For a comparison of the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (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, focuses 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
$2,550 to $3,450
$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
120-200 total
Completion Time
3-5 years
2.5 - 5 years
1-2 years
4 years
<1 year
<1 year
Work Experience
4 years
1 year
1 year
3 years
2 years
None
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 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: