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 | $11/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 $19/month ($11/month with .edu discount), or a one-time $99 Interview Season Pass for six months — a fraction of the cost of a course you only watch.
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.