ABV Exam
Exam Overview
The Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV ®) credential is granted exclusively by the AICPA to CPAs and qualified valuation professionals who demonstrate considerable expertise in valuation through their knowledge, skill, experience and adherence to professional standards. To obtain the credential, you must pass the two-part, modular ABV Exam. The exam requirement is waived for candidates who have passed the ASA credential exam of the American Society of Appraisers, CFA exam level III of the CFA Institute or CBV credential exam of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators.
Steps to the Exam
Exam Format
- Exam Type — The ABV Exam is a computer-based, two-part, non-disclosed exam. This means the questions and answers are not published nor are you permitted to remove any exam materials from the testing site.
- Delivery Method — You may take the exam in-person at one of 300 locations nationwide, or online in a remotely-proctored environment.
- Grading — Each exam is carefully graded by our team of psychometricians to ensure that the questions are statistically valid.
- Timing — You must pass both exam modules within 12 months (measured from the date the first module was passed) to receive credit for passing the ABV Exam. Each exam module will last a total of 3 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute break.
- Types of Questions — Each exam module asks 90 multiple-choice questions consisting of a stem that includes factual data and provides four answer options.
- During the exam, you will be able to access the International Glossary of Business Valuation Terms as well as Formulas & Variable Definitions (located in the ABV Blueprint) via computer.
The ABV Exam is now offered year-round. You can take the exam when it is convenient for you online or at a testing center.
Fees
Discount Pricing
- Volume Pricing — A discount of $60 per exam module is available when registering two or more candidates from the same firm at the same time. For further details and to submit a request to obtain this discount, please contact Member Services at 888.777.7077
- Bundle — ABV Exam registrants can save $100 on their purchase of the live version of the ABV Exam Review course. To take advantage of this offer, candidates must simultaneously register for both the ABV Exam and the ABV Exam Review Course by adding both items to their shopping cart.
Registration Process
If you are interested in taking the exam, register online and pay the required exam fee. Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase via email. This confirmation does not serve as the Notice to Schedule email.
You will receive your Notice to Schedule email within two weeks of registration. The voucher code included in the Notice to Schedule email is valid for up to 12 months.
Exam Blueprint
The ABV Blueprint has been developed through various sources to provide an overview of the knowledge that valuation professionals should possess. It is the comprehensive body of knowledge that will be tested on the ABV Exam. There are two major topical areas that provide a framework for knowledge and skill tested on the ABV Exam.
It is important to note that you will most likely be better-prepared for the exam if you use the resources contained within the CSO and not just rely upon your individual experience.
ABV Exam Content
Exam Preparation Tools
ABV Assessment Tool
Free for use as a preliminary means to assess a candidates’ familiarity with the ABV body of knowledge. Take the assessment >>
Candidates will be provided approximately 10 questions on the topic you selected. Upon conclusion of all questions, you will be presented with a score and an evaluation of your need for further education or review classes on this topic prior to sitting for the ABV Exam, as well as an explanation for any incorrect answers.
BV School
The nationally recognized AICPA Business Valuation School is offered twice a year.
ABV Exam Review Courses:
- Self-study AICPA ABV Examination Review Course - Offered in online format, the self-study review course includes over 300 practice questions.
- Live Group Study - The live group study course is taught by industry leading valuation experts. Participants can ask questions in-person. This course comes with the self-study textbook. Check back as more dates and locations are added.
- In-person AICPA ABV Exam Review Course
Dates coming soon.
Articles
Scheduling Process
This process begins when you receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) email 2 weeks after registration. It contains instructions on how to schedule, a link to the test center, and your unique voucher code to enable you to schedule your specific date and location.
After receiving your (NTS) email, you may schedule your exam. Please schedule early to improve your likelihood of obtaining your desired time and location. The NTS email will provide instructions on how to do so. Below is a snapshot of the process for in-person or online testing.
In-person testing:
- Visit the ABV Exam Scheduling Website.
- Follow the steps to establish a test-taker account. If you have already established a test -taker account for a previous exam, use the username and password that was previously provided. For assistance with your username or password, please contact the AICPA Member Service at 888.777.7077 or email us.
- Upon receipt of email confirmation of your username and password, login to schedule.
- Click on the Schedule Exam link in the task bar at the top of the page.
- Select the ABV Exam module for onsite proctored and click on Register Now button.
- Select the desired HOST location (testing center).
- Select the desired date and time the desired location is available and proceed to checkout.
- Enter the voucher code that was provided in the NTS letter at checkout and click submit and done.
- A scheduling confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided. It is important to print and/or keep a copy of this confirmation page on file as it includes the Test Authorization Code required for exam admittance.
Online testing:
- Visit the ABV Exam Scheduling Website.
- Follow the steps to establish a test-taker account. If you have already established a test -taker account for a previous exam, use the username and password that was previously provided. For assistance with your username or password, please contact the AICPA Member Service at 888.777.7077 or email us.
- Upon receipt of email confirmation of your username and password, login to Webassessor on the computer you will use to take your exam and download the Sentinel security program, take your photo, and set your personal keystrokes for test taker validation.
- To schedule your exam, click on the Schedule Exam link in the task bar at the top of the page.
- Select the ABV Exam module for online proctored and click on Register Now button.
- Select the desired date and time that an online proctor is available.
- Select the desired date and time the desired location is available and proceed to checkout.
- Enter the voucher code that was provided in the NTS letter at checkout and click submit and done.
- A scheduling confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided. You are not required to print a copy of this confirmation page for online examination.
For more detailed information of the process, download the process >>
Testing Locations
At this time, the in-person ABV Exam is only offered in the United States and Canada. There are almost 300 locations nationwide. Find the closest one >>
Test Regulations
The Kryterion host location has procedures you must follow. Please make sure to read their procedures document in full so you can be fully prepared.
- Calculators - Any non-programmable calculator will be admitted into the examination room or online exam. We recommend you bring a financial calculator. Online exam candidates will be required to show their calculator to the online proctor.
- Scratch paper - In-person exam candidates will be given scratch paper and pencils during the exam. Online exam candidates will have access to an electronic scratch pad (text box).
- Online Technology – Online exam candidates must have either a laptop camera or USB camera and a microphone available for the proctor to monitor your test environment.
Additional Information
To find a more detailed overview of the scheduling process including rescheduling, cancellations and refunds, download the ABV Credential Exam Registration and Scheduling Terms and Conditions document.
