Need advice - L1 in Sept?

CAIA
#1

Hi,

I’m planning to take the CAIA Level 1 exam in Sept 2014 and my plan is to use only the Schweser materials. Would it be too difficult to prep for this exam, if I am working full time and taking a Real Estate Investment Analysis course (from May to early-Sept) at the local university, all at the same time?

I passed the CFA Level 1 exam a few months ago, but I haven’t touch the material since then. From what I’ve read on the forum, there appears to be some overlap between the two programs. I’m planning to take the CFA Level 2 exam in June 2015, so I have some “down time” for this type of exam. Ideally, I’d like to knock this out this year and finish the CAIA Level 2 exam next Sept.

Would really appreciate your input! Thanks!

#2

I was in similar situation last year, used only Schweser books for L1 in 2013 and passed from 1st attempt. I didn’t ace all subjects, but my scores were enough to get me a passing grade.

I invested about 2.5 months in preparation for the test.

#3

Thanks!

#4

300 hrs of Kaplan notes and Qbank are more than enough… i passed at first attempt and i work full time and have a family and a kid…

#5

There is quite a bit of overlap between CFA L1 and CAIA L1. I studied about 100hr for CAIA L1 using Uppermark notes and Uppermark q-bank and passed with no problem. There is singificantly less material than CFA L1 and I thought the material was easier.

#6

i guess if one has already written CFA (or any other exams), the time required for prep would reduce.

#7

Domelight, I have exactly the same situation as you, in adddition I work full time and have a family. I think it’s quite managebale with Schweser course as long as you have schedule to follow and at least several hours each week to practice. Good luck!

#8

Is there any material from Level II on CAIA Level I?? I’m also considering sitting for CAIA Level I in Sept.

Also, what areas should we focus on the most? Obviously Risk Management and Hedge Funds are a large part of the exam, but what is the recommended strategy??

#9

Dp13, I have not strated my CAIA readings yet, so I can’t compare them. I’ve got my Schweser books for the CAIA 1 - it’s not so much - around 500 pages, so it’s quite manageable after CFA “hardcore” preparation.

From my point of view, now is best time to learn: almost 2 months till CFA exam results and I plan to start my next CFA preparation in October (preparion for CFA before October is usually useless for me - as I forgot a lot and can’t focus as it’s still too much time before the exam).

Are you already registered for the exam?

#10

Thanks everyone for your advice/comments, much appreciated! It’s been relatively manageable so far, even with the kids running around. I will have to duck into a more quiet space later down the line. I went with the Schweser w/Q-bank and was definitely relieved to see the CAIA books were only a fraction of the CFA version.

#11

how much time would someone who has passed cfa level 3 would need? is there a lot of overlap… perhaps some ethics would be common

#12

From my understanding, ethics is pretty much exactly the same. In fact, CAIA uses the CFAI Code of Ethics Handbook. I’ve heard level I and level II material from the CFA exams should cover most of CAIA Level I with the exception of some additional stuff related to hedge funds, risk management, and maybe commodities.

#13

It is the same code of ethics.