Hello, I’m about to begin studying for CFA Level I and I’m curious if you have any regrets about following the path of CFA 1, CFA 2, CAIA 1, CAIA 2, CFA 3. Do you think it would have been better to start with CAIA and then pursue CFA?

Thanks.
PS: I want to work in alternative investments.

#16

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!

the CAIA website seems to suggest that CFA charterholders can get a waiver from CAIA 1.
If that is the case then do CFA 1, CFA 2, CFA3, CAIA 2 and skip CAIA 1