Top 11 Valuation Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a valuation analyst in the job market because they demonstrate professional credibility, knowledge and experience. Valuation analysts must possess a deep understanding of the financial markets and the legal, regulatory and technical aspects of their profession. By obtaining certifications, analysts demonstrate to employers that they have met established standards in their field, which can give them an edge over other applicants and help them secure higher-paying positions. Certifications also provide validation for employers that an analyst has achieved a certain level of competency in their profession.

This article reviews the top certifications for Valuation Analysts and explains how they can help to further a valuation analyst's career.

What are Valuation Analyst Certifications?

Valuation analyst certification is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in the field of business and financial valuation. It is awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), an organization dedicated to providing standards and education for professionals in the industry.

The certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in valuations, as well as successful completion of a two-day exam. The exam covers topics such as financial statement analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, market approaches to value, and other related topics. Having this certification can be beneficial to those who want to work in the field of valuation or are looking for career advancement opportunities.

Having a valuation analyst certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to perform accurate and reliable valuations. It also serves as a signal that you are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest methods and techniques used in valuations. Additionally, having this certification can help open doors to new job opportunities and higher salaries since it signals that you have achieved a certain level of mastery in your chosen field.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a valuation analyst certification, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of finance and accounting. Additionally, research the requirements for the specific certification you are interested in to ensure that you meet all necessary qualifications. Finally, be sure to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates related to the certification so that you can remain competitive in the industry.

Related: What does a Valuation Analyst do?

Top 11 Valuation Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Valuation Analysts today.

1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute to individuals who successfully complete a series of exams and meet other requirements. It is considered one of the most prestigious designations in finance and investment management, and is highly sought after by employers.

The CFA program consists of three levels, each with its own set of exams. The first two levels are offered twice a year, while the third level is offered once per year. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions related to topics such as economics, financial reporting, portfolio management, equity analysis, fixed income analysis, derivatives, alternative investments and quantitative methods.

To become a CFA charterholder, you must pass all three levels of the CFA Program Exams within four years. You must also have four years of professional work experience in an investment decision-making role or have completed an approved university degree program. Additionally, you must agree to abide by the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for taking the CFA Program Exams varies depending on when you register for them. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD per level. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exams or joining the CFA Institute as a member.

2. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is a professional designation offered by the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIAA). It is designed to provide financial professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze alternative investments, such as hedge funds, private equity, commodities, and real estate. The CAIA designation was created in 2002 and has become one of the most widely recognized credentials for alternative investment professionals.

The CAIA program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To earn the CAIA designation, candidates must pass both exams. Level I covers basic concepts in alternative investments while Level II focuses on more advanced topics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CAIA program. Candidates must register with the CAIAA before they can take either exam. Registration fees vary depending on when you register, but typically range from $500-$1,500 USD. Once registered, candidates have 12 months to complete both exams.

In order to be eligible for the CAIA program, candidates must have at least three years of relevant work experience or an undergraduate degree in a related field such as finance or economics. Additionally, candidates must agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct established by the CAIAA.

3. Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in business valuation and financial analysis. The CVA credential is the only one of its kind that requires a comprehensive exam, experience requirements, continuing education, and ethical standards.

The process of becoming a CVA can take anywhere from 6-12 months depending on your experience level. To become a CVA, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least three years of business valuation or financial analysis experience within the last five years. You must also complete an online application, pay an application fee, and submit documentation of your experience. Once approved, you will need to pass the CVA exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as business valuation theory and practice; financial statement analysis; economics; finance; accounting; taxation; law; and ethics.

The cost for becoming a CVA varies depending on your membership type but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This includes the application fee, exam fee, study materials, and NACVA membership fees.

4. Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA)

Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). This certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately analyze, value, and report on business interests.

The AVA credential requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of experience in business valuation or related fields. Candidates must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as financial statement analysis, valuation principles, and industry-specific issues. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To receive the AVA credential, candidates must also complete an approved course in business valuation or related fields. The cost of the course varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most courses range from $2,000-$4,000.

Once all requirements are met, candidates can apply for the AVA credential through NACVA’s website. The application fee is $150 and there is an annual recertification fee of $100.

5. Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA)

A Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) is a professional designation granted by the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA). This certification is designed to provide advisors with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully advise clients on all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate restructuring transactions.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CM&AA program. The program consists of three courses that cover topics such as valuation methods, legal considerations, financial analysis, negotiation strategies, and due diligence. In order to receive the certification, applicants must pass an exam at the end of each course.

To become a CM&AA, applicants must have at least five years of experience in corporate finance or merger & acquisition advisory services. They must also have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Additionally, they must have completed at least one successful transaction within the past two years.

The cost of becoming a CM&AA varies depending on the provider but can range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for all three courses and exams.

6. Certified Business Appraiser (CBA)

A Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) is a professional who has been certified by an accrediting body to provide business appraisal services. The CBA designation is the highest level of recognition available for business appraisers, and it requires extensive training and experience in the field of business valuation.

The process to become a CBA typically takes several years. The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field. After completing your undergraduate degree, you must then complete a minimum of 150 hours of specialized education in the field of business valuation. This can be done through accredited coursework or self-study programs. Additionally, you must have at least three years of professional experience in the field of business valuation.

Once you have met all the educational requirements, you can apply for certification from one of the recognized accrediting bodies such as the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), or Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA). Each organization has its own set of requirements and fees associated with obtaining certification.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on which organization you choose to obtain your certification from and what type of program you pursue. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 USD depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with it.

Overall, becoming a Certified Business Appraiser requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it if you are looking to advance your career in this field.

7. Registered Valuation Analyst (RVA)

Registered Valuation Analyst (RVA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). It is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and experience of an individual in the field of business valuation.

