The AVA (Accredited Valuation Analyst) is NACVA's business valuation credential specifically for professionals without a CPA license — requiring a business degree or equivalent, relevant valuation experience, an exam, and a case study. It is the business valuation credential of choice for business brokers, M&A advisors, and financial consultants who need credible BV expertise but do not hold a CPA license.
Last verified: 2026 | Source: NACVA.com — nacva.com/certifications
| Fact | Detail |
| Issuing body | NACVA |
| CPA required | No — designed specifically for non-CPAs |
| Education requirement | Business degree or equivalent demonstrating financial/analytical foundation |
| Experience | Substantial BV experience demonstrated through Case Study or FMV report |
| Exam format | Proctored exam + Case Study |
| Best for | Business brokers, M&A advisors, financial consultants, investment bankers without CPA license |
Business valuation is the single most contested element of any business sale. A broker who can produce and defend a credible valuation closes more deals, retains more listings, and faces fewer price disputes. The AVA gives non-CPA brokers the professional credentials to provide this service credibly — covering income approach, market approach, and asset approach methodologies recognized by buyers, sellers, and courts.
Both AVA and CVA are NACVA credentials requiring an exam and case study. The CVA accepts CPAs and non-CPAs (with a business degree). The AVA is specifically positioned for non-CPA professionals who want a clearly labeled non-CPA BV credential. In practice, many non-CPA candidates choose the CVA (broader market recognition) over the AVA. Consult nacva.com directly to confirm current eligibility requirements for each credential.
Non-CPA professionals who want a credential specifically labeled for non-CPA practitioners may prefer the AVA. However, many non-CPA candidates pursue the CVA instead due to its higher market recognition and identical accessibility for non-CPAs. Consult NACVA (nacva.com) to determine which credential best fits your specific background.
The AVA, like the CVA, is a NACVA credential and is recognized in business valuation contexts. The ABV (AICPA) and CVA (NACVA) generally have higher court recognition due to larger credential holder bases. Consult NACVA for specific guidance on AVA recognition in your practice context.
Consult NACVA (nacva.com) for current policy on holding multiple NACVA credentials simultaneously, as eligibility rules may have been updated since this guide was last verified.
Yes — for non-CPA business brokers who want to add business valuation expertise, the AVA or CVA pathway provides the foundational credential. Most practitioners choose the CVA due to higher market recognition, but the AVA is a recognized and valid credential within the NACVA professional community.
Whether you pursue the AVA, CVA, or ABV, business valuation expertise directly increases your ability to price, market, and defend the businesses you represent. Explore our business broker training pathway →