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Multiple Entry Point System for the ABV Credential
The Multiple Entry Point System (MEPS) has been introduced for the ABV Credential. The MEPS for the ABV Credential is consistent in format with other AICPA specialty credentials and makes the credential more accessible to a broader range of practitioners, including members in industry and those who hold certain credentials from other business valuation organizations.
The MEPS, combined with the computerization of the ABV Examination, preserves the integrity and position of the ABV credential in the marketplace, while providing greater flexibility to those who wish to obtain the credential.
To obtain the ABV credential under the MEPS, a candidate must hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate, be a member of the AICPA in good standing, payment of a $550 application fee, and obtain a total of 100 points. Points must be earned in three distinct areas:
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Requirement |
Minimum |
Maximum |
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Business Experience
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15 |
35
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Lifelong Learning
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15 |
35
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Examination |
50 |
50
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Experience
Candidates will receive 2.5 points per engagement or 5 points for every 50 hours of eligible business experience. To be awarded the ABV credential, the candidate must earn a minimum of 15 points in business experience. Providing 6 qualifying individual engagements or 150 hours of eligible business experience will allow the candidate to meet the minimum business experience requirement. The maximum number of points that can be earned is 35, which is equivalent to 14 qualifying individual engagements or 350 hours of eligible business experience. A detailed explanation of what type of work qualifies for the experience requirement is included in the ABV Credential Handbook.
Lifelong Learning
Candidates will receive 1 point for every 3 qualifying CPE credits. To be awarded the ABV credential, the candidate must earn a minimum of 15 points in life-long learning. Providing 45 hours of qualifying CPE credits will allow the candidate to meet the minimum life-long learning requirement. The maximum number of points that can be earned is 35, which is equivalent to 105 hours of qualifying CPE credits. Points can be earned by presenting at qualifying national or state conferences, or authoring of books or articles on topics of valuation interest. Specific details on point accumulation are included in the ABV Credential Handbook.
Examination
All candidates are required to pass an exam. To be awarded the ABV credential, the candidate must earn 50 points under the examination requirement by passing the ABV Examination. If they hold another valuation credential earned via a proctored exam, the candidates must pass ABV Part I in order to be awarded the 50 points. The following credentials are eligible under the MEP system:
· Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA)
· ASA Accredited Member (AM)
· Certified Business Appraiser (CBA)
· Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
· Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
The ABV Exam is computer-based and normally offered for a four-week period between November and December at Prometric testing centers, located nationwide. Please visit our our exam page to find out more information.
The AICPA-sponsored and state society hosted ABV Exam Review Course is great primer to get ready for the ABV examination. Additionally, we offer our AICPA-hosted Business valuation courses.
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