Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accredited Senior Appraiser credential from the American Society of Appraisers?

The American Society of Appraisers grants the designation of Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) only after the applicant has completed these requirements:

In addition, 100 hours of continuing education and a renewal exam are required every five years.

The American Society of Appraisers is the only professional organization requiring compliance with the Appraisal Institutes Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. By selecting an ASA accredited valuation analyst to value your business, you can be confident that that you are enlisting the support of a professional that is meeting the highest in industry standards.

What is required to receive a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation?

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is an international professional designation offered by the CFA Institute of USA (formerly known as AIMR).

First awarded in 1963, the CFA charter has become known as the designation of professional excellence within the global investment community. Around the world, the CFA designation is recognized as the definitive standard for measuring competence and integrity in the fields of portfolio management, investment analysis, and valuation. This designation is relevant not just to business valuation, but also to the analysis and valuation of all types of investments (debt, equity, derivative securities, and real estate).

To obtain this designation, the candidate must pass three sequential examinations that include such topics as securities analysis and valuation, portfolio analysis, economics, finance, statistics and accounting.

Because the CFA program is postgraduate, the program examinations are geared for individuals who are prepared to deal with “master’s level” course work. Individuals passing these examinations have demonstrated knowledge about the securities markets, and similar topics encountered in business valuation on a regular basis.

Apart from the examinations, CFA charter holders must have a minimum of three years of acceptable professional experience working in the investment decision-making process.

Finally, all CFA charter holders must comply with AIMR's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Most national business valuation firms typically require their senior business valuation staff to have either the CFA or ASA designations. The CFA is the most coveted designation in corporate finance. A professional holding both the CFA and ASA credentials is distinguished among his or her peers. Holding both credentials demonstrates an unyielding dedication to the business valuation profession.

Tell me about the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie School of Management – MBA program.

The Tippie School of Management is a premier provider of advanced business education. As an accredited AACSB program, the Tippie MBA consistently ranks among the top-50 MBA programs (out of over 700 U.S. institutions) and is regularly lauded for its exceptional return on investment. These accolades are a reflection of the institution’s commitment to producing a world-class education that enriches students and educators both professionally and personally.

Tell me about the University of Iowa College of Law.

For over a century, the University of Iowa College of Law has educated and trained some of the top lawyers, scholars, and leaders in the United States and abroad. The college currently offers a full-time, six-semester program leading to the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The program is full-time and has consistently ranked among the nation’s top 30 law schools.