Many learning opportunities are available for those interested in learning financial modeling. Students can select from in-person, live online, and asynchronous coursework. Skills classes are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. For more in-depth financial modeling training for career development, students can choose from bootcamps and certificate programs. Bootcamps provide a relatively short training format and take about 20 hours to complete. Certificate programs are more involved and can take weeks or months to finish. Both certificates and bootcamps are available as part-time or full-time classes, which allows participants to select the learning format most suited to their schedule. Additionally, asynchronous financial modeling training is also available. This self-paced material varies in length from short video clips to longer courses that span hours. This flexible learning format allows learners to study whenever their schedule permits.

What is Financial Modeling?

Financial modeling is the process of evaluating a company’s past performance to predict the likelihood of various financial outcomes. Those who create financial models rely on financial forecasts to do so. The assumptions in a forecast are played out using the organization’s financial statements to predict how various statements may look in the future. Since these models are based on financial statements, they are typically generated monthly, quarterly, or yearly. It’s common for financial models to be constructed using manual data entry in an Excel spreadsheet. 

Read more about what financial modeling is and why you should learn it. 

Benefits of Learning Financial Modeling

Financial models have a range of uses for businesses of all sizes. They can provide an overview of how much a company is worth before it goes public and whether it’s eligible for a loan or financing options. Budget forecasting models are a valuable tool for those working in finance to understand how the organization is performing based on input from different departments. Financial models also help evaluate potential outcomes of management decisions before they are executed, which can help predict any changes to revenue that may be associated with raising the price of a product. In addition, investors sometimes work with financial models to establish how likely a company is to repay its debts.

Financial models are extremely valuable for organizations because they provide a simple way to calculate performance and anticipate outcomes. Not only can these models provide insights into the risks of implementing decisions, but they can also offer a financial statement that highlights how a company is operating financially. Although there are many different kinds of financial models, they all present a comprehensive overview of how an organization performed in the past, where it currently stands, and what can be expected in the months and years ahead.

Read more about why you should learn financial modeling.

How Long Do Financial Modeling Courses Last?

Financial modeling courses vary in length depending on the type of class you choose as well as its delivery format. Skills classes are relatively short and usually take only a few hours to complete. These courses are available in-person and live online and provide several hours of hands-on instruction on core financial modeling concepts, such as using advanced Excel features to create financial models. Skills classes provide hands-on training and usually cost several hundred dollars.

For those looking for more intensive financial modeling coursework, bootcamps and certificate programs are available. Bootcamp study offers students a more in-depth training format than skills classes. Participants learn in the live environment, either in person or online, with an expert instructor. In the small class setting, a range of financial modeling skills and real-world examples are presented. Bootcamp study can range in length depending on the provider but takes approximately 20 hours to complete. This coursework can be finished in several full days of study or spread out over a few weeks of part-time coursework on nights or weekends. Bootcamps usually cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. 

Certificate programs are longer and more involved than bootcamps. These intensive classes often provide training in a range of finance-related skills that extend beyond creating financial models. Certificate study can take over 100 hours to complete and cost $5,000-$10,000, depending on the provider and scope of training. Participants can choose to study in person or in the live online environment with a real-time instructor. Certificates can also be completed through full-time study, which typically entails several weeks of intensive coursework, or part-time training, which spans months. One of the benefits of enrolling in bootcamps or certificates is they also provide career training. Tuition for these programs often includes additional learning benefits, such as one-on-one mentoring, professional portfolio development, or job search support. 

Different Courses with Different Schedules

Financial modeling courses provide learners with different delivery methods and depths of instruction, which can affect how long it takes to complete the course. Skills classes are generally the shortest form of live instruction and take several hours to finish. Bootcamps provide in-person or live online training and span 20 or more hours. Certificate study is also delivered live and requires 100 or more hours to complete.

In-Person & Online Classes

One important choice you’ll make as a learner is whether to enroll in an in-person or online financial modeling class. Because in-person and live online courses are both available in real-time, they take the same amount of time to complete. Skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs each offer financial modeling classes in-person and in the live online format. Some providers offer the option of completing coursework in-person or doing so remotely using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom or Teams. Additionally, many providers offer both part-time and full-time study options, which affect course length regardless of whether it’s completed in the in-person or online setup.

For extroverted individuals who thrive in traditional classrooms, in-person study is an excellent option. This engaging learning format provides access to a live instructor who’s leading discussions. Those enrolled not only have the opportunity to ask questions on the spot and receive immediate clarification, but they also are able to connect with other learners in their cohort. Although this type of study requires commuting to and from a training facility for scheduled class meetings, it’s a good way for students to receive real-world financial modeling training and network with other learners on this path.

Live online coursework is also taught with a live instructor. Participants don’t need to drive to class for meetings; they can study from the comfort of their home or office. Live online study still allows learners to connect directly with an instructor. They can ask questions, receive immediate answers, and even share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for additional clarification. 

Synchronous & Asynchronous Classes

Deciding whether to take a financial modeling class synchronously or asynchronously is another factor that will dictate the time needed to complete coursework. Synchronous coursework involves learning financial modeling through live, in-person, or online instruction. An instructor leads the course in real time and is available to provide guidance and support as needed. 

