Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst credential artwork

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) Courses

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

A good FMVA course takes you through CFI's required modeling curriculum with Excel exercises and prepares you for the final exam. CFI sells it in two plans, so we compared them on what they include, support, renewal and price.

Most people should choose Self-Study: it has the full curriculum, downloadable models and final exam for $497 a year. Choose Full-Immersion if you want expert answers and feedback on your own models.

CourseBest forFormatPrice
FMVA Self-StudyIndependent studyVideo$497/year
FMVA Full-ImmersionExpert help and feedbackVideo$847/year
Independent study

FMVA Self-Study

CFI's required FMVA curriculum as video courses with Excel exercises, downloadable models, assessments and the final exam. The subscription also opens CFI's wider course catalog.

Great fit if you want to work independently through a structured modeling program

Poor fit if you want expert answers and feedback on your models; choose Full-Immersion

Expert help and feedback

FMVA Full-Immersion

The Self-Study curriculum plus up to five expert questions per week, personalized feedback on your models and an AI course tutor. The curriculum and credential match Self-Study, so the extra cost buys support.

Great fit if you want help with difficult concepts and feedback on your spreadsheets

Poor fit if you want to study alone and save $350 a year; choose Self-Study

How to choose a FMVA course

  • Both plans give the same credential. Self-Study and Full-Immersion cover the same required curriculum, models and final exam. The difference is support.
  • Decide if you need help. Full-Immersion adds up to five expert questions a week, personalized feedback on your models and an AI course tutor. If you build models already, you may not need it.
  • Plan for the renewal. Both plans are annual subscriptions that renew, with no refunds. Turn off renewal if you finish and do not want another year.
  • Budget your time. Plan for about 110 hours, between 100 and 150. Build each spreadsheet as you go instead of only watching.

Recommended FMVA course combinations

  • Lowest cost: Self-Study ($497/year) with CFI's free Financial Modeling Test to check your basics, then the FMVA Practice Exam that comes with the plan.
  • New to modeling: Full-Immersion ($847/year) for expert Q&A and model feedback, with the FMVA Practice Exam before the final.
  • Already model in Excel: Self-Study ($497/year), starting with the free Financial Modeling Test to see how much of the core courses you can skip.

Compare all FMVA practice tests →

FMVA course FAQ

What is the best FMVA course?

CFI is the only provider of the FMVA curriculum. For most people, Self-Study at $497 a year is enough.

Is Full-Immersion worth the extra money?

It costs $350 more a year and adds expert Q&A, model feedback and an AI tutor. The curriculum and credential are the same as Self-Study, so it pays off if you want support.

How long does the FMVA take?

Plan for about 110 hours, between 100 and 150. Take the low end if you already build financial models in Excel.

Can I try the FMVA for free first?

CFI's Financial Modeling Test is free and takes 20 questions. CFI says 16 correct suggests you are ready for the core courses.