To qualify for the credential, finance professionals need at least 3,000 hours of experience in fair value measurement. They also must pass the exam by demonstrating a working knowledge of fair value measurement, business valuation, accounting and auditing standards, and the uniform guidance to be followed as a credential holder.

"The CEIV credential is an important step in improving the confidence that clients, regulators, auditors, investors, and the public have in the quality of fair value measurement results that are included in financial statements," Jeannette Koger, the AICPA's VP of services and credentialing, public accounting.

Credential holders will be required to follow uniform guidance on the amount of documentation needed to support measurement results in determining values of businesses and intangible assets for company financial statements. Intangible assets include trademarks, patents and technology, customer sales lists, and non-compete agreements.

The online credential exam is divided into two parts with 60 multiple choice questions each. It will take two hours to complete each section.  Credential holders must also undergo periodic quality reviews.