Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

Validates practical skills in financial modeling and valuation, including building Excel models, forecasting and valuing companies.

Summary

FMVA is CFI's online program in financial modeling and valuation, taught through courses and Excel exercises. It combines 15 core courses with electives and a final exam, and the full program takes about 100 to 120 hours.

Good fit if

You want to build three-statement models and DCFs in Excel
You are moving into finance and want practical foundations
You want to refresh modeling skills alongside a finance degree

Look elsewhere if

You want investment analysis and portfolio management: CFA
You want management accounting: CMA
You want to specialize in financial risk: FRM

Prerequisites

Coursework required before the final exam

15 core courses + 3 electives

Required

Complete all core courses and at least three of the twelve electives. Pass each course assessment with at least 80%.

Anyone can enroll. Use the optional prep courses if accounting, Excel or financial statements are new to you.

Cost

USD · Standard annual Self-Study pricing

CFI Self-Study annual subscriptionRequired$497

What holders say

Practical modeling skills are the main benefit

Holders describe useful Excel and valuation practice, including as a refresher alongside CFA study or existing finance experience.

r/CFAReddit: Is the FMVA really worth it r/FPandAReddit: FMVA certification? Was it worth transitioning into finance

Useful for a move into finance

Career changers describe the structured lessons and modeling exercises as helpful preparation for interviews and financial-analysis work.

r/financialmodellingReddit: Is CFI's FMVA certificate worth it r/FPandAReddit: Does anyone recommend the FMVA Certificate

Pair it with relevant experience

Career discussions emphasize experience, networking and role-specific preparation alongside the certificate when targeting competitive finance roles.

r/businessanalysisReddit: FMVA certification worth it r/CFAReddit: Is the FMVA really worth it

Renewal

Your FMVA certificate does not expire.

Validity: No expiry
Renewal fee: None

Keep access to your earned digital certificate after completing the program.

CFI certificate policy ↗

Alternatives

CMA$1,685 required · Intermediate

Management accounting, planning and performance management.

FRM$1,600 required · Intermediate

Financial risk measurement and management.

FAQ

What does FMVA stand for?

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst, a certification from Corporate Finance Institute.

How much does FMVA cost?

CFI Self-Study costs $497 per year at standard pricing; Full-Immersion costs $847. The subscription includes FMVA and the wider CFI catalog. Students receive 50% off.

How long does FMVA take?

CFI estimates 100–120 hours for the program. Complete 15 core courses and at least three electives, then pass the final exam.

What is the FMVA pass mark?

Course assessments require 80%. The 50-question, three-hour final exam requires 70%.

Does FMVA expire?

No. The certificate is yours for life.

Is FMVA useful for getting a finance job?

It teaches practical financial modeling and valuation. Use the models and skills to demonstrate your work in applications and interviews; compare CFA for broader investment study.

Last updated October 2026