Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

See below for our FAQ and please send in any additional questions you may have

Below are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Chartered Hedge Fund Associate (CHA) designation and exams. If you are interested in the CHA, you may download the CHA Study Guide. Feel free to email us additional questions using our Contact Us Form.

Question: What are the benefits of earning the Chartered Hedge Fund Associate (CHA) designation?
Answer: For a list of the top benefits associated with the program please see: Top 10 CHA Designation Program Benefits

Question:  What makes the CHA designation different from other professional designations? 
Answer: There are three main differences, which include focus, application and price.

• The CHA is focused exclusively on hedge funds and fund of hedge funds. It is in-depth and relatively comprehensive coverage of this niche area.
• The CHA Program offers practical knowledge which can easily be applied to a variety of hedge fund positions such as due diligence, compliance, analytics or marketing and sales. 
• The third and final difference is that the CHA will cost slightly less than other financial designations as our online testing system allows us to operate without cost of physical testing centers.
• Read more about how CHA Program participants have fit this designation into their overall career plans by clicking here.

Question: How much will I have to study or prepare for the CHA before sitting for the exam?
Answer:  This will depend on your previous exposure and work within the hedge fund industry but the typical amount of time expected is 75-100 hours. 

Question: I live outside of the United States, can I still earn the CHA designation? 
Answer:  Yes, we have crafted the CHA designation program so that you may take the test online from anywhere in the world.

Question: I know that I want to earn the CHA designation, how do I register for the exam? 
Answer:  All 200 slots within the Spring 2009 Program are full so registration is now closed. Registration for the Fall 2009 Program will begin at 2PM EST on July 15th, 2009. This class of CHA Program participants will be limited to the first 200 individuals to register on July 15th. To be alerted via email on upcoming registration dates please submit your contact details through our Email Alerts form here. To register for the program now please click here.

Question: I have read that the CHA is a rigorous and thorough course, what happens if I do not pass the exam? Can I take it again? 
Answer:  Yes, anyone who has failed one of the CHA exams may take it a second time, after a 3 month waiting period. There is a $99 fee to retake the exam a second time.

Question: What if I register for the exam and then change my mind. Can I get a full refund for the cost of the program?
Answer: Yes, within 3 weeks of registering you may receive a full refund if you decide not to move forward with the program. Between 3 and 6 Weeks after registering for the program you may receive a $399 refund, after 6 weeks there are no refunds. However, we are flexible in allowing those who register to delay their sitting for the exam until a later period. Please email us as issues arise which warrant changes in your program participation.  

Question: How much does the Chartered Hedge Fund Associate (CHA) program cost?  
Answer: CHA Level 1 costs $499 while CHA Level 2 costs $599. There are two levels of certification and two exams. Please see the following links for more details on program registration dates, fees and CHA Level 1 & 2 Program Details:

• CHA Enrollment Dates
• CHA Program Fees
• CHA Level 1 Details
• CHA Level 2 Details 
• CHA Program Email Alerts

Question: Where can I buy the books that are required to study for the CHA designation exams? 
Answer:  Please visit CHABookStore.com

Question: What makes the CHA program reputable? Who supports it? How well is it known in the industry? 
Answer: The CHA designation was created by the Advisory Board and members of the Hedge Fund Group (HFG), the largest and fastest growing professional networking group focused exclusively on the hedge fund industry.  The HFG currently has over 15,000 members which include hedge fund managers, analysts, family office professionals, third party marketers, recruiters, prime brokerage firms, hedge fund administrators, hedge fund auditors, portfolio managers and endowment and foundation directors.  So far there are over 50 hedge fund managers on the Board of Advisors for the CHA and more are being added each month. These hedge fund managers provide direct feedback and insight into what exactly should be included in the designation. 

Question: What are the prerequisites for the CHA program?
Answer: Each CHA candidate must apply for inclusion within the program; at this point all applicants who have not violated any ethical codes in the past will be accepted into the program. These requirements will be adjusted in the future as needed and are subject to change. 

Question: When should I expect to get my CHA exam results back?
Answer: You will receive your test results back within 4 weeks of taking the exam. 

Question: What score do I need to pass the exam?
Answer: To pass you must earn a grade of 80% or higher.  While the exam is designed to be rigorous and thorough most individuals who have read the required readings and invested a significant amount of time studying for the test should do well. 

Question:  Do I need to pass each module of the test to pass the whole exam?
Answer: No, an overall grade of 80% is all that is required to pass.

Question: How many tests are required to hold the full designation?  Are there three exams and levels within this designation?
Answer: There are two required exams, Level 1 and Level 2.

Question: When is the exam open for registration and when does testing occur?

Question: How do I receive the actual certificate upon program completion?
Answer: Everyone who completes the program is emailed their certificate upon passing the exam. If you are based within the United States you may provide us with your preferred mailing address and we will mail your certificate to you via traditional mai at no extra costl. If you are based outside the United States and you would like to be have a hard copy of your certificate please contact our team to review the costs of doing so.

Question: Is there a time requirement on completing both levels of the designation?
Answer: No, there is no time requirement. You may list the CHA Designation Charter Holder on your resume after passing the Level 1 exam but you must state that you are a CHA Level 1 Chartered Holder so there is no confusion with those who have completed both levels of the program..

Question: Is the CHA Designation Program available in Spanish or Chinese?
Answer: At this point the CHA Program is only available in English.

Question: As an employer, why should I hire someone who has earned the CHA Designation?
Answer: The CHA Designation Program is designed to do two things. First it ensures that participants master a certain level of hedge fund knowledge across 6 learning modules throughout the CHA Level 1 exam. Second, it allows them to choose an area of expertise where they gain specialized knowledge through the Level 2 Exam. This dual level certification provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an efficient and effective member of an alternative investment, hedge fund, fund of fund or wealth management team.

Question:  I am currently a student. What are the benefits of earning the CHA Designation for me?
Answer: The CHA Designation has been designed for experienced financial professionals and students alike.  As a student you will gain critical knowledge needed to identify which area of the hedge fund industry you prefer to work in.  This program can also help you obtain internships. Starting your career with this knowledge base can save you years of job experimentation.  As a CHA Designation charter holder you have an advantage over others with your same degree, employers seek those who have taken the initiative to gain additional knowledge relevant to their career.

Question: What methods of payment are accepted for the CHA fees?
Answer: Any major credit card is accepted as a form of payment for the CHA Program. To register now please click here.

The CHA Designation Program is guided by a Board of Advisors consisting of over 50 hedge funds, fund of hedge funds and industry consultants. Learn More…

Testimonials from past and current CHA Designation Program participants. Learn why professionals in the field are enrolling in this program. Learn More...