[NoScores2Display4thisSection]

How to study for ABV (business valuation) credential exam…Do you think it’s a good idea? is it hard?

I’m just wondering if anyone has experience with this. Thanks!!!

done

[Anonymous]

I am wondering this too, actually!

[rcfs1834]

I'd like some opinions on this too!

TN Candidate
FAR - PASS, AUD - PASS
BEC - PASS, REG - DONE!!!!!!

[Minimorty]

Well, I cant speak about the ABV exam specifically (i am exempt from taking the exam), but I do have my ASA designation so I can talk about business valuation in general. If you have a couple years of experience in business valuation, you should be able to pass the exam. I would assume you have already been through the information on the AICPA's website?

https://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/ForensicAndValuation/Membership/Pages/OverviewoftheAccreditedinBusinessValuationCredential.aspx

CSO –

https://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/ForensicAndValuation/Membership/DownloadableDocuments/CSO_ABV_Exam.pdf

In general, I would imagine it is a topic that would be difficult to “study” for without any on the job experience.

As far as it being a good idea or not, it really depends on what you do for a living and how much valuation work you do. If valuation work is a decent-sized component of your work, then the ABV designation would make sense. Let me know if you have any questions on business valuation work in general. Sorry I cant be more specific regarding the ABV exam itself.

[hawkmante]

Mini. This is a field that the partners in my firm are encouraging me to pursue. How are you exempt? We do not already have a business evaluation sector in my office in place. So, it will be hard to achieve field work experience. Any suggestions on how to get experience? Any other suggestions on how to enter this field and obtain the designations efficiently.

BEC - 81 11/30/11 Praise God
FAR - 84 7/11/11
AUD -70,64,72, IM DONE!! 90 7/5/12
REG - 84 10/07/11

[hawkmante]

BUMP>>> MINI??

BEC - 81 11/30/11 Praise God
FAR - 84 7/11/11
AUD -70,64,72, IM DONE!! 90 7/5/12
REG - 84 10/07/11

[Minimorty]

@hawk – Sorry, I missed your post 4 days ago. Thanks for bumping. The AICPA has a partnership with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). The ASA is a national appraisal organization. If you have an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) designation or an Accredited Member (AM) designation, then you are exempt from taking the ABV examination (since almost all of the material is an overlap from the ASA exams). Of course, you need to have an active CPA license to get the ABV designation. Since I have my ASA designation, once I get my CPA license (next couple months) I will apply for my ABV designation and I will be exempt from actually taking the exam.

Getting experience is definitely going to be tricky if you are not practicing valuation full time. I am not sure what the requirements are for the ABV designation specifically, but I needed 5 full years of valuation experience to get the ASA. Its a very lucrative field since its a highly specialized area. Does your firm take on business valuation assignments at all? Why do they want you to pursue it if its not necessarily something you guys do? Let me know if you have any specific questions. Check out the ABV requirements and check out the ASA website for information.

[hawkmante]

We are a young firm. We have a steady book of tax and bookkeeping clients. Now we are growing, adding different sectors, wealth advisory, forensic accounting, lately BP claims (on the gulf coast), and other consultation services. They asked me my interest and I suggested business valuations. So, for right now that is where I stand. We have thought about asking another business evaluation firm to allow me to work with them to gain work experience. But, why would they help me if in the long run I will just be competing with them in our area. I guess we could also look into merging firms with some one whom has that designation. I will look in to it more and do some research. I was really just looking for some advice. Maybe you have a better understanding and may have suggestions for me. If not thats cool too. I will do the research but, do you know if you can pass the exam part and receive the designation when you have the experience.. Thanks for your help.

BEC - 81 11/30/11 Praise God
FAR - 84 7/11/11
AUD -70,64,72, IM DONE!! 90 7/5/12
REG - 84 10/07/11

[Minimorty]

@hawk – Take a look through this and let me know if its helpful at all.

https://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/ForensicAndValuation/Membership/Pages/ABVCredentialExperienceProgram.aspx

There must be some sort of program in place through the AICPA that lets you gain the necessary experience. I would assume you can take the exam as soon as you receive your CPA license. I dont think you need to wait until you have all the necessary experience.

[lauramaria]

@NoScores2Display4thisSection and @hawk,

What did you decide on the ABV exam and how did it go?

Here I am , ready to buy the CIA books from Gleim, but keep thinking that I can do better. ABV seems to make a good pair with Forensics, but I cannot find enough information about what it takes to pass this exam.

Did anyone pass this exam recently ?

[Minimorty]

@laura – The AICPA actually has an exam prep course for this now. Check out the AICPA website for more info. I'll try to post a few links in a bit.

[Minimorty]

https://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/ForensicAndValuation/CPEEvents/Pages/ABV%20Examination%20Review%20Course.aspx

[lauramaria]

Thank you Mini for this link,

I took a class last year that actually introduced me to the concept of business valuation and I kept thinking that it is only for smart people (although I did OK).

The link you sent me shows that AICPA offers free registration for next examination period if fail first time and that is a plus.I also checked out the link with the program to help the candidates gaining experience and that sounds promising , also.

I am hoping this accreditation will open some new doors for me , and that I will get a chance to actually gain experience and become good at it …

Bless me, Mini, `cause I am going to go for it…

Many, many thanks,

LM

[nextstopCPA]

ABV sounds challenging but I am interested in it as well. It seems that the work would never be the same which is important for someone like me who doesn't like the routine accounting stuff. Thanks Mini for the info!

FAR Passed
REG Passed
AUD Passed
BEC Passed

All aboard, this train's leaving. Next stop, TBD!

[Minimorty]

Awesome, good luck to both of you!

One reminder is that you have to be a licensed CPA to get the ABV designation. Just wanted to mention it in case anyone had any thoughts about trying to get it prior to being licensed.

[lauramaria]

Right about the designation.The exam can be taken before you get the CPA license , but the designation must wait.

Would anyone know how else we could put the designation to use , other than the public accounting – forensic accounting setting ?

[Author]

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