FMVA™ vs CFA®

FMVA™ vs CFA® Comparison

For a comparison of the FMVA certification and the CFA designation, you can read our guide to the top finance certifications where there is a detailed table that breaks down all of the top accreditations for financial analysts. Some of the biggest differences that stand out are that the FMVA is 100% online, doesn’t have multiple levels, focusses heavily on applications of finance (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), and covers financial modeling and valuation extensively.

	CFA®	CPA®	CAIA®	CFP®	FRM®	FMVA™
Number of Levels	3	1	2	2	2	1
Costs	$4,000 to $5,000	$1,000 to $3,000	$3,000	$2,000	$1,500	$497
Exam Pass Rate	30-50%	40-50%	70%	67%	40-50%	70%
Content Focus	Portfolio Management, Investments	Financial Reporting, Audit	Real Assets, Alternative Investments	Financial Planning	Financial Risk Management	Financial Modeling, Valuation
Career Application	All Encompassing	Accounting and Finance	Asset Management	Retail and Wealth Management	Risk Management	All Encompassing
Study Time (hrs)	300 - 350 per exam	Varies	200 per exam	Varies	200 - 300 per exam	100 - 200 total
Completion Time	3-5 years	2.5 - 5	1-2 years	4 years	<1 year	<1 year
Work Experience	4 years	1 year	1 year	3 years	2 years	n/a

FMVA™ Program Details

Below is a break down of subject weightings in the program. As you can see there is a heavy focus on financial modeling, finance, Excel, business valuation, budgeting/forecasting, PowerPoint presentations, accounting and business strategy.

A well rounded financial analyst possesses all of the above skills!

Additional Questions & Answers

CFI is the official global provider of financial modeling and valuation analyst FMVA Designation. CFI’s is on a mission to enable anyone to be a great financial analyst and have a meaningful career. In order to help you achieve that, we have compiled a vast range of resources to assist you along the way.

In order to become a world-class financial analyst, below are some additional questions and answers for you to discover: