If you are looking to become a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), passing the NACVA CVA exam is essential. The exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in business valuation, financial analysis, and related topics. In this article, we will discuss the exam objectives, exam details, and the prerequisites and qualifications for taking the CVA exam.
Exam Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of business valuation and how it is used in different contexts.
- Apply financial analysis techniques to valuing a business and assessing its financial health.
- Understand the legal and regulatory environment in which business valuations are conducted.
- Learn the principles and techniques of business valuation for various purposes, such as mergers and acquisitions, litigation support, and tax planning.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for complex business valuation scenarios.
The NACVA CVA exam is designed for professionals who are involved in business valuation, such as financial analysts, business appraisers, attorneys, and accountants. It is also suitable for business owners and executives who need to understand the valuation process. The prerequisites for taking the CVA exam include a bachelor's degree, at least one year of full-time work experience in business valuation, and the completion of a CVA training program approved by NACVA.
Related Books:
Preparing for the NACVA CVA exam requires a thorough understanding of business valuation principles, financial analysis techniques, and related topics. Here are some books that can help you prepare for the exam:
- Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, 6th Edition by McKinsey & Company, Tim Koller, Marc Goedhart, and David Wessels
- Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation, 5th Edition by Easton, McAnally, Sommers, and Zhang
- Business Valuation: An Integrated Theory, 3rd Edition by Z. Christopher Mercer
- The Comprehensive Guide to the Use and Application of the Transaction Databases, 2nd Edition by Nancy J. Fannon, ASA, MCBA, ABV, CPA and Keith J. Sellers, ASA, MCBA, ABV, CPA
Exam Details:
The NACVA CVA exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam is computer-based and is delivered at a Prometric testing center. The cost of the exam is $1,000 for NACVA members and $1,500 for non-members. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70%.
The exam covers a wide range of topics related to business valuation, including financial statement analysis, income and asset-based valuation methods, the legal and regulatory environment of business valuation, valuation for mergers and acquisitions, and valuation for tax purposes. Candidates must have a deep understanding of these topics to pass the exam.
In conclusion, passing the NACVA CVA exam requires a strong understanding of business valuation principles, financial analysis techniques, and related topics. By following the exam objectives, using the recommended study materials, and meeting the prerequisites and qualifications, candidates can prepare themselves for success in the CVA exam and become certified valuation analysts.