To become an RVA, one must first possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and have at least three years of full-time equivalent experience in business valuation. In addition, applicants must pass two exams administered by the ASA: The Business Valuation Examination and The Financial Analysis Examination.

The process to become an RVA typically takes around six months to complete. Applicants must submit their application to the ASA for review and approval before taking either exam. Once approved, applicants can register for the exams through Prometric Testing Centers or online through the ASA website.

The cost to become an RVA varies depending on whether you take both exams at once or separately. Taking both exams together costs $1,400 while taking them separately costs $700 each. Additionally, there is a $100 application fee that must be paid when submitting your application to the ASA.

8. International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts (IACVA)

The International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts (IACVA) is a professional association that provides certification, education and networking opportunities to professionals in the fields of consulting, valuations and analysis.

IACVA offers three levels of certification: Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF), and Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA). The CVA designation is the most widely recognized certification for valuation professionals. To obtain this certification, candidates must complete an online application process, pass a four-hour exam, and submit three letters of recommendation. The MAFF designation requires a minimum of two years of experience in financial forensics as well as completion of an online application process, passing a four-hour exam, and submitting three letters of recommendation. The AVA designation requires at least five years of experience in valuations or related fields as well as completion of an online application process, passing a four-hour exam, and submitting three letters of recommendation.

The cost for IACVA certification depends on the level chosen. The CVA designation costs $595 USD; the MAFF designation costs $795 USD; and the AVA designation costs $995 USD.

Overall, IACVA provides valuable certifications for professionals in consulting, valuations and analysis. With its various levels of certifications available at different prices points, it is an excellent option for those looking to further their career in these fields.

9. American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is a professional organization that provides education and certification to appraisers in the United States. The ASA is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of practice and ethics in the appraisal profession.

It takes approximately two years to become an Accredited Member of the American Society of Appraisers. The process involves completing a minimum number of hours of coursework, passing exams, and providing proof of experience in the field. Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply for membership.

To become an Accredited Member of the ASA, applicants must first complete an approved course in basic appraisal principles and procedures from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass a written examination administered by the ASA as well as a practical exam administered by a qualified appraiser. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of at least two years’ experience in the appraisal field before they can be considered for membership.

The cost to become an Accredited Member of the ASA varies depending on which courses you take and how many exams you need to pass. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000-$3,000 USD to become an Accredited Member with the ASA.

10. National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA)

The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) is a professional organization that provides certification to business valuation professionals. NACVA’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professional practice in business valuation, financial litigation consulting, and related services.

To become certified by NACVA, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements as well as pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statement analysis, business valuation theory and practice, legal aspects of valuations, and other related topics.

In order to qualify for the exam, candidates must have either a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university or seven years of experience in the field of business valuation or financial litigation consulting. Candidates must also complete 40 hours of approved continuing education credits within two years prior to taking the exam.

The NACVA certification process typically takes between four and six months from start to finish. The cost for the certification process varies depending on the level of certification desired but generally ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

11. Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA).

The Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA) is an international professional organization dedicated to the advancement of business appraisal and valuation. The IBA provides education, training, certification, and professional resources to its members. It also serves as a platform for networking among business appraisers and other professionals in the field.

It typically takes up to 18 months to become certified by the IBA. To get certified, you must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as financial statement analysis, valuation theory and practice, and business law. You must also have at least two years of experience in business appraisal or valuation-related activities.

The cost for certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose. The basic membership costs $225 per year plus exam fees ($200 for each exam). Additional fees may apply if you choose to take additional courses or pursue higher levels of certification.

In addition to providing certification, the IBA offers educational events and seminars throughout the year which are open to both members and non-members alike. These events provide an opportunity for members to stay current on industry trends and best practices in business appraisal and valuation.

Do You Really Need a Valuation Analyst Certificate?

No, you do not need a Valuation Analyst Certificate in order to work in the field of valuation and analysis. While having a certificate may be beneficial for some employers, it is not an essential requirement for most positions. The key to success in this field is having the right combination of experience, knowledge and skills.

Having a certificate will demonstrate that you have taken the time to gain additional knowledge and expertise in the field of valuation and analysis. It may also give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions. However, most employers are more interested in your qualifications and experience than any certificates you may hold.

In addition, many employers offer professional development courses that allow employees to gain specialized knowledge and skills without needing to obtain a certificate or degree. These courses can provide valuable insight into different aspects of valuation and analysis that can help you become more successful in your career.

Ultimately, having a Valuation Analyst Certificate can be beneficial but it is not necessary if you have the right combination of experience, knowledge and skills. Employers are more interested in what you know rather than what certificates you possess.

Related: Valuation Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Valuation Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Valuation Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Valuation Analyst Certification (VAC) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of business valuation. It is awarded by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and requires passing an examination and meeting certain educational and experience requirements.

2. How do I become a certified Valuation Analyst?

Answer: To become a certified Valuation Analyst, you must successfully complete the VAC exam and meet the education, experience, and ethical requirements set forth by the ASA. Additionally, you must obtain letters of recommendation from two qualified appraisers who have personally supervised your work.

3. What topics are covered on the VAC exam?

Answer: The VAC exam consists of five sections, each focusing on different aspects of business valuation: financial statement analysis, industry analysis, economic analysis, valuation models/methods, and legal/ethical considerations.

4. How long does it take to receive my VAC certification?

Answer: After you have passed all sections of the VAC exam, your application will be reviewed by the ASA Board of Examiners within 30 days. If approved, you will receive your certificate and be officially recognized as a certified Valuation Analyst within another 30 days or so.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my VAC certification?

Answer: Yes - to maintain your certification status with the ASA, you must complete 40 hours of approved continuing education credits every two years after receiving your initial certification.