If you are planning to become a valuation professional, then earning the Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA) designation from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) is a great step in achieving your goals. The AVA designation is highly respected in the industry and recognized globally. It signifies that you have expertise in business valuation and can provide reliable and accurate valuations of businesses, securities, and intangible assets.
Exam Objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the valuation process
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of valuation tools and techniques
- Demonstrate knowledge of business valuation standards and professional ethics
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate valuation results effectively
The AVA exam covers a wide range of topics related to valuation, including financial statement analysis, cost of capital, valuation approaches and methods, discounted cash flow analysis, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of valuation principles and techniques.
Exam Details:
The AVA exam is delivered online and can be taken at any time. The cost of the exam is $695 for NACVA members and $895 for non-members. The passing score for the exam is 70%, and you have three hours to complete it. The format of the exam is multiple-choice, and you will be required to answer 100 questions.
The AVA exam is designed for professionals who are interested in business valuation, including accountants, financial analysts, business owners, attorneys, and others. To take the exam, you must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field. In addition, you must have two years of experience in business valuation or a related field.
Related Books:
- "Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies" by McKinsey & Company Inc.
- "Financial Valuation: Applications and Models" by James R. Hitchner
- "Business Valuation and Federal Taxes: Procedure, Law and Perspective" by David Laro and Shannon Pratt
- "The Art of Business Valuation" by Greg Caruso
- "The Business Valuation Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Attorneys, CPAs, and Business Owners" by Jeffrey D. Jones
Preparing for the AVA exam requires a comprehensive understanding of valuation principles and techniques. In addition to the related books listed above, you may also consider taking a review course or attending a seminar to help you prepare for the exam. It is also essential to practice solving sample problems and taking practice exams to help you become familiar with the exam format and types of questions that will be asked.
Overall, passing the AVA exam requires a combination of knowledge, preparation, and practice. By studying the relevant topics, using the recommended resources, and practicing, you can increase your chances of passing the exam and earning your AVA designation.