These days every profession is experiencing a surge in certifications and credentials and business valuation is no exception. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the user of valuations to differentiate what a certification says about the skill, experience and expertise of the professional. The table summarizes key attributes of four certifications in the field, the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential, the Accredited Member (AM), the Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) and the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).  Visit another version of this table at ASA Chart

 

A Comparison of Business Valuation Certifications
Requirements	Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)	Accredited Member (AM)	Certified Business Appraiser (CBA)	Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
Demonstrated Prior Business Valuation Experience or Professional Education	"Substantial experience" in 10 valuation assignments and 75 hours of business valuation education.	Minimum of at least five years’ full-time business valuation experience.	Either 10,000 hours business valuation experience, or 90 hours of business valuation professional education.	40 hours of business valuation professional education and 2 years as a CPA.
Submission of Valuation Reports To Demonstrate Technical Competency	None	Must submit 2 full valuations to satisfaction of the Board of Examiners.	Must submit 2 full valuations to meet the Institute of Business Appraiser's (IBA) Business Valuation Standards.	None, except when submitted in lieu of other requirements. CVAs must take a periodic report writing course.
Courses	Pass a written exam.  No course requirement.  Hold CPA.	Four courses and related exams for each covering various valuation issues and an exam on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and ethics.	Pass a written exam.  No courses are required, although highly recommended. The IBA offers a variety of courses.	Two-day exam including a proctored exam and a take home case study exam.  Hold CPA.
Continuing Education Requirement	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
History	Designation began issuing in 1998.	Oldest appraisal society in the United States. Founded in 1952, also offers ASA designation with three additional years of full-time experience..	Formed in 1978, also offers AIBA, MCBA, and BVAL designations with differing requirements.	Organization formed in 1990, also offers AVA designation with differing requirements to non-CPAs.
More info - Internet site	American Institute of CPAs AICPA ABV Info	American Society of Appraisers ASA BV Appraisers chart	Institute of Business Appraisers IBA BV Chart	National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts NACVA CVA Info

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