CAIA CFA Level 2 and CAIA Level 1 in 16 months

CFA Level 2 and CAIA Level 1 in 16 months

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    • Avatar of BarryGoldschlagerBarryGoldschlager
      Participant
        • CFA Level 2
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        5
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        Hello All,

        I just received confirmation of having passed Level 1. I understand the significant increase in time commitment/difficulty for Level 2, and am planning my next steps accordingly. Because of my work/personal situation right now, there is no way that I can realistically put in the hours to pass L2 this June, so I plan to take it in June of next year instead.

        With that said, I am trying to determine:

        *Would it be overly ambitious to attempt CAIA L1 in September, and then CFA L2 the following June? I work full-time but have bandwidth to study nights/weekends. My aforementioned personal and work commitments should be wrapped up during the next couple months, and I will still be able to study to some extent during this time. On the other hand, I have heard people claim that they had to dedicate >1 year to L2, so I’m not sure whether I am overextending by trying to do that and CAIA L1 over 16 months.
        *Knowing that I can’t register for the 2019 L2 for a while, should I just buy 2018 materials now and start studying? Not sure how much will change between this year’s curriculum and next’s.

        For reference, I passed Investment Foundations (formerly Claritas) in late July after two months of studying and then began prepping for L1 in August. While I understand that these are nowhere near as intense as CAIA L1/CFA L2, I would consider it relevant in that I have some experience with prepping for two exams during a relatively short period of time.

        Any feedback that you may have is appreciated.

      • Avatar of itsalwayslupusitsalwayslupus
        Participant
          • CFA Level 3
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          4
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          @excelmonkey It’s supply and demand, right? How much benefit does an additional CAIA give you over just the CFA in your current firm, or any future career path you want to chase later?

          I can confirm that CAIA is less of a PITA than CFA to pass but not insignificant either.

        • Avatar of rutadanielrutadaniel
          Participant
            • CFA Level 2
            Up
            3
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            Hey @BarryGoldschlager, I’m interested in CAIA as well. What made you decide to take the plunge?

          • Avatar of excelmonkeyexcelmonkey
            Participant
              • CFA Level 2
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              2
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              Interested in taking up CAIA as well – it would be great if anyone could chip in with your thoughts on my situation.

              I’m in finance consulting and the CFA is the ‘main qualification’ that most consultants here take, but some consultants are also taking the CAIA to gain an edge and specialize in Alternative Investment clients.

              I should have the time to take the exam, but I will be taking it with my CFA. My company is happy to pay for everything as long as I pass.

              I’ve already registered for L3 this June, and aiming to register for CAIA September when it opens next month. Thoughts?

            • Avatar of excelmonkeyexcelmonkey
              Participant
                • CFA Level 2
                Up
                2
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                @itsalwayslupus cool, will give it a shot. I’m not entirely sure about the ‘added benefit’ of CAIA, but it’s a good extra to acquire while I have the time and motivation and funding.

              • Avatar of policedogpolicedog
                Participant
                  • Undecided
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                  1
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                  For reference, I passed Investment Foundations (formerly Claritas) in late July after two months of studying and then began prepping for L1 in August. While I understand that these are nowhere near as intense as CAIA L1/CFA L2, I would consider it relevant in that I have some experience with prepping for two exams during a relatively short period of time.

                  There really is a wide margin of difference between a Claritas/CFAL1 combo and a CAIAL1/CFAL2 combo.

                  Knowing that I can’t register for the 2019 L2 for a while, should I just buy 2018 materials now and start studying? Not sure how much will change between this year’s curriculum and next’s.

                  If you’re planning to study in 2018 for L2, why not register? You might get lucky, and even if you fail at the very least have one real-exam experience under your belt.

                  Would it be overly ambitious to attempt CAIA L1 in September, and then CFA L2 the following June? I work full-time but have bandwidth to study nights/weekends.

                  No, that sounds like a sensible plan. However (sorry if this sound elitist) candidate caliber also matters – you’ll have to assess your own capabilities for this.

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