FMVA — Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (CFI)
A practical, skills-first certification in financial modeling and valuation.
Comparing options? Read ACCA vs CPA vs CMA vs CFA →Quick answer
- Best for
- A practical, skills-first certification in financial modeling and valuation.
- Not ideal for
- If you need a regulated/chartered qualification or audit rights.
- Main roles
- Financial analyst, FP&A, investment-banking analyst and corporate finance.
- CPD
- Not a chartered body, but the skills count toward many bodies' CPD.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Who it's for
Those wanting hands-on modeling and valuation skills — for FP&A, corporate finance or banking — without a multi-year exam path.
Structure
An online, self-paced CFI certification covering three-statement modeling, DCF and comparable valuation, scenario analysis and Excel — roughly 100–120 hours.
Time & cost
Self-paced; CFI runs on an annual subscription, but many CFI courses can be audited free.
Careers
Financial analyst, FP&A, investment-banking analyst and corporate finance.
The skills you'll build
Many of these serve more than one path.
Best free resources for this path
Curated and vetted, with how to start.
Free Accounting Fundamentals and finance courses you can audit free.
How to start: Create a free account and choose the free/audit option.
Free, self-paced Excel and Power BI training — essential analyst skills for any finance path.
How to start: Free with a Microsoft account; the optional PL-300 exam is paid.
Thousands of university finance/accounting courses you can audit free; financial aid for certificates.
How to start: Free account; click 'Audit', or apply for financial aid for a certificate.
Fully free courses — Alison/Saylor give free certificates; Khan Academy for fundamentals.
How to start: Free accounts; learn at your own pace.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Not a chartered body, but the skills count toward many bodies' CPD.
Get these hours for free →Disclaimer
Links to third-party resources are provided for convenience and learning only. Fileminder does not control third-party content, prices, certificates, CPD/CPE eligibility, availability or accuracy. Always check the provider's own page before relying on a course, certificate, CPD unit or learning outcome. Last reviewed: June 2026.