Structure and syllabus
Structure
CAIA Level 1 consists of six topics (also known as subjects) which are mandatory and examined by a multiple-choice computer based exam. The exam has 200 questions in total, which are divided into two sections of 100 questions each. You have two hours for each 100 question section with an optional 30 minute break.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements, however you should have an understanding of the basic concepts of finance and quantitative analysis. If you are less confident with Fixed Income and Derivatives we would recommend for you to study IMC Unit 2 Investment Practice or CISI Capital Markets Programme in Derivatives.
Syllabus
Below is a syllabus overview detailing topics (subjects) and their approximate exam weighting. For more information, please see CAIA’s full syllabus (PDF 800KB).
| Level 1 topic | Approximate exam weight |
|---|---|
| Professional Standards and Ethics | 15% - 25% |
| Introduction to Alternative Investments | 20% - 28% |
| Real Assets | 11% - 17% |
| Private Equity | 6% - 10% |
| Private Debt | 8% - 12% |
| Hedge Funds | 11% - 17% |
| Digital Assets | 4% - 8% |
| Portfolio Strategies | 4% - 8% |
Study packages
Our study packages have been designed to maximise your time and help you pass your exam. Whichever study package you choose, you’ll receive high quality resources and continuous support right up to your exam.
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Study packages available for this qualification
expand_more Study package comparison table
| Features | Blended | Distance Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Schweser OnDemand Tuition | check_circle | check_circle |
| Classroom Revision | check_circle | remove |
| Schweser OnDemand Revision | remove | check_circle |
| Core Study Materials | check_circle | check_circle |
| Pass Protection | check_circle | check_circle |
Core Study Materials
All of our packages include the following study materials to help you pass and progress.
- Online Portal Strategically placed weekly tasks.
- SchweserNotes™ Condensed study notes.
- SchweserPro™ QBank Practice questions online.
- Online Mocks 3 full-length exam simulators.
- Schweser's Secret Sauce® Insights and exam tips.
- QuickSheet Summary of formulas, definitions, and concepts.
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Blended
Structured teaching keeps you on track and motivated with scheduled classes.
- OnDemand tuition
- Classroom revision
- Schweser study material
- Pass Protection
£1,387.00
(£1,235.00 excl. VAT)
Buy now
expand_more View course detail for Blended
Tuition
- OnDemand Tuition classes led by an expert tutor
Revision
- In addition to face-to-face classroom revision, get exam confident with testing at every stage of your studies.
- You'll have access to hundreds of practice questions to work through in the online question bank and mock exams
- You’ll get a MindMap book that boils down the core points of each study session into a handy revision book - ensuring you’ve covered all of the Learning Outcome Statements.
- With Schweser's Secret Sauce®, you'll get lots of exam tips on how to prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day.
Our Guarantee
The CAIA exams can be tough, but if you don’t pass, everything’s not lost. With Kaplan's Pass Protection (PDF) you can attend our revision course for free until you pass your exam, and you may be eligible to receive the same material package for the next exam sitting for free. T&C’s apply.
Optional Extras
We also offer a range of optional extras to assist you in preparing for your exam. These range from an additional mock exam, 1-2-1 tutor sessions, and the Texas BAII+ Professional Calculator. These are the only items that would add cost to your package but they are great value for money.
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Distance Learning
Self study at your own pace and when it's convenient with OnDemand videos.
- OnDemand tuition
- OnDemand revision
- Schweser study material
- Pass Protection
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£820.00
This product's previous price was £820.00
VAT not applicable
Buy now
expand_more View course detail for Distance Learning
Tuition
- OnDemand Tuition classes led by an expert tutor
Revision
- OnDemand Revision classes, lead by an expert tutor.
- With Schweser's Secret Sauce®, you'll get lots of exam tips on how to prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day.
Our Guarantee
The CAIA exams can be tough, but if you don’t pass, everything’s not lost. With Kaplan's Pass Protection (PDF) you can attend our revision course for free until you pass your exam, and you may be eligible to receive the same material package for the next exam sitting for free. T&C’s apply.
Optional Extras
We also offer a range of optional extras to assist you in preparing for your exam. These range from an additional mock exam, 1-2-1 tutor sessions, and the Texas BAII+ Professional Calculator. These are the only items that would add cost to your package but they are great value for money.
Or you can choose an individual revision course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.
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Classroom Revision only
Classroom revision without the Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£912.00
(£760.00 excl. VAT)
Buy now
Timetables - Classroom and Live Online
Classroom revision courses take place over two days (from 9-5pm).
date_rangeView timetable (PDF)
location_on Classroom location
We have classes in London:
London Bridge training centre: 179–191 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR
Optional extras
We offer a number of optional extras that can be beneficial as part of your studies:
Optional
Schweser Mock Exam 4
The Schweser mock exams are as close to the actual exam in format, difficulty, and length as we can make them. They help develop your test-taking skills, identify your weak areas, and demonstrate your mastery of the curriculum.
£65.00
(VAT not applicable)
Optional
1-2-1 tutor sessions
A one hour 1-2-1 meeting with your tutor, either at our training location or online, within the last two weeks leading up to your exam. You can get your final questions answered before the exam day.
£120.00
(£100.00 excl.VAT)
Optional
Texas BAII+ Professional Calculator
There are only certain business calculators authorised for use during your exam. We recommend the Texas Instruments BAII Plus Professional.