On the other hand, asynchronous financial modeling classes were recorded at an earlier time and placed online. These courses vary considerably in length and focus. Some content, like YouTube videos, is devoted to a single financial modeling skill, like understanding a DCF model, and requires only a few minutes of time. Other courses provide a more comprehensive overview of what financial modeling is and the basic components of this process. These classes may span hours or days. One of the main benefits of asynchronous content is that learners dictate their own learning pace. They can spend as much or as little time on a unit as they wish before moving on, or pause and rewind as necessary to help cement difficult concepts. Prices for asynchronous study material vary from free video content and coursework to platform-based subscriptions or for-pay classes. Generally speaking, self-paced material is more affordable than live content since it has already been recorded. Since no class time is devoted to questions and answers or other features of in-person learning, these courses generally don’t take as long to complete as live study. 

There are some important considerations if you want to learn to create financial models through asynchronous content. Because so much training material is posted online, it can be challenging to select that which is current. It’s always a good idea to research the educational provider and read student reviews of the class before enrolling to ensure it’s up to date and is at the appropriate learning level for your needs. Additionally, since no instructor is present, you will need to find answers on your own to any questions you have while studying. For self-motivated learners, asynchronous material can be a good place to start learning this process. However, for those who hope to acquire financial modeling training for career advancement or other professional reasons, more structured coursework, such as that which is provided through live online bootcamps, may be needed to fully master this involved set of skills.

Career-Focused & Skills-Focused Classes

Another decision learners have to make when selecting financial modeling coursework is whether to take a skills-focused class or a career-focused program. Deciding which is best for you depends on your ultimate goals for learning this skill and your reasons for study.

Skills-focused financial modeling coursework is available from many providers. These short classes usually hone in on a handful of useful financial modeling techniques and concepts that prepare participants to create financial models. Skills classes can teach financial modeling as a broad concept or through a specific focus, such as using advanced Excel to create financial models, corporate valuation, or LBO analysis. These classes are offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. This ensures that those new to financial modeling won’t be overwhelmed with advanced content, and those with a background in accounting or financial analytics won’t waste time re-learning information they already know. Skills coursework usually can be completed in a day or two and costs several hundred dollars.

Career-focused classes are another learning option for those looking to study financial modeling. Both bootcamp programs and certificates teach participants the financial modeling skills they need to perform better in their current position or explore a new career path. In addition to live instruction, which is provided by an instructor with industry experience creating financial models, participants also receive other professional development perks in these longer, more intensive courses. Depending on the provider, supplementary career-focused training may be included with tuition. This is designed to help those enrolled apply their training in a professional setting. Some certificate programs, for example, provide career counseling, professional portfolio development, or one-on-one mentoring with tuition. In addition, participants in bootcamps or certificates may be able to retake the course for free for up to a year to ensure they retain the content they learn and can continue using it. Training material like online videos or study guides may also be given to participants to help them continue with their education following the completion of the class.

Introductory Classes & Immersive Courses 

Learners at all levels can find a financial modeling class that offers the appropriate level of instruction. Skills courses offer a great resource for level-specific training. Many educational providers offer introductory, intermediate, and advanced skills classes in financial modeling. Students who are just getting started working in finance likely will be most comfortable with beginner-friendly content, whereas those who already have basic financial modeling skills may wish to explore advanced-level skills classes. Students can opt to take just one skills class in a day or two for several hundred dollars. Some providers offer a discount for learners interested in taking all three classes and progressing from introductory-level to advanced-level content over several consecutive days. Those who opt to bundle coursework can often do so at a discount from the provider.

Another option for learners interested in acquiring financial modeling training is to sign up for a more immersive program. Bootcamp study can take 20 or more hours to complete and provides a more in-depth focus on not only the skills needed to create financial models but the professional applications of financial modeling. Certificate programs offer a rigorous form of training for individuals who are committed to mastering financial modeling. Depending on their scope, these programs can take 100-150 hours or more to complete over several weeks or months. They often combine financial modeling training with other related skills in finance to ensure graduates will be well-rounded in their knowledge. One of the main incentives of certificates and bootcamps is the professional development component of training they provide. Some programs offer perks for financial professionals that are designed to help them get a job and apply their modeling skills, such as career counseling, resume support, or one-on-one mentoring with a career coach.

Learn Financial Modeling Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers several excellent learning options for those interested in financial modeling. Noble’s Financial Modeling Bootcamp covers the basics of accounting, finance, and corporate valuation. Noble also offers a Financial Analyst Training Program that provides instruction on how to create a full valuation model. Noble has financial modeling training courses in-person and live online. Those interested in working with Excel for data modeling can attend the hands-on Excel Bootcamp. Noble’s FinTech Bootcamp is also available, which teaches learners how to create machine learning models and work with programming languages SQL and Python for financial data analysis.

Key Takeaways

• Financial modeling coursework varies in length, depending on the training format, content, and provider. Skills classes are relatively short and can be completed in a day or two. Bootcamps take 20 or more hours to finish, and certificate study can take more than 100 hours.
• In-person and online financial modeling coursework is offered, which ensures learners in all locations can find a study plan that works for them. In-person class takes place at a training facility, whereas live online coursework is taught with a real-time instructor, and participants can attend remotely.
• Asynchronous financial modeling training is another option for acquiring this skill set. Unlike in-person and live online content, self-paced material is pre-recorded. It not only provides learners with the flexibility of studying at any time and from any location, but it also allows them to establish their own learning pace.
• If you’re ready to learn financial modeling, Noble Desktop can help. Noble offers comprehensive training in financial modeling in the in-person and live online environment.