Pathway to the ABV Credential
Step 1: Learn
Develop specialized knowledge through self-study courses and live educational events. Maximizing your valuation knowledge helps unlock new opportunities, enhance the services you offer and prepare you for the ABV Exam. All candidates must complete 75 hours of valuation-related continuing professional development (CPD) within the 5-year period preceding the date of the credential application. Refer to the ABV Credential FAQs for further details.
Education options include Introduction to Business Valuation, Understanding Business Valuation, AICPA Business Valuation School, the ABV Exam Review Course, and more.
Step 2: Pass the Exam
Passing the ABV Examination is a required* step toward obtaining the credential. The ABV Exam is a computer-based, two-part exam offered year-round. You may take the exam in-person at a test center or online in a remotely-proctored environment. Each exam module asks 90 multiple-choice questions.
*Note: If you have already passed the ASA, CFA (level III) or CBV exam, you do not have to take the ABV Exam. Apply now.
Step 3: Gain Experience
CPA candidates must have obtained a minimum of 1,500 hours of valuation experience within the 5-year period preceding the date of the credential application. Valuation professional candidates must have obtained a minimum of 4,500 hours of valuation experience within the 5-year period preceding the date of the credential application. Refer to the ABV Credential FAQs for examples of business experience.
Step 4: Get Credentialed
Upon successfully passing the ABV Exam, complete the ABV Credential Application online. Applicants must attest to meeting the minimum Business Experience and Education requirements and pay the appropriate credential fee.
