Introduction: Why Choosing the Right First CFI Course Matters
When stepping into the world of finance education, your first course can set the tone for everything that follows. The Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is one of the most trusted platforms for learning job-ready finance skills. With programs like FMVA®, BIDA™, and CMSA®, students and professionals alike can sharpen their financial modeling, analytics, and capital markets expertise.
But with so many choices, a common question arises:
“What’s the best CFI course to take first?”
Whether you’re aiming to land a role in investment banking, FP&A, data analytics, or corporate strategy — we’ve created this guide to help you choose the right starting point.
Even better? We’ll also show you how to get started with exclusive CFI discounts so you can learn more while spending less.
What is CFI? Quick Overview
CFI (Corporate Finance Institute) is a leading online education platform that offers professional-grade training in finance, accounting, and data analysis. It’s known for:
- Self-paced video-based learning
- Hands-on Excel and PowerPoint projects
- Certifications that are respected by top employers
Who Should Learn from CFI?
- Business students preparing for finance roles
- Career switchers entering the finance industry
- Working professionals aiming for promotion or upskilling
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners managing their finances
Best CFI Courses to Take First (By Popular Career Path)
CFI’s catalog includes over 100+ courses and several certification programs. If you’re just getting started, these are the best introductory CFI courses based on your goals:
1. Accounting Fundamentals
Best for: Absolute beginners in finance or business
Why take this first:
- Teaches foundational accounting concepts like debits, credits, and journal entries
- Prepares you for more advanced financial modeling or analysis
What you’ll learn:
- Financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow)
- Key accounting principles
- How transactions flow through the system
2. Introduction to Corporate Finance
Best for: Students, career switchers, or professionals seeking business finance basics
Why take this first:
- Gives a high-level overview of how businesses make financing decisions
- Covers time value of money, risk, and capital budgeting
3. Excel Crash Course – Spreadsheet Formulas for Finance
Best for: Everyone — Excel is essential for all CFI programs
Why take this first:
- Covers everything from formulas and formatting to pivot tables
- Required in almost every job in finance, accounting, and analytics
Key skills:
- VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, SUMIFS
- Charts, data analysis, formatting
4. Financial Analysis Fundamentals
Best for: Analysts, FP&A aspirants, consultants
Why take this first:
- Teaches how to analyze real-world financial statements
- Critical for roles in finance, equity research, or corporate strategy
5. FMVA® Certification: Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst
Best for: Serious learners aiming for top-tier finance roles
Why start here:
- It’s CFI’s flagship certification — structured step-by-step
- Includes all essentials: Excel, accounting, valuation, DCF, and LBO models
- Industry-recognized credential
Course Bundle Includes:
- 29+ courses
- Quizzes and exams
- Excel-based financial modeling case studies
Other Great Courses to Consider After the Basics
Once you’ve covered the fundamentals, these CFI courses are great next steps:
- Budgeting & Forecasting in Excel
- Business Valuation Modeling
- Data Science & Machine Learning for Finance (part of BIDA™)
- Capital Markets & Securities Analysis (CMSA®)
- ESG & Sustainability Reporting
Where to Find CFI Discounts and Coupon Codes
At CFI Coupon Code, we gather 100% verified, regularly updated promo codes for CFI courses and subscriptions. You can save:
- Up to 25–30% off on full-access subscriptions
- Discounts on individual certifications (FMVA®, BIDA™, CMSA®)
- Limited-time offers on bundles
Check our homepage for latest deals or visit the CFI Promo Code page.
How to Decide Which CFI Course to Start With
Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose the right course:
Ask Yourself:
- Am I new to accounting/finance? → Start with “Accounting Fundamentals”
- Do I need Excel for my job or studies? → Start with “Excel Crash Course”
- Am I preparing for job interviews in finance? → Try “Financial Analysis Fundamentals”
- Do I want a full career certification? → Go for “FMVA” or “BIDA”
Benefits of Starting Your CFI Learning Now
- Learn job-ready skills at your own pace
- Build real Excel-based models and analysis
- Add a globally respected certification to your resume
- Access quizzes, templates, and case studies
- Affordable pricing with our exclusive discounts
What Learners Are Saying
“The FMVA course gave me the confidence and Excel skills I needed to land my FP&A analyst role. Highly recommended!” – Amanda L., Entry-Level Finance Professional
“As a small business owner, I started with CFI’s Accounting and Excel courses. They were super easy to follow, and I finally feel in control of my numbers.” – Raj M., Entrepreneur
FAQ: Best CFI Courses for Beginners
1. Is FMVA good for beginners?
Yes, the FMVA program is beginner-friendly, starting from the basics and building up to advanced modeling.
2. How long does it take to complete the FMVA?
It typically takes 4–6 months at a moderate pace, but you can finish faster if you’re dedicated.
3. Do I need a finance degree to start CFI courses?
No. CFI is designed to be accessible even to non-finance backgrounds, especially with the foundational courses.
4. Which is better — single course or full subscription?
If you plan to take more than two courses, a full subscription with a discount is more cost-effective.
5. Can I get certified from CFI without exams?
No. You must pass the required quizzes and exams to earn certifications like FMVA or BIDA.
Conclusion: Start Strong with the Right CFI Course
Your journey into finance, analytics, or corporate strategy begins with the right course. Whether you’re building foundational knowledge, mastering Excel, or pursuing full certifications, CFI offers structured, real-world learning for serious growth.
Start with one of the beginner-friendly courses listed above — and don’t forget to use a CFI discount code to make the most of your investment.
