Certifications



Our self-guided and blended online learning courses give you firsthand access to proven techniques that have been used to deliver measurable results in the real world. Each certification program is designed to empower business appraisers to master today’s most critical business valuation processes.

Business Certified Appraiser Certification Program

  • The Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) certification program provides a hands-on learning experience to help candidates prepare for and obtain the Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) designation. The path to obtaining the BCA designation involves completing two self-study courses—Valuation Essentials and Advanced Valuation Techniques—passing the proctored BCA exam, and submitting a written demonstration report for peer review. 

    The Valuation Essentials course is designed to introduce business valuation concepts and methodologies. Topics covered are geared toward 100% ownership interests in closely held businesses. The Advanced Valuation Techniques course covers in-depth issues relating to both control and non-controlling ownership interest valuation assignments in family-owned businesses (with revenues under $10 million). Upon completing this program, you will be able to:

    • Identify and apply business valuation terminology, concepts, and methodologies
    • Read and interpret financial statements
    • Normalize financial information
    • Identify earning streams
    • Develop rates of return
    • Calculate and apply ratios
    • Apply discounts and premiums
    • Understand the market approach to value and reconciliation


    The BCA is recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a “qualified source” for business appraisals administered by the SBA.


    The cost of your exam is included with your registration. 

    The Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) certification program provides a hands-on learning experience to help candidates prepare for and obtain the Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) designation. The path to obtaining the BCA designation involves completing two self-study courses—Valuation Essentials and Advanced Valuation Techniques—passing the proctored BCA exam, and submitting a written demonstration report for peer review. 

    The Valuation Essentials course is designed to introduce business valuation concepts and methodologies. Topics covered are geared toward 100% ownership interests in closely held businesses. The Advanced Valuation Techniques course covers in-depth issues relating to both control and non-controlling ownership interest valuation assignments in family-owned businesses (with revenues under $10 million). Upon completing this program, you will be able to:

    • Identify and apply business valuation terminology, concepts, and methodologies
    • Read and interpret financial statements
    • Normalize financial information
    • Identify earning streams
    • Develop rates of return
    • Calculate and apply ratios
    • Apply discounts and premiums
    • Understand the market approach to value and reconciliation


    The BCA is recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a “qualified source” for business appraisals administered by the SBA.


    The cost of your exam is included with your registration. 

Eligibility

What are the requirements for candidacy for the BCA credential?

Business Appraisal is the process of determining the economic value of a business or a business interest. During the valuation process, all areas of a business are analyzed to determine its worth and the worth of its departments or units. The process requires a synthesis of accounting, economics, finance, tax, law, and other areas of knowledge with their specific application to appraisal. 

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or a minimum of three years of on-the-job experience as an appraiser (including real property appraisal) or a business broker. State-certified general or residential real property appraisers may be eligible without regard to the bachelor’s degree requirement. If you have any questions about this eligibility requirement or would like to request an exception, please contact support@intlbca.com.


Documentation

The following documentation must be provided to constitute a complete application package:
- Two business references
- CV or resume
- College transcript (if required under Eligibility requirements, above)
- Payment for BCA curriculum, including proctored examination voucher, one year’s annual dues, and peer review of demonstration report


Non-discrimination

Certitrek and its subsidiaries including ISBA will admit candidates without regard to age, sex, race color, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status to all rights, privileges, programs, and examinations. ISBA will not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status in the administration of its certification and recertification policies.

Self-Study Courses

The self-paced, independent study program includes all reading materials. You have one year from the date of purchase to complete the program.

Advanced Financial Statement Analysis for Business Appraisers
Advanced Financial Analysis discussion, also includes a walkthrough of a valuation case.
Valuing Real Property Going Concerns | Going Concerns Appraisals
A 5% adjustment will not incorporate the operating risk of the business that utilizes the subject real property. Learn more here.