For the Industry, By the Industry.

The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate Program.

THE DEFINITIVE STANDARD IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT ALTS EDUCATIONS.

Redefine convention with a client-first approach to alternative investments with the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate Program. Today, wealth managers recognize the importance of a holistic view when it comes to managing their client’s portfolios — which has led to a mainstream acknowledgment of the significant role alternative investments can play.

Understanding alternative investments is crucial to providing comprehensive solutions that align with an individual's risk tolerance, financial goals, and unique circumstances.

 

Leading the Way: Alts Education for Wealth Management.

Why Wealth Management Professionals Need (and Want!) to Learn About Alts.

Navigating the realm of alternative investments entails understanding the abundant opportunities and complexities. You need clear, objective, and practical education to harness the true potential of alternative investments for the benefit of your clients.

Interactive
Learning

Engage with real-world case studies, discussions, and practical exercises to reinforce your understanding of the complexities of alts.

Learn from the Masters

Crafted with contributions from industry experts across asset and wealth management, transcending singular company approaches to investing.

Client-Facing Perspective

Gain insights from a client-focused approach, aligning with goals of growth, income, capital preservation, and inflation protection.

 

TODAY'S WEALTH MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO: A NEW VANTAGE POINT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS®

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We understand “the language of your client” regardless of your role within the industry. Beyond the traditional expectations of industry education programs, the UniFi by CAIA™ Fundamentals Certificate Program immerses you in the client's experience, adopting a goals-based approach to clarify the role of these strategies in achieving client objectives.

 

Gain a New Perspective

We’re here to help.

Contact UniFi by CAIA™ and let one of our staff answer your questions.

Contact Us

 

Diversify your expertise with UniFi by CAIA™’s Microcredentials.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The FAI Certificate Program educates wealth management professionals through the lens of client goals, portfolio suitability, and effective implementation. The program spans 15 hours across 8 modules grouped into three distinct categories. See detailed module descriptions here.

This program not only provides a deep understanding of alternative investments but is also eligible for 15 Continuing Education (CE) credits.

 

FOUNDATIONS

Delve into the fundamental aspects of alternative investments. From understanding the basics to navigating risk and return considerations, this category establishes the groundwork for a solid comprehension of various alternative investment strategies.

  • Module 1: An Introduction to Alternative Investments

  • Module 2: Risk and Return of Alternative Investments

  • Module 3: Accessing Alternative Investments

     

STRATEGY INTRODUCTIONS

Explore alternative investments categorized into four risk and return groups. Each module introduces multiple sub-strategies, shedding light on their characteristics, objectives, risks, and performance. This category offers a deeper insight into specific strategies and their role in portfolio diversification.

  • Module 4: Equity Strategies

  • Module 5: Credit Strategies

  • Module 6: Real Assets Strategies

  • Module 7: Diversifying Strategies

     

PORTFOLIO APPLICATIONS

Focuses entirely on the practical application of alternative investments. This category covers asset allocation, portfolio construction methods, managing liquidity, operational considerations, and client communication.

  • Module 8: Portfolio Implementation

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The Fundamentals Certificate Program taps into the insights of industry experts across asset and wealth management. These distinguished individuals and firms have contributed to and significantly influenced the program's design, crafting an educational journey that transcends any singular company's approach to investing.

  • Morgan Stanley
  • Vanguard
  • Bank of America
  • Blackstone
  • Sixth Street
  • BlackRock
  • Ellevest
  • T. Rowe Price
  • Franklin Templeton
  • Macquarie Asset Management
  • Nuveen
  • JP Morgan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Whether you're curious about program details, the enrollment process, or specific module content, our FAQs is your go-to resource for taking the next step in building a solid foundation for understanding alternative investments.

How do I access my account?
You are not able to login to the Fundamentals program with your CAIA.org log in credentials. The Fundamentals program can be accessed from the UniFi by CAIA™ platform available at https://unifi.caia.org. Please sign up and login there to access the Fundamentals program. Once registered for the Fundamentals you will need to verify your account before starting the program. Please review your email to verify your Fundamentals account. If you do not see the email, please check your spam folders. Contact us at unifi@caia.org if you are still experiencing difficulties.
What is the difference between the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments certificate program and UniFi by CAIA™?
Launched in April 2022, UniFi by CAIA™ is a learning platform designed to provide education for professionals across the private wealth management industry. The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® program represents the first certificate available on UniFi by CAIA™. Modernized in January 2024 it remains the foundational certificate offered by the platform. For more information on UniFI by CAIA™ and future developments on the platform, please click here.
Are there any prerequisites or membership requirements for Fundamentals?
No. There are no prerequisites for the course. Once you complete the certificate, you are not required to pursue anything further. However, we encourage you to stay updated on the latest topics available on the newly launched UniFi by CAIA™ learning platform.
Can I earn continuing education credits by taking the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments course?
The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments certificate program is available for 15 hours of continuing education credits for the following organizations:
  • Investments & Wealth Institute (CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA®)
  • CFP Board (US & Canada)
  • National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
  • The American College of Financial Services (Chartered Financial Consultant)
  • Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)

CE credits will be awarded for completing all program modules. No partial credit will be given. Contact the individual designation’s governing body for more information.

Will I be a CAIA Member when I complete the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments program and earn my certificate?
No. CAIA Association Membership eligibility is available only to CAIA Charterholders. Learn more about the CAIA Charter Program here. You will receive a certificate of completion at the successful end of the Fundamentals program, and you will also receive notification of a digital badge being issued to you via our partnership with Credly. Learn more about digital badging here.
How much time will I have to complete the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments certificate program? 
Once enrolled in the program, you will have one year to complete it.
Who pursues the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments certificate?
The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® certificate program is designed to develop a foundational understanding of alternative investments. The profile of a typical certificate holder varies, but some of the common job functions include:
  • 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
What is the cost of the Fundamentals program?
The retail price of the Fundamentals program is US$795. Individuals may pay with a credit card when enrolling in the program from https://unifi.caia.org. If you require an invoice before purchasing, please email a request for an invoice to unifi@caia.org. We offer corporate group pricing, enrolling teams of 20 or more participants. To request more information about group enrollments, please contact us here. We also offer student pricing for verified, enrolled, full-time students at US$295. Please email us at unifi@caia.org using your school email address for more information about enrolling at this reduced rate.
How do I get started with the Fundamentals program?
It’s simple. To start the program, go to: https://unifi.caia.org
  • Click “Enroll”.
  • Select “UniFi by CAIA™ Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate Program” and “Added to Cart”. 
  • Click “Proceed to Checkout”.
  • If you do not have an account, click “Sign Up” and then click “Proceed to Checkout”.