CAIA Prerequisite Materials -

A Review of Traditional Investment Fundamentals

Candidates enrolling in the CAIA program are assumed to have an understanding of the basic concepts of finance. This includes:

• facts about the instruments that trade in traditional markets;
• models used to value these instruments, and;
• modern portfolio theory.

The CAIA prerequisite program will lead you through each of these areas and is organized by its own Study Guide with keywords, main points, and a set of learning objects in each of eight topics.

Are You Ready for Level I?*

To help you assess your readiness to enter the CAIA program, we recommend that you:
 

• read through the CAIA Prerequisite Materials
  

• spend time studying in any area where your background is insufficient
  

• take the Prerequisite Diagnostic Review (PDR)

* Candidates for the CAIA program are NOT required to demonstrate such an understanding to the CAIA Association prior to becoming a Level I candidate. This diagnostic evaluation is not mandatory and is provided solely as a tool for those who wish to gauge their basic investment knowledge/skill set against what is considered essential for beginning the CAIA program.