National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA)

What NACVA is

The National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) is a professional organization for valuation and litigation specialists. Founded in 1991 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, NACVA provides training, certifications, continuing education, professional standards, and peer support for practitioners who perform business valuations and financial-forensic work. The group promotes ethical conduct and positions members to meet evolving valuation challenges.

NACVA’s mission and role

• Deliver education, tools, and resources (databases, software, publications) to improve member efficiency and competitiveness.
• Support specialties such as mergers & acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), bankruptcy, healthcare valuation, software valuation, litigation support, and management consulting.
• Maintain professional standards and a network of support groups (mentoring, pro‑bono, speakers bureau, writers’ groups).
• Has trained tens of thousands of CPAs and valuation professionals.

Accreditation

NACVA’s credentialing programs are accredited by recognized accreditation bodies, and the organization emphasizes adherence to accepted professional standards.

Key certifications

• Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA): Focuses on business valuation services provided to consulting firms and their clients.
• Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF): For professionals providing financial litigation and forensic accounting services; requires prerequisites, experience, and passage of a comprehensive exam based on NACVA’s Financial Forensics Body of Knowledge.
• Accredited in Business Appraisal Review (ABAR): Historically the highest appraisal‑review credential; no new certifications are being issued, and active holders must recertify periodically.
• Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) and Master Certified Business Appraiser (MCBA): Previously offered but discontinued due to low demand.

Membership overview

NACVA offers membership categories tailored to different careers and stages:
– Practitioner, Ultimate, Professional, Affiliate, Academician, Government Employee, Student, and Legal Professional memberships.
– Annual dues vary by category (approximately $79–$599).
Membership benefits typically include access to education and certification programs, online learning, publications, industry‑specific training, software/database tools, and networking/support groups.

Becoming a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)

Typical steps to obtain the CVA designation:
1. Verify you meet CVA qualifications and submit an application.
2. Pay the designation fee or obtain NACVA membership as required.
3. Study NACVA‑provided materials for the exam.
4. Pass the CVA exam.
5. Complete a peer‑reviewed business valuation report.
6. Maintain the designation by paying dues and meeting continuing education requirements (recertification cycle every three years).

Common prerequisites (may vary):
– Bachelor’s degree in business or related field (or MBA).
– Two or more years of experience in business valuation or a related area.
– Completion of a minimum number of business valuations (commonly 10 or more).
Time to completion depends on individual background and experience.

What a valuation analyst does

A valuation analyst analyzes and appraises businesses by examining:
– Historical and projected cash flows, budgets, and financial statements.
– Industry and market trends, competitive landscape, and business risks.
– Operational metrics, asset values, and relevant timelines.
Deliverables often include valuation reports used in transactions, litigation, tax, estate planning, and corporate decision‑making.

Key takeaways

• NACVA is a leading provider of education, certification, and professional standards for valuation and financial‑forensics professionals.
• Its primary credentials include the CVA and MAFF; some legacy credentials (ABAR, CBA, MCBA) are discontinued or limited.
• Membership provides training, tools, publications, and a professional network to support valuation practice.
• Becoming a CVA requires education, experience, passing an exam, a peer‑reviewed report, and ongoing continuing education.