CAIA vs FRM

[usrich]

I just finished my CFA level II exam 2011 June. I am considering one more finance-related designation. In your opinion, which one is worth doing? How do you compare the level of difficulty of these two exams? Thanks.

 

[eric468]

I choose answer “C” (not enough information given).
Done them all (CFA, FRM, CAIA) and in my opinion they are worth doing when your company pays for it and you like studying. CAIA is the most interesting, the easiest, and the most expensive. FRM was quite hard (level II is harder than CFA I) and less interesting, but a lot cheaper. CFA is the best known and relatively cheap, but it takes 2,5 years and is hard.

 

[cfanotgivingup]

Just curious eric468, with all the designations you have, did they take you very far in your career? I ams trying to contemplate should I keep trying to get the cfa or just stop right here.

 

[eric468]

Ooooops, didnt check this forum anymore since passing my last exam.
Its hard to say how far the designations have taken me, because I cannot compare it with a career without the designations.
But I have the feeling the designations helped in several ways:
1. Its easier to get a job interview (I was only turned down in case the job opening was “too junior”)
2. It helps you understand concepts quicker at work
3. Salary (found out I earned substantionally more than a colleague who does the exact same job and is older)