Thinking about earning the Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation? Start here. This overview walks you through the requirements to become a CBV, so you can see where you stand and map out your path before you enroll.
Is the CBV designation right for you?
The CBV designation is built for ambitious business and finance professionals who want to develop the professional judgment that sets them apart in a crowded job market. A background in finance or business helps, but it isn’t required. Curiosity, critical thinking, and strong communication matter just as much. Whether you’re early in your career or already working in valuation, the path is designed to fit around your work.
The requirements at a glance
To become a CBV, you’ll need to meet five requirements:
- Submit your membership application, and be a person of good character and reputation.
- A university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Complete the CBV Program of Studies, comprised of six courses (four core and two electives), plus the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) Foundations program.
- Pass the Membership Qualification Examination (MQE).
- Gain 1,500 hours of relevant experience in business valuation or a related field.
Here’s what each involves
1. A university degree
You don’t need a completed degree to begin. If you’re currently enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution, you can register and start the CBV Program of Studies while you complete your studies. Your degree only needs to be finished by the time you apply for membership. This requirement may be waived if you hold a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation or the legacy CA, CMA, or CGA designations.
2. The CBV Program of Studies
Build deep, practical valuation expertise through six courses (four core (Levels I–IV) and two electives) delivered online, on a schedule that fits around your work. To be eligible to write the MQE, you’ll also complete the FMI Foundations course. You may qualify for exemptions from some courses (see below).
3. The Membership Qualification Examination (MQE)
The MQE is the final academic step. It’s a case-based, four-hour exam that tests your ability to apply valuation skills to real-world scenarios. It’s held once a year in September and can be written online, in English or French, from anywhere. You must write it within three years of completing the CBV Program of Studies.
4. Relevant experience
You’ll need 1,500 hours of relevant experience in business valuation or a closely related area, of which at least 750 hours must be core valuation experience. Your experience does not need to be supervised by a CBV. A non-CBV supervisor can attest to your work. More information is available in the Experience Requirements policy.
5. Membership application
Once you’ve met the requirements above, you submit your membership application. As part of the application, you’ll be asked to declare anything that could bear on your good character and reputation. That includes any criminal charges or convictions, findings of professional misconduct, or disciplinary action by another professional or regulatory body. CBV Institute reviews each application, and only those determined to be of good character and reputation are admitted to membership and granted the right to use the CBV designation.
Do you qualify for course exemptions?
If you hold certain designations or have completed approved university courses, you may be exempt from parts of the CBV Program of Studies, which can shorten your path. Exemptions are available for holders of the CFA, CPA, ASA-BV, IIBV, and CAIA designations, and for students at partner universities. See the Course Exemptions page to check your eligibility.
How long does it take?
Most students complete the CBV Program of Studies in about two years while working, then write the MQE and apply for membership. Your timeline depends on how many courses you take per term and how quickly you accumulate your experience hours.
Ready to become a CBV?
Start your journey below.