ISBA LMS

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. 

Follow Paul Hyde as he describes the process a business appraiser goes through during the financial analysis process, runs through a case study discussing and describing how the financial analysis can be performed, and discusses how the analysis affects the value conclusion.   This example will also include a guided tour through the application of valuation methods.

Start Date: May 24, 2021

End Date: July 16, 2021

Format: Online (a blend of virtual synchronous and asynchronous collaboration)

Hours: 32 Hours (includes 3 hours for readings and discussions and 1 hour of class time each week)

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 (under $5 million). The Advanced Valuation Techniques course covers in-depth issues relating to minority interest valuation assignments in family-owned businesses (over $5 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

Live classes are held on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. EST. The cost of your exam is included with your registration. 

You will have one year of access to the course materials.

Start Date: October 11, 2021

End Date: December 2, 2021

Format: Online (a blend of virtual synchronous and asynchronous collaboration)

Hours: 32 Hours (includes 3 hours for readings and discussions and 1 hour of class time each week)

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 (under $5 million). The Advanced Valuation Techniques course covers in-depth issues relating to minority interest valuation assignments in family-owned businesses (over $5 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

Live classes are held on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. EST. The cost of your exam is included with your registration.

You will have one year of access to the course materials.

Start Date: March 13, 2022

End Date: May 7, 2022

Format: Online (a blend of virtual synchronous and asynchronous collaboration)

Hours: 32 Hours (includes 3 hours for readings and discussions and 1 hour of class time each week)

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 (under $5 million). The Advanced Valuation Techniques course covers in-depth issues relating to minority interest valuation assignments in family-owned businesses (over $5 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

Live classes are held on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. EST. The cost of your exam is included with your registration. 

You will have one year of access to the course materials.

Start Date: January 20, 2025

End Date: March 17, 2025

Format: Online (a blend of virtual synchronous and asynchronous collaboration)

Hours: 32 Hours (includes 3 hours for readings and discussions and 1 hour of class time each week)

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 (under $5 million). The Advanced Valuation Techniques course covers in-depth issues relating to minority interest valuation assignments in family-owned businesses (over $5 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

Live classes are held on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. EST. The cost of your exam is included with your registration. 

You will have one year of access to the course materials.

The BCA-R (Business Certified Appraiser in Review) is ISBA's credential signifying outstanding achievement in Business Appraisal Review. Only certified* business appraisers with two or more full years of experience developing and reporting on the valuation of businesses are eligible to qualify for the BCA-R.

The course syllabus will be available a week before the program.

BCA-R Requirements:

1. Complete pre-reading assignment in two texts supplied as part of your course
2. Attend the five-day ISBA course in business appraisal review
3. Pass the BCA-R exam
4. Pass the BCA-R demonstration business appraisal review report assignment
5. Be (and remain) a member of the ISBA in good standing

* Must hold a BCA, ASA, ABV, CBA, CVA, CFA or MAFF credential. Exceptions may be requested.

Course Outline:

Day 1

• Introduction to business appraisal review
• Translating business appraisal knowledge to business appraisal review
• Standards and Ethics

Day 2

• Credibility
• Appraisal review checklists
• The review report
• Homework: A homework (overnight) assignment will be given, and debriefed during Day 3

Day 3

• Homework presentations and discussion
• Review and discussion of two reports
• Sample BCA-R report

Day 4

• Business practices in appraisal review
• Review for examination
• Assignment of demonstration report case study
• Examination

Day 5

• On Day 5, participants will write their demonstration. Review reports thereby concluding the requirements for the course and the credential.

The BCA-R (Business Certified Appraiser in Review) is ISBA's credential signifying outstanding achievement in Business Appraisal Review. Only certified* business appraisers with two or more full years of experience developing and reporting on the valuation of businesses are eligible to qualify for the BCA-R.

The course syllabus will be available a week before the program.

BCA-R Requirements:

1. Complete pre-reading assignment in two texts supplied as part of your course
2. Attend the five-day ISBA course in business appraisal review
3. Pass the BCA-R exam
4. Pass the BCA-R demonstration business appraisal review report assignment
5. Be (and remain) a member of the ISBA in good standing

* Must hold a BCA, ASA, ABV, CBA, CVA, CFA or MAFF credential. Exceptions may be requested.

Course Outline:

Day 1

• Introduction to business appraisal review
• Translating business appraisal knowledge to business appraisal review
• Standards and Ethics

Day 2

• Credibility
• Appraisal review checklists
• The review report
• Homework: A homework (overnight) assignment will be given, and debriefed during Day 3

Day 3

• Homework presentations and discussion
• Review and discussion of two reports
• Sample BCA-R report

Day 4

• Business practices in appraisal review
• Review for examination
• Assignment of demonstration report case study
• Examination

Day 5

• On Day 5, participants will write their demonstration. Review reports thereby concluding the requirements for the course and the credential.

The BCA-R (Business Certified Appraiser in Review) is ISBA's credential signifying outstanding achievement in Business Appraisal Review. Only certified* business appraisers with two or more full years of experience developing and reporting on the valuation of businesses are eligible to qualify for the BCA-R.

The course syllabus will be available a week before the program.

BCA-R Requirements:

1. Complete pre-reading assignment in two texts supplied as part of your course
2. Attend the five-day ISBA course in business appraisal review
3. Pass the BCA-R exam
4. Pass the BCA-R demonstration business appraisal review report assignment
5. Be (and remain) a member of the ISBA in good standing

* Must hold a BCA, ASA, ABV, CBA, CVA, CFA or MAFF credential. Exceptions may be requested.

Course Outline:

Day 1

• Introduction to business appraisal review
• Translating business appraisal knowledge to business appraisal review
• Standards and Ethics

Day 2

• Credibility
• Appraisal review checklists
• The review report
• Homework: A homework (overnight) assignment will be given, and debriefed during Day 3

Day 3

• Homework presentations and discussion
• Review and discussion of two reports
• Sample BCA-R report

Day 4

• Business practices in appraisal review
• Review for examination
• Assignment of demonstration report case study
• Examination

Day 5

• On Day 5, participants will write their demonstration. Review reports thereby concluding the requirements for the course and the credential.

The BCA-R (Business Certified Appraiser in Review) is ISBA's credential signifying outstanding achievement in Business Appraisal Review. Only certified* business appraisers with two or more full years of experience developing and reporting on the valuation of businesses are eligible to qualify for the BCA-R.

The course syllabus will be available a week before the program.

BCA-R Requirements:

1. Complete pre-reading assignment in two texts supplied as part of your course
2. Attend the five-day ISBA course in business appraisal review
3. Pass the BCA-R exam
4. Pass the BCA-R demonstration business appraisal review report assignment
5. Be (and remain) a member of the ISBA in good standing

* Must hold a BCA, ASA, ABV, CBA, CVA, CFA or MAFF credential. Exceptions may be requested.

Course Outline:

Day 1

• Introduction to business appraisal review
• Translating business appraisal knowledge to business appraisal review
• Standards and Ethics

Day 2

• Credibility
• Appraisal review checklists
• The review report
• Homework: A homework (overnight) assignment will be given, and debriefed during Day 3

Day 3

• Homework presentations and discussion
• Review and discussion of two reports
• Sample BCA-R report

Day 4

• Business practices in appraisal review
• Review for examination
• Assignment of demonstration report case study
• Examination

Day 5

• On Day 5, participants will write their demonstration. Review reports thereby concluding the requirements for the course and the credential.

In this webinar, we discuss net cash flow. Why business appraisers calculate it, and how to calculate it. We will also discuss the build-up and the WACC methods for determining discount rates.

Generally, BVFLS practitioners have one of three problems: 

1. They say they are busy—and they really, truly are—because they are doing 1:1 client work, and it feels like they are working all the time. (No time!) 
2. They say they are busy—and they really, truly are—because they are competing on price, and it feels like they are working all the time. (No time or money!) 
3. They say they are busy—but they are really, truly not—because they are having trouble getting the work, and you don’t want their friends to know. (No money or freedom!)

Repeated BVFLS practitioner surveys state the above scenarios are true. How did we get here? We are supposed to be intelligent, sophisticated, experienced, nuanced business appraisers, and advisors. How have our practices let us down? Why have we allowed our practices to let us down! And most importantly, how do we fix it? Through the lens of a new model, The Four Pillars of BVFLS Practice Development, this webinar will show you what creates the gap between the practice you have and the practice you want (authority) and the four pillars that will close that gap, positioning:

• Who do you serve? (Messaging)  
• What makes you different? (Marketing) 
• Where do you show up? (Business Model) 
• How do you generate? (Revenue)

If we want our practices to work harder for us—if we want the time, money, and freedom we thought we would get from our practices—we need to start by paying as much attention to them as we do the client businesses we value!

Every Machinery & Equipment Appraiser fits into a niche. Whether we realize that place or not, we all fit somewhere.  Being able to identify your personal strengths, desires and ambitions helps to make better use of where you are in the appraisal world. Square pegs don’t fill well into round holes and knowing what your market area is coupled with your personal strengths makes your appraisal efforts more productive. This presentation will help identify how to better assess your current position and how to be more productive and hopefully more profitable.

Founder and CEO of Equitest, an AI-powered business valuation software

We will be discussing how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the business valuation process. AI can dramatically reduce the time needed to evaluate companies.  One significant challenge in business valuation is choosing the appropriate method, as many evaluators struggle with this decision. AI addresses this by selecting the optimal valuation method based on the company's life cycle stage, resulting in more precise valuations.
 
Additionally, AI can assign a company to its industry based on its description and gather all necessary parameters specific to the industry and country. It calculates and interprets financial ratios, predicts the company's default rate, and constructs a comprehensive financial model, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. 

AI generates detailed valuation reports and even identifies any potential errors within the report, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the business valuation process.

Appraisal review serves as a critical quality control mechanism in the appraisal process, helping to ensure that valuations are accurate, reliable, and compliant with applicable standards and regulations. By identifying and addressing potential issues early on, appraisal review contributes to more informed decision-making and reduces the risks associated with inaccurate or biased appraisals.

Divorce Financial Analysts (such as credentialed CDFAs with the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) often work with business and equipment appraisers in their engagements. In this presentation, we will see several of the issues that arise that provide opportunities for professionals to support each other. 

For the BCA and CMEA attendees, we will cover the range of responsibilities CDFAs encounter, and how appraisers fit. It is very useful for appraisers to understand better what CDFAs do, and how to communicate in their respective “languages.” 

In today’s technology landscape, the question is no longer “How do I prevent a cyber attack?” But rather “How will I respond when cyber disaster occurs?”

The statistics are sobering, and the financial impact is undeniable. From lost revenue and regulatory penalties to reputational harm and operational disruption, cyber attacks have become material financial events — not just technical incidents.

For valuation professionals, this presents an emerging challenge: How should a company’s cybersecurity posture — its preparedness or lack thereof — affect its valuation?

This webinar will explore the data, examine real world incidents, and equip appraisers with a new lens for evaluating cyber risk as part of their financial due diligence.

Appraisers are constantly gathering data. Using that data for regression analysis give the appraiser another tool for developing comparable adjustments and valuation formulas.

A tidal wave of privately held firms will change hands over the next decade, yet many “inside” deals—owner‑to‑child or key‑employee buyouts—stall because neither party, nor their banker, has a defensible price or lender‑ready package. In this session I present Appraisal+: a practical framework that pairs transaction consulting with normalizing the financial documentation, USPAP-compliant appraisal, transaction‑affected projections, and lender-prescribed document preparation. Attendees will learn how to transform stalled succession conversations into bankable, fee‑generating engagements that deepen their role with commercial lenders and business owners alike.

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