EXAM PREPARATION FOR FMI ADVANCED FINANCIAL MODELER – AFM 1

Available Dates & Locations

Dates

October 27, 2025

–

October 31, 2025

Location

Dubai

Duration

5 Days

Venue

09:00 am – 03:30 pm (Dubai)

Language

AR, EN

Fees

$5,450.00

Dates

October 27, 2025

–

October 31, 2025

Location

Virtual Live

Duration

5 Days

Venue

09:00 am – 03:30 pm (Dubai)

Language

AR, EN

Fees

$3,850.00

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) is the first of three certification levels offered by the FMI. This exam preparation course forms the foundation for subsequent certification levels and focuses on the skills required to design and build integrated financial models. The AFM exam provides participants with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their modeling proficiency through an intensive modeling exam within a controlled environment. Participants who pass the exam will achieve the Advanced Financial Modeler credential.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The AFM is the foundational level for earning the most respected financial modeling certification in the industry. It sets the global standard in financial modeling proficiency and allows you differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive financial environment. Consider how obtaining the AFM can accelerate your career:

Skill Validation: Demonstrate advanced financial modeling proficiency to yourself and employers.
Personal Development: Invest in yourself by earning certifications that are challenging and revered by the industry.
Career Flexibility: Obtain a skillset that is globally relevant and respected across multiple lines of business.

Note
This course requires the use of laptops with Excel 2016/2019/365. Delegates must bring their own laptops with Windows-based Excel fully installed.

TARGET COMPETENCIES

Financial model layout and best practices
Intermediate-to-advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Excel efficiency
Scenarios Analysis
Accounting fundamentals including financial statement construction and linkages
Model schedules (e.g. Fixed vs Variable Costs, Working Capital, Deferred Taxes, Debt and Equity)

The AFM program is open to anyone who has an interest in or currently works in business analysis, business planning, and financial modeling. From finance students to seasoned industry professionals, the AFM designation is ideal for those who:

Understand the fundamentals and methodologies of financial modeling
Want to hone and validate their skills
Work as part of a larger team to provide support for improvement or new projects
Work extensively with Excel in their day-to-day work to make material financial decisions

This course demonstrates core principles in Financial Modeling and utilizes Excel in performing modern and creative techniques of Modeling. Real-life case studies, individual workshops, and team presentations by participants.

FINANCIAL MODELING BEST PRACTICES

Modeling as a Discipline Model Planning
- Error-checking techniques
- Performing Top/Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
- Model Purpose
- 11 Questions to ask the Modeler
Design and Presentation
- Design Tips
- Headers/Footers
- Cover Page Rules
- Table of Contents
- Naming Conventions

FINANCIAL MODELING BEST PRACTICES (CONTINUED)

Tab Structure
- Vertical versus Horizontal
- Cover, Summary, Assumptions, Scenarios,
- Schedules Tab, Model, Output
Model Construction TipsStructural Tips
- Formatting Tips
- Formula Tips
- Circularity in Financial Models

MODEL ATTRIBUTES

Dynamic
Flexible
Intuitive
Transparent
Printable
Transferable

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Navigating Shortcuts
Selecting Cells
Function Keys
Function Shortcuts
Formatting Shortcuts
Editing Shortcuts
ALT Navigation Key Shortcuts

PROFESSIONAL EXCEL SKILLS

Excel Tools
Custom Formatting
Lookup Functions
Absolute References
Paste Special
IF Statements
Conditional Formatting
Forms & Drop-down Boxes
Printing

SCENARIO ANALYSIS

Rationale for Scenario Analysis
- Base Case
- Upside Case
- Downside Case
Scenario Analysis Skills
- CHOOSE
- INDEX
- OFFSET
Saving a Model

MODEL COMPONENTS

Financial Statements
- Income Statement
- Cash Flow Statement
- Balance Sheet
- Statement of Comprehensive Income
- Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
- Sector-specific Statements

MODEL SCHEDULES

Revenue Schedule
Operating Cost Schedule
Capex/Depreciation Schedule
Income Tax Schedule
Working Capital Schedule
Debt Schedule
Equity Schedule