£81.00 Including UK delivery
(£67.50 excl. VAT)
Inhouse training
Our public classroom courses run in central London. Like many of our courses, we can also offer these courses inhouse for your team or organisation. Please contact us on 020 7920 3060 or email us at citybookings@kaplan.co.ukto find out more about how we can help train your team.
Exams, sittings and resits
Exams
There are two exam sittings per year, in March and September. You'll need to register with the CAIA Association®for exam entry. You need to have passedLevel 1 before registering for the Level 2 exam. Exam results are graded either a pass or fail and you should receive results within three weeks of the last examination day.
You have unlimited time to pass the Level 2 exam after passing Level 1 to qualify for the CAIA Charter.
How long does it take to pass?
It’s possible to complete the full CAIA designation within one year, as the exams are held in March and September. The examining body recommends spending a minimum of 200 hours of study time for each level.
What are pass rates like?
Exam pass rate percentages are fluid and change from sitting to sitting. Pass marks are initially set at 70% but may be adjusted downwards depending on the average score in a particular sitting. You must therefore aim to score over 70% to be sure of success.
What CAIA resits are available
We do everything we can to help you pass your CAIA exam first time. However, should you need a second chance, then don’t worry. With Pass Protection, there are lots of ways we can support you as you prepare for your exam resit. For further information, please refer to our pass protection policy (PDF).
picture_as_pdfResit enrolment form
Study materials and delivery costs
Study materials
We offer a wealth of study materials to enhance your learning experience. These include hard copy books as well as online resources on Schweser’s study portal. View a full comparison of the materials (PDF)included in each package.
Blended and Distance Learning packages all come with core materials, including:
-
Getting Started Guide
Explains how to use the resources effectively to maximise your chance of passing the exam. -
Schweser Online Study Portal
Includes dashboard with activity feed and performance metrics -
SchweserNotes™
Clear, concise study notes and examples that cover every learning outcome statement (downloadable as eBooks as well as in print). -
Quicksheet
A compact study tool summarising key formulae, definitions and concepts (downloadable as an eBook as well as in print). -
Resource library
A collection of online reference videos to prepare you for your studies. -
Kaplan Schweser Community
Access our community forum to engage with our experts and other CAIA candidates to post questions, find answers, and engage in meaningful discussions throughout your studies. -
OnDemand Tuition with Workbooks
Learn from expert tutors on your own schedule with in-depth video lectures covering every reading in the CAIA curriculum. -
SchweserPro™ QBank
Hundreds of practice questions to work through online and build custom exams. -
Schweser Online Mock Exam 1 – 3
3 full-length practice exams to help you perform on exam day. -
Schweser's Secret Sauce®
Take this compact book anywhere you go, printed or eBook, for a concise review of the CFA Program curriculum. Secret Sauce provides insights and exam tips on how to effectively prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day.
Additional materials come with the following packages:
- Mindmaps and Q&A book
- OnDemand Revision with Workbooks
Delivery costs
Materials are delivered to the address you provide us (and must be signed for on delivery). For detailed information on delivery prices please refer to our delivery page.
Online study portal
Kaplan Schweser’s online portal provides access to a wide variety of resources to help you prepare for your exams. It also hosts all our OnDemand tuition and revision classes.
Get a free 7-day trial of our CAIA course chevron_right
Online features
Depending on the study package you choose, features can include the following:
- View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
- Take the guesswork out of your study plan with strategically placed weekly tasks
- Track your performance against that of other candidates
- Complete tests and get instant feedback
- Access on mobile, tablet and computer
For more information on technical support available and minimum system requirements for Kaplan Schweser’s online portal, visit the Schweser portal technical support.
Access duration
You can access your content from 48 working hours of purchase (subject to availability) until your examination date.
Tutor support
We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need within 48 working hours.
- Email: citybookings@kaplan.co.uk
- Phone: 020 7920 3060
We are open weekdays (excluding bank holidays) 9:00am to 5.30pm. In addition, our classroom tutors will provide you with their personal contact details.
Testing and mocks
Vital to passing your exam will be attempting as many questions and mock exams as possible. Depending on your chosen package, you will gain access to over 100 questions in the SchweserPro™ Qbank and three full exam standard practice exams.
If you would like more exam practice you can purchase the Schweser Online Mock 4 as an optional extra.
After the mock, many candidates also take the opportunity of a final 1-2-1 meeting with their tutor.
You can find information about our mocks and 1-2-1s in our comparison table (PDF).
Course pricing and funding options
Pricing structure
Below are our study package prices. The only additional costs will be delivery and if you decide to purchase any optional extras.
You can find information about our packages and optional extras in our comparison table (PDF).
| Package | Price (excl. VAT) | Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Blended | £1,235.00 | £1,387.00 |
| Distance Learning | £820.00 £820.00 (VAT not applicable) | |
| Classroom Revision only | £760.00 | £912.00 |
Payment options
Employer sponsoredchevron_right
Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you’re already working in a related field and want to develop your learning. You’ll need to speak to them to see if you’re eligible and confirm that they’re happy to pay for your studies.
Payment planschevron_right
Our CAIA packages are covered with our interest-free payment plan, providing the total cost is £500 minimum (including VAT). The plan lets you spread the cost of your studies over a period of up to 12 months, with no extra costs.
How to enrol
Enrol online, call us on 020 7920 3060 or enrol with a form which you can email to citybookings@kaplan.co.uk.
picture_as_pdfDownload enrolment form
