Empowering professionals with globally recognized certification and expertise in business valuation and financial analysis.
Our team is available during business hours to assist you with admissions, certification details, and career guidance.
The Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) certification equips professionals with the expertise, credibility, and practical skills required to excel in business valuation, financial analysis, and consulting.
Gain end-to-end expertise in managing a complete business valuation engagement from initial data collection to final reporting. Learn how to structure assignments, follow standardized methodologies, and deliver consistent, high-quality valuation outcomes.
Develop the ability to choose the most appropriate valuation approach and methodology based on the purpose, industry, and standard of value. Understand when to apply income, market, or asset-based approaches for accurate results.
Build strong analytical capabilities to evaluate financial statements, assess risks, and interpret key financial indicators. Conduct in-depth financial analysis tailored to each unique business valuation scenario.
Understand the critical factors that influence a company’s worth, including revenue trends, profitability, market positioning, and growth potential. Learn to identify and evaluate key value drivers that impact valuation outcomes.
Master the application of various standards of value, such as fair market value, investment value, and intrinsic value. Ensure your valuation work aligns with professional and regulatory expectations.
Enhance your ability to present complex valuation findings in a clear, structured, and professional manner. Build confidence in communicating insights to clients, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
The CVA Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for candidates pursuing the Certified Valuation Analyst designation. It provides clear insights into the certification process, program structure, examination requirements, and professional expectations. Designed as a quick yet informative resource, the handbook helps candidates navigate their certification journey with clarity and confidence.
The Core Body of Knowledge for the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) credentialing program outlines the essential concepts, principles, and methodologies that candidates must master to prepare for their certification examination in business valuation. It covers key areas such as valuation approaches and methods, financial analysis, valuation theory, standards and guidelines, legal and regulatory environment, and ethics and professional conduct.
NACVA’s Body of Knowledge was first developed in 1998 and has evolved continuously through updates and refinements. By 2003, it included structured concepts along with recommended time allocation for each topic. In 2004, it was formally finalized by the Valuation Credentialing Board (VCB) and has since been updated every five years to reflect industry advancements.
Using a standardized case study ensures consistency in evaluation. It allows reviewers to accurately assess a candidate’s ability to apply the Body of Knowledge. Experienced professionals also have the option to submit real client valuation reports for assessment.
The CVA examination undergoes periodic reviews, typically every five years, to ensure it remains aligned with current industry standards and practices.
The Valuation Credentialing Board uses psychometric analysis based on historical exam data to evaluate question performance and refine the exam structure for accuracy and fairness.
The passing score is determined through a psychometric “cut score” analysis based on expert judgment. It is set within a defined statistical range to ensure fairness and consistency.
An SME is a credentialed professional with typically five or more years of active experience in valuing closely held businesses, often completing 10–15 valuations annually.
This fee covers administrative, processing, and mentor review costs. It ensures candidates receive detailed feedback from experienced professionals.
CVA professionals must complete a 60-point Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirement every three years to maintain certification. This ensures ongoing learning and industry relevance.
Applicable CPE Areas Include: Business valuation, financial forensics, forensic accounting, financial analysis, taxation, audit, M&A, transaction advisory, healthcare valuation, ethics, and more.
Reporting Cycle: The recertification cycle spans three years, with compliance required by December 31 of the final year.
CPE Attestation: CVA holders must declare completion of required CPE credits and submit the applicable recertification fee.
The CVA certification is awarded by NACVA, the global authority, through its international chapters, such as ACVA.
Yes, ACVA members enjoy similar benefits, including access to resources, webinars, and professional development opportunities.
All study materials are delivered through a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS) for easy access and structured learning