Accredited Valuation Analysts (AVAs) perform business valuations. The AVA designation isn't easy to get either - you'll need to go through training, rigorous testing, and prove you're capable by submitting your valuation reports to be reviewed by a board of the accrediting agency. You'll need a broad range of knowledge in finance, accounting, tax, and general business and management principles to perform valuation services.

However, there's required training prior to getting the AVA designation to ensure that you'll understand the principles of valuation, follow the industry's standard for consistency and professionalism, and give you a greater sense of confidence.

Accrediting Agency
The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts is the accrediting agency who's responsible for issuing AVA designation. The Association ensures that individuals meet the requirements to practice, have adequate experience and training, and plays a major role in setting industry standards for performing valuation services.

A Quote from the Accrediting Agency
According to the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts' website, "NACVA's professional designations serve to advise other professionals, prospective clients, and the community at large that you have met the Association's rigorous standards of professionalism, expertise, objectivity, and integrity in the fields of business valuation (CVA/AVA) and financial forensics/litigation consulting (CFFA)."

About the Exam
The AVA exam consists of multiple-choice questions, which you'll have five hours to complete. The exam covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Professional and regulatory standards
• Qualitative analysis
• Qualitative analysis
• Cost of capital
• Analysis of cash flow and income streams
• Discounts, premiums, and adjustments
• Legal issues
• Valuation of tangible and intangible assets

Additional Requirements
In addition to passing the AVA exam, you'll need to meet the following additional requirements before you'll get an AVA designation:

• You'll must have a college degree in a business subject from an accredited college or university.
• You'll need to demonstrate that you've got two years of business valuations or performed 10 business valuations.
• You'll need professional references.
• You'll need to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant
• You'll need to submit a client report or case study demonstrating application of valuation concepts

Examination Dates
You'll have two months from the date that your application's approved to take the exam. You can contact the Association for scheduling assistance.

Examination Fees
The Association doesn't disclose exam fees. However, you can contact the Association for more information about exam fees.

Continuing Education Requirements
You'll be required to obtain a minimum of 36 hours of CPE in business valuation, litigation support, fraud consulting, or related areas. At least 18 of the 36 minimum hours must be business valuation or litigation consulting. The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts uses a point system for license maintenance, and the hours mentioned about are only part of these requirements.

Competitive Advantage
The following are advantages of getting the AVA designation:

• The AVA designation is the most recognized credential in the industry.
• The majority of members -- almost 80% -- reported expected growth in their valuation practices according to the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.
• You'll have access to some of the best training and professional education available through your membership with National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.
• You'll get substantive research reports through KeyValueData as part of your membership with National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.

Website
You can find more information about the AVA designation by visiting the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts' website .