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Course overview

FDD Bootcamp: Live Virtual

This hybrid course includes our ~10-hour asynchronous, digital M&A Bootcamp paired with our virtual synchronous FDD Fundamentals for the full FDD Bootcamp experience. 

Participants will receive the 360-degree view of the overall M&A process from M&A Bootcamp with a detailed understanding of the financial due diligence process and the necessary ‘how to’ tools to perform insightful financial analysis and due diligence from FDD Fundamentals to create a powerful FDD foundation for newer FDD professionals. 

CPE credits are available for each course individually*. See below for course requirements, CPE details, and FAQs. 

After completion of the self-paced M&A Bootcamp Digital materials, the live virtual sessions start on March 25, 2026. Each session begins at 12:30 Eastern. Sessions last three to five hours. See below for the complete schedule. 

Decoding Private Equity

M&A Professions / Audience

Financial Due Diligence

Experience Level

Emerging M&A Pros

Delivery

Digital:
10-12 Hours 
(13 CPE)
Live Virtual:
26 Hours
(29 CPE)
*While FDD Bootcamp is one course, participants will receive two certificates of completion upon passing each component due to differences in delivery method. see cpe breakdown below.

Learning Objectives


  • Achieve a comprehensive understanding of the mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) process, including the roles of various transaction participants and diligence service providers.

  • Cultivate essential business skills and habits that create value (“HTCV”) and become a well-rounded deal professional capable of effectively navigating tricky situations found in a variety of transaction settings.

  • Understand and analyze the perspectives of various parties involved in M&A transactions. Participants will learn to think like investors and recognize how viewpoints differ across investor types (e.g., strategic vs. private equity), investment stages (e.g., venture capital, growth equity, recapitalizations, buyouts), and investment strategies (e.g., types of businesses and investments typically pursued).

  • Conduct core FDD analyses by performing common financial due diligence tasks such as quality of earnings adjustments, EBITDA adjustments, net working capital analysis, and identifying debt and debt-like items utilizing Excel and mini-case studies that reflect real-world industry scenarios.

  • Gain proficiency in financial data processing and reconciliation techniques by learning how to map and trend trial balances, clean and reconcile data, and perform cash proofs, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information for due diligence purposes.

  • Understand and apply the key workflows and best practices in the FDