Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV): Overview and Requirements
Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) is a professional designation granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to CPAs who specialize in valuing businesses. The credential signals expertise in valuation theory and practice and is commonly used by professionals working in valuation firms, consulting, litigation support, financial reporting, and related areas.
What the ABV covers
The ABV curriculum and practice focus on:
* Business valuation process and professional standards
* Qualitative and quantitative valuation analysis
* Valuation methodologies and application
* Financial reporting issues and valuation-related litigation support
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Who is eligible
To pursue the ABV, applicants must:
* Hold a valid, unrevoked CPA license or certificate issued by the appropriate state authority.
Certain professional credentials may qualify for exam waivers (check AICPA guidance for current eligible credentials).
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Experience and education requirements
Applicants must demonstrate relevant valuation experience and education before credentialing:
* Business valuation experience: Minimum 150 hours of business valuation (BV) experience within the five years preceding the application. Up to 15 of these hours may be earned through the hands-on valuation case study track at the AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Conference.
* Education/CPD: Complete 75 hours of valuation-related continuing professional development (CPD) within the five years preceding application.
Exam structure
The ABV Exam is computer-based and delivered in two parts:
* Candidates have three hours and 15 minutes per section (including a 15-minute break).
* Each module contains 90 multiple-choice questions: roughly 78 discrete multiple-choice items and about a dozen case-study questions with related multiple-choice answers.
* Both parts must be passed within 12 months (counting from the date the first part is passed) to earn ABV credit.
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Ongoing maintenance
After earning the ABV, credential holders must maintain it by:
* Completing 60 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years.
* Meeting any continuing experience or professional standards required by the AICPA.
* Paying the credential annual fee (AICPA publishes current fee information).
Benefits of the ABV
- Recognized specialization in business valuation for CPAs
- Enhanced credibility for engagement in valuation, litigation support, and financial reporting work
- Potential for improved career opportunities and compensation
Key takeaways
- ABV is an AICPA credential for CPAs specializing in business valuation.
- Applicants need a valid CPA license, 150 hours of BV experience within five years, and 75 hours of valuation-related CPD within five years.
- The computer-based exam has two parts; both must be passed within 12 months.
- Ongoing maintenance includes 60 hours of CPE every three years and payment of credential fees.
For the most current details on eligibility, exam scheduling, fees, and approved waivers, consult the AICPA’s official ABV credential resources.