An Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA) is a valuation professional who has completed specialized advanced training in business valuations through the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) and who has also completed a comprehensive examination and submitted a complete written valuation report to examiners. AVAs receive continuing education in valuations each year and observe the ethics, reporting standards, and practice standards of NACVA.

To be awarded the Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) designation from the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA), the candidate is required to successfully complete educational requirements, testing, and peer review through the IBA. Requirements to earn the designation include holding a business degree from an accredited institution of higher education, possessing a prerequisite understanding of business valuation theory and practice, and demonstrating a minimum of 10,000 hours of prior work experience in business valuation. The candidate must also complete in-depth IBA coursework covering various aspects of valuation theory and application, methodology, and report writing and pass a comprehensive examination. The final step in earning the CBA designation is the successful completion of the rigorous peer review of two demonstration reports submitted by the candidate. To maintain the designation, a CBA will be required to obtain continuing professional education in business valuation and participate in periodic peer review programs aimed at promoting quality and adherence to IBA standards.