Student Stories

Before returning to Canada in 2025, my valuation experience had been developed entirely abroad. Upon return, I was encouraged by my mentors to pursue the CBV designation to deepen my technical foundation, particularly valuation practice in Canada. Even with prior experience as a valuation practitioner, I have found the CBV curriculum valuable in connecting valuation theory and methodology with practical, real-world application. The program is undoubtedly challenging and requires a meaningful time commitment, but its practical focus has made the experience both rewarding and directly relevant to my continued development as a valuation professional. 

As a CPA working in FP&A who recently shifted my focus toward valuations, I have continued to learn new skills in every CBV course that I can apply directly in my day-to-day work. The CBV approach to understanding assumptions and assessing risk is valuable not only in valuations, but also when building business cases and developing long-term plans. 

While working full-time, I have found the program manageable and appreciate the practical focus of the course materials. The hands-on, Excel-based case response format reinforces key concepts and has provided me with tools that I use regularly in my role. 

My experience in the CBV program has been both rewarding and challenging. The program has helped me build a strong foundation in business valuation while deepening my understanding of valuation methodologies and litigation-related matters. One of the most valuable aspects of the program has been the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned directly to my professional experience. Balancing the program with a full-time career has required dedication and commitment, but it has been extremely worthwhile. I am grateful for the knowledge, skills, and professional growth I have gained through the program, and I look forward to continuing my journey towards earning my CBV designation.

I chose to pursue the CBV designation because I’m building a career in valuations. I really enjoy the challenge and variety of the work. No two files are the same, and there is both an art and a science to the valuation process. The combination of technical finance with the qualitative understanding of what actually drives value in a business is really interesting and challenging. The CBV Program has done a fantastic job at ensuring the course content reflects the work itself. The concepts are relevant and directly applicable to situations I encounter on the job. The program has given me greater breadth and depth in my valuation knowledge. For anyone considering CBV, I’d recommend it as a strong foundation for a career in valuation. 

I chose the CBV designation to build on my CPA designation and expand my career into a new area while continuing to apply the skills and knowledge I had already developed. The program has strengthened my confidence by helping me understand the theory behind complex valuation concepts and better appreciate the “why” behind the work I do. I’ve especially valued the electives, which have broadened my perspective and helped me become a more well-rounded business valuator. For anyone considering the CBV path, I’d encourage them to engage deeply with the material, it has opened new career opportunities for me and meaningfully deepened my professional knowledge. 

As a Partner at a CPA firm, I am always looking for ways to strengthen the advice and service I provide to clients. The CBV Program of Studies provides me with a strong framework for analyzing complex financial issues, including in business valuation, transactional support, and litigation matters. Pursuing the CBV designation allows me to build on my existing experience while gaining new perspectives and practical tools that I can apply in my everyday work. It has been a rewarding and valuable experience that will ultimately help me serve my clients more comprehensively. 

The CBV Program of Studies has been a great complement to my work in KPMG’s Valuations department. It has strengthened my understanding of valuation concepts and helped me better understand how different valuation methodologies are selected and applied. Connecting what I’m learning with my day-to-day work has made the program feel practical and relevant. I look forward to continuing to build on this foundation as I progress through the program.