Prova vs CFI
CFI offers the FMVA certification with structured courses and Excel templates. Prova offers hands-on practice with live data. They solve different problems.
The short version
When to use each
Use Prova when you want to...
- Practice modeling on real companies with live data
- Build models in your browser without Excel
- Get AI feedback on your assumptions and output
- Start for free and practice at scale before interviews
Use CFI when you want to...
- Earn the FMVA certification for your resume
- Follow structured courses with video instruction
- Access Macabacus Excel productivity tools
- Build comprehensive Excel skills with templates
Feature comparison
Side by side
| Feature | Prova | CFI |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive model building | ||
| Live ticker data (any public company) | ||
| DCF model | ||
| LBO model | ||
| Three-statement model | ||
| Comparable company analysis | ||
| Monte Carlo simulation | ||
| Cap table modeling | ||
| Real estate investment model | ||
| AI-powered analysis | ||
| Formula-driven Excel export | ||
| Video course content | ||
| FMVA certification | ||
| Macabacus Excel add-in | ||
| Web-based (no Excel required) | ||
| Works on Chromebook / tablet | ||
| Free tier | ||
| Models: total count | 13 | 8+ |
| Student price | $9/mo | $248/yr |
| Full price | $15/mo | $348/yr |
Key differences
What makes them different
Certification vs. practice
CFI's biggest value is the FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) certification. It takes 120-200 hours of coursework and passes a final exam. This is valuable if you need a credential for your resume. Prova doesn't offer certification — it's focused on building practical modeling skill through repetition with real data.
Price
CFI costs $348/year (or $248/year with a student discount). Prova is free for all 13 models with live data. Pro is $15/month ($9/month with .edu discount) for AI insights and formula-driven Excel. For the cost of one year of CFI, you could use Prova Pro for over two years.
Static templates vs. live data
CFI provides Excel templates with one pre-built case study per model. You follow along with the video. Prova lets you type any ticker and auto-fills live financial data from 70,000+ companies. Practice on Apple, Tesla, or the company you're interviewing at — with real numbers, not a static template.
Macabacus
CFI acquired Macabacus and includes it with membership. It's a powerful Excel and PowerPoint add-in used in investment banking for formatting, productivity, and presentation building. Prova doesn't compete here — Macabacus is a professional tool for people who live in Excel all day.
AI integration
CFI recently added an AI for Finance specialization course. Prova has AI built into the modeling workflow — Provanalyst analyzes your model output, benchmarks assumptions against industry standards, and generates investment memos. The AI teaches you as you build, not as a separate course.
The best approach? Use both.
If you need the FMVA credential, get CFI. Then use Prova to practice at scale — run the same models on dozens of real companies until the workflow is second nature. The credential opens doors; the skill keeps you in the room.
Prova is free. Start practicing today.
Ready to start practicing?
13 free financial models with live data. No credit card, no Excel required.