CM&AA Certification - Course Details, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus

CM&AA Certification - Course Details, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Oct 03, 2023 02:45 PM IST

CM&AA Certification - The Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors, or AM&AA, offers one of the best merger and acquisition courses online for individuals who want to advance their career in the M&A domain. The course is also delivered in offline mode. The program offered is the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor or CM&AA certification and is a standard of professional excellence for professionals working in corporate finance, transaction and advisory services. The CM&AA certification is awarded at the culmination of the 5 week mergers and acquisitions training course offered by AM&AA which is a short-term intensive program. For candidates who participate in the merger and acquisition certification program for CM&AA certification, the final exam is optional and the certificate is awarded regardless to candidates who successfully complete the program.

Mergers and Acquisitions Training Course Eligibility


In order to participate in the CM&AA certification program offered by AM&AA, candidates are required to be members of the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors. Candidates therefore must either be AM&AA members or must acquire one-year CM&AA certification membership to the AM&AA in order to be eligible for the program.

The aspirants must hold a degree (graduation/post graduation) and/or professional degrees such as CFA, CPA, CVGA or equivalent. Candidates who have professional experience in advisory domain will also be considered.


Mergers and Acquisitions Training Course Dates


The mergers and acquisitions training course for CM&AA certification is a 5-week program and is available online and also in offline mode. Candidate can register for the course by visiting amaaonline.com/cmaa. Interested candidates can take the upcoming 5-week course from October 17-November 16, 2023 to become a certified merger and acquisition specialist.

Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor Certification Dates

ParticularsProgram Dates
Upcoming CM&AA courseOctober 17-November 16, 2023


Mergers and Acquisitions Training Course Topics

The CM&AA certification offered by AM&AA covers a number of topics associated with the mergers and acquisitions advisory domain. These topics are covered in detail across the duration of the program, provided participating candidates with the knowledge to excel in the field. The course topics to be covered according to the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor certification are:

  • Private Capital Markets

  • M& A Sales Process

  • Strategic Buyer Process

  • Financing: Acquisitions & Exits

  • Business Valuation for M&A

  • Financial Analysis, Transaction Structuring, and Relationship to Transaction Pricing

  • Due Diligence in M&A

  • M&A Tax Considerations

  • M&A Legal Issues

  • Investment Banking Structuring Techniques


The detailed topics within the broad subject areas mentioned above have also been specified by AM&AA. These constitute the syllabus for the mergers and acquisitions training course for CM&AA certification.

CM&AA Certification Syllabus


Subject Area

Topics

Private Market

  • Define and understand the Private Capital Markets and how those differ from the public markets
  • Current trends in the private capital marketplace (such as valuation statistics, private equity fundraising, acquisition strategies, transaction volume, etc.)
  • The connection between sources of capital, transfer methods, and valuation for privately held businesses
  • How to apply these theories when offering advisory services to privately held businesses

M&A Sales Process

  • Best practices and methods for private capital transactions
  • Identify deal opportunities with middle market companies
  • 10 steps to transaction completion
  • M&A practice management considerations

Strategic Buyer Process

  • Reasons buyers deploy “Growth by Acquisition” strategy
  • Logical process and considerations used in strategic buying decisions
  • Weaving growth strategy into the acquisition and integration processes
  • Insights into cultivating and fostering relationships with the right targets
  • Technology and tools leveraged by high performing buy-side groups and functions

Financing: Acquisitions & Exits


-

Business Valuation for M&A

  • Define and understand the valuation standards applicable for various purposes
  • Understand how the subject of the valuation should impact the approach to valuation
  • Identify factors that impact pricing in an M&A transaction and how they are considered in a valuation
  • Understanding the M&A/valuation balance sheet and enterprise value
  • Understand the steps in the valuation process
  • Understand the approaches to valuation, methods, and typical application - Cost/Asset approach, Income approach, Market approach.

Financial Analysis, Transaction Structuring, and Relationship to Transaction Pricing


-

Due Diligence in M&A

  • Key insights into the Sellers journey and deal timeline
  • Understanding Financial Due Diligence with a focus on Quality of Earnings, Debt and Debt-like items and Working Capital
  • Understand the components of a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA), its key terms and purchase price adjustment mechanisms

M&A Tax Considerations

-

M&A Legal Issues

Who is the Client?

  • Pick one party and only one (buyer; seller; corporate entity; investor)

Seller Counsel Focus/Buyer Counsel Focus

  • Drafting NDA (seller counsel)
  • Compiling/updating client's organizational documents, key legal materials (seller counsel)
  • Negotiating terms with opposing counsel, other parties to transaction (seller & buyer counsel)
  • Drafting deal documents (buyer counsel)
  • Review/revision of deal documents (seller counsel)
  • Handling closing (and post closing) matters (seller & buyer counsel)

Key Documents of Transaction

  • Non-Disclosure Agreement
  • Letter of Intent
  • Purchase/Sale Agreement
  • Ancillary Agreements (Employment; Non-Compete; Buy Back Option; Seller Finance Docs)

Due Diligence

  • Assist seller client in due diligence preparations, efforts (seller counsel)
  • Assist set up of data room, providing relevant materials per requests (seller counsel)
  • Participate in due diligence efforts as part of buyer team (buyer counsel)
  • Negotiate deal term revisions or additional deal terms per due diligence results (seller & buyer counsel)

Emerging Trends

  • Use of rep/warranty, cyber risks, employment liability insurance
  • When does insurance make sense in deal
  • Does insurance replace escrow holdbacks; who pays
  • Involvement of IT, Insurance, HR participants as much as traditional legal, tax, accounting resources

Investment Banking Structuring Techniques

-

CM&AA Certification Membership

In order to participate in the mergers and acquisitions training course for Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor certification, candidates must have AM&AA membership. The membership options vary with duration and can be renewed as per the candidate’s requirement. However, recertification for the CM&AA certification does not require candidates to renew their AM&AA membership status.


Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor Certification Cost

Online CM&AA CoursesIn-Person CM&AA Courses
Standard Member Price$ 2150Standard Member Price$ 4950
Standard Bundle Price$ 2750Standard Bundle Price$ 5495



Type of membership

Membership details

Membership price

Individual membership

One year AM&AA membership

$ 545

CM&AA 5-week program and membership

One year AM&AA membership

CM&AA certification program fee

$ 5,200

CM&AA membership renewal

One year renewal of CM&AA membership

$595


Mergers and Acquisitions Training Course Study Resources

Prospective candidates for the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor certification program will be provided with study material for the duration of the merger and acquisition certification program. Apart from this study material, the AM&AA has also mentioned a number of study resources and reference books that the candidate may need to obtain in order to succeed in the CM&AA certification program. There are four textbooks which will not be provided by AM&AA and therefore need to be obtained by the candidate. The approximate value of these books has been listed around USD $350.


CM&AA Certification Textbooks

Title

Author

Middle Market M&A Handbook

Robert Slee, Christian Blees, Kenneth H. Marks, Michael Nall

Private Capital Markets, 2nd Edition

Rob Slee

The Handbook of Financing Growth, 2nd Edition

Kenneth H. Marks

Valuation for M&A: Building Value in Private Companies, 2nd or 3rd Edition

Chris M. Mellen and Frank C. Evans

CM&AA Certification Exam

The CM&AA certification exam occurs on the last day of the merger and acquisition certification program offered by AM&AA. This is a 4-hour online test which is optional in nature. This means that the exam is not a requisite in order to obtain Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor status. The exam is only to test the candidate’s retention of the subject matter taught throughout the mergers and acquisitions training course and the result is solely for personal use as it is not required by any prospective employer or recruiter.

CM&AA Certification Maintenance


Earning the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor credential requires candidates to be AM&AA members and participate in continuing professional education or CPE activities which are necessary in order to maintain the alliance of merger and acquisition advisors certification status. The steps that candidates need to follow in order to maintain their CM&AA certification are:

  • Candidates must maintain their AM&AA membership and complete the required recertification and compliance report.

  • Candidates must pay the annual CM&AA certification continuation fee of USD $50. This will be billed along with the annual membership charges.

  • Candidates must earn at least 12 CPE credits annual through approved educational experiences and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a CM&AA designation?

CM &AA is an advanced certification oferred by the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition in middle market corporate finance, advisory, and transaction service.

2. How do I get Cm&AA?

One can register online or attend in person course conducted by Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors after meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria.

3. What is the best degree for M&A?

There are many education options one can go for to develop an understanding of M&A. The CM&AA certification by AMA and professional courses such as CPA, CFA, CA, and MBA are some of the degrees one can opt to study.

Articles

Upcoming Finance Exams

Application Date:25 October,2024 - 05 December,2024

Application Date:10 November,2024 - 23 November,2024

Exam Date:20 November,2024 - 24 November,2024

CMA Intermediate

Exam Date:10 December,2024 - 10 December,2024

View All Finance Exams
Get answers from students and experts
Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

4 Jobs Available
Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

3 Jobs Available
Underwriter

An underwrite plays crucial roles in the finance and insurance industry and works for mortgage, loan, and insurance companies. He or she analyses applications for insurance policies and assess the risk capacity to decide whether to approve application or reject. He or she assesses and evaluates the risk of another party for a fee in the form of commision or premium. 

Underwriters have strong analytical skills and they understand the insurance principle to evaluate the health of potential clients. They collaborate with agents, brokers, and to their clients to collect information and explain the insurance product details. They work on all kinds of insurance like mortgage, health insurance, life insurance, automobile, and several other kinds of insurance.

3 Jobs Available
Finance Executive

Finance Executives manage money, overseeing a company's income, expenses, and investments. They monitor financial transactions, create and assess reports like cash flows, and strategies to enhance profit margins and reduce expenses. Their role is crucial for staying competitive and making wise market decisions in response to current dynamics.

Finance Executives establish strategic financial goals, objectives, and performance criteria. Strong accounting and analytical skills are fundamental to this role. While often working fixed hours, they may extend their work hours to meet deadlines. This career is well-suited for individuals with a keen understanding of finance, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes.

3 Jobs Available
Product Manager

A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.

A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.

3 Jobs Available
Operations Manager

Operations manager is tasked with supervising the financial and business experts involved in the production of goods and services. A career as operations manager needs to supervise many divisions and coordinate daily activities. The role of operations manager is to oversee and manage diverse activities which is part of a profession as an operations manager.

All levels of an organisation's operational activities are overseen by an operations manager. He or she is in charge of selecting candidates, imparting instruction, and managing quality control programmes. Operations managers also develop plans for process improvements to ensure that everyone finishes their work on schedule. He or she must regularly evaluate budgets, manage costs, and analyse data and statistics.

3 Jobs Available
Stock Analyst

A stock analyst is an individual who analyses and evaluates various stocks and securities in the financial market. He or she in the stock analyst career forecasts stock market results, normally with an emphasis on the securities that a company or firm invests in. He or she also prepares scientific reports on financial forecasts, predictions, and recommendations based on a stock's expected profit. 

Individuals who enjoy learning and data processing, are good problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic will excel in the stock market analyst sector. Students can pursue a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBA (Master of Business Administration), M.Stat (Master of Statistics) to opt for a career in stock market analysis

2 Jobs Available
Researcher

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

2 Jobs Available
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

5 Jobs Available
QA Manager

A Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, synonymous with a Quality Assurance Manager, holds a pivotal role in ensuring products meet predefined standards. Responsible for planning, directing, and formulating control policies, the QA Manager safeguards company efficiency and profitability. By scrutinizing products for flaws and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements, they uphold quality, validating the effectiveness of quality assurance teams in maintaining high standards before product release.

4 Jobs Available
Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

3 Jobs Available
Production Manager

A Production Manager oversees manufacturing processes, ensuring timely and budgeted delivery of products. Responsible for safe, cost-effective production meeting quality standards, their role adapts to the production system. Also known as an Operations Manager, they manage human and material resources, contributing to efficient production and service delivery.

3 Jobs Available
Product Manager

A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.

A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.

3 Jobs Available
QA Lead

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

2 Jobs Available
Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

2 Jobs Available
Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top