An online certificate program focusing on the core concepts underlying alternative investments has been launched by the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association and Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA).

The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments (FAI) certificate program includes an overview of portfolio construction, risk management and due diligence, along with in-depth study of hedge funds, real assets, private equity, commodities and structured products.

The course consists of 20 one-hour modules on IMCA’s education platform, taught by experts in alternative investment education. The course registration is $795 for IMCA members and $895 for non-members. There is no annual  fee.

The course provides IMCA continuing education credits for those who complete the program.

“The landscape for alternatives has changed dramatically, and it is imperative that the professionals charged with managing, analyzing, distributing, and regulating these products keep pace with a focus that has knowledge and education as its central tenet,” said William Kelly, CAIA Association CEO.

The broad universe of alternative investments represents about $10 trillion in assets, according to Citi Prime Finance. Retail, liquid alternatives could grow to $2 trillion in assets in five to 10 years, according to a recent report by Goldman Sachs.