7 Best Diligence Courses, Training & Certifications (2023)

Kison Patel
Founder and CEO, DealRoom

Due diligence is a comprehensive examination of every aspect of a business, and is a vital step in the M&A process. DealRoom has played host to thousands of due diligence processes with a wide range of professionals such as investment bankers, small business owners, tax lawyers, forensic accountants, health specialists, and more. 

Given the complexity and importance of due diligence, there is a growing number of due diligence courses available on the market. Most of these courses aim to provide a general overview of the due diligence process rather than delving into the specifics of a particular area. We have reviewed some of these courses and have compiled a list of the best options available.

Benefits of a Due Diligence Course

Choosing the right due diligence course can make a significant difference in the success of the endeavor. A due diligence course can provide valuable information and training on the best practices for conducting due diligence, including how to identify potential risks and opportunities, as well as how to effectively evaluate and manage those risks and opportunities.

One of the key benefits of a due diligence course is that it can help organizations better understand the risks and opportunities associated with a particular investment, merger, or acquisition. By providing a detailed understanding of the due diligence process, a course can help organizations identify and mitigate potential risks while also identifying and capitalizing on opportunities.

In addition to providing a thorough understanding of the due diligence process, an excellent due diligence course should also include hands-on training and real-world examples. This ensures that participants have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical setting, and are able to effectively implement the due diligence process in their own organizations.

Another important consideration when choosing a due diligence course is the level of support and guidance that is provided. A good course should offer participants access to experienced instructors and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout. This can be especially important for organizations new to the due diligence process, as it can help ensure they can navigate the process successfully.

7 Best Due Diligence Courses

1. M&A Science

Cost: $150/month for the annual subscription to all the M&A Science Academy courses

The M&A Science Academy is the premier destination for mastering due diligence. The courses are designed and delivered by experienced practitioners, ensuring that the information provided is not only accurate but also actionable.

The M&A Science Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum of M&A-related subjects, including three dedicated courses that cover the essential subject of due diligence. In addition, the online format allows subscribers to access lectures and modules at their convenience, making it easy to fit education into a busy schedule.

The courses are not only designed to provide a deep understanding of due diligence but also to provide a broad understanding of the M&A process. The curriculum includes a range of subjects, including due diligence, deal sourcing, negotiations, divestitures, and post-merger integrations. This holistic approach ensures subscribers have the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the M&A process with confidence.

At the end of each this course, members will receive a certificate of completion, formalizing their newly acquired knowledge and skill. 

2. MAA Institute: Due Diligence Course

Cost: $1,090.00

The MAA Institute's Due Diligence Course is a premier educational opportunity for those seeking to master the intricacies of the due diligence process. As the leading global think tank for M&A, the IMAA boasts a community of over 10,000 registered users, ensuring that course materials are regularly updated and refined based on feedback and real-world experiences. This comprehensive course delves into key areas of due diligence, such as financial, legal, and tax considerations, while also exploring lesser-known but equally important topics such as antitrust, cultural, ethics, and health and safety evaluations. In addition, IMAA students will have access to a wealth of resources based on real-life case studies, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to professional endeavors.

3. The Merger Training Institute: M&A Due Diligence Training Course

Cost: $1,440 (webinar), £1,800 (in-person, London), £2,250 (in-person, Singapore & Dubai)

The Merger Training Institute's M&A Due Diligence Training Course is a highly sought-after educational opportunity for those looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the due diligence process in the context of mergers and acquisitions. The course offers a unique networking experience, with students representing a diverse array of blue-chip companies and investment banks. The curriculum is designed to provide a holistic perspective on due diligence, examining how it impacts target value, identifies potential risks, and shapes post-merger integration. Whether an executive seeking to sharpen their M&A skills or a professional looking to gain a deeper understanding of due diligence, this course is customizable to meet the participant’s needs.

4. CIMA: Due Diligence - Introduction

Cost: £650 (£550 for members)

As a renowned leader in the field of management accounting, CIMA (the Chartered Institute for Management Accountants) is dedicated to providing practical and effective solutions for running a successful business. 

This intensive program is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the critical importance of due diligence in M&A transactions. From the foundational elements of due diligence to practical advice on navigating the process, this course is tailored to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to conduct due diligence in a robust and effective manner.

Throughout the course, participants will delve into essential topics such as the techniques and procedures necessary for successful due diligence, the role of professional advisors, common pitfalls to avoid, and the unique considerations for public and private takeovers.

By the end of this course, participants will have a deep understanding of the intricacies of due diligence and the confidence to navigate the process with ease. 

5. ACCA: Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions

Cost: £75

The ACCA's Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions course is a valuable introduction to the complex process of due diligence. As one of the global leaders in accounting, the ACCA's reputation for delivering high-quality education is well-established. This online course is designed to be completed within 4 hours, making it an efficient and convenient option for those looking to gain a foundational understanding of due diligence. While this course provides a primer on the subject, it serves as an excellent starting point before diving deeper into more comprehensive and costly courses. This course is a great way to decide if further investment in the subject is worth it.

6. M&A Science Academy Diligence Management Certification

Cost: $175/month billed monthly, $150/month billed annually

The M&A Science Diligence Management Certification course is a comprehensive educational experience offered through the M&A Science Academy. As academy members, participants will have access to over 60 M&A-related courses, virtual summits, exclusive networking events, and more, allowing participants to deepen their knowledge and expand their professional network. The certification course focuses on critical aspects of due diligence, including how to approach the process, build a diligence team, ask the right questions, understand the iterative nature of due diligence, and the importance of data integrity. The course is taught by a team of four experienced M&A professionals, each with their own unique perspectives on the due diligence process. To learn more about the course and the M&A Science Academy, visit the website here.

7. Redcliffe Training Due Diligence in M&A

Cost: £695

The Redcliffe Training Due Diligence in M&A course is a comprehensive educational experience designed for professionals at all levels involved in the mergers and acquisitions process. Whether a seasoned M&A professional, a business owner considering a sale, a corporate in-house team member, a private equity professional, or a diligence provider, this course is a "must-know" for understanding the intricacies of due diligence in the M&A process. The course covers the key topics of due diligence and how it interacts with the target value, risks around the target, and how certain issues will affect post-merger integration. The course material is also a "nice to know" for legal and other advisers involved in the M&A process seeking a better understanding of how due diligence findings may affect a transaction in financial terms. This course will provide participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the due diligence process with confidence and success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, due diligence is an essential component of the mergers and acquisitions process and mastering it is crucial for professionals at all levels of the industry. The top 7 diligence courses highlighted in this article offer comprehensive and engaging educational experiences that can help participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in M&A.

Investing in personal and professional development through due diligence coursework is a wise decision that can pay dividends in terms of career advancement and success. The M&A Science Academy offers a wide range of courses and resources that can help members gain a deeper understanding of the due diligence process and the broader context of mergers and acquisitions. 

Whether you are looking to gain a foundational understanding of due diligence, sharpen your M&A skills or network with other professionals in the industry, the M&A Science Academy is a valuable resource that can help you achieve your goals.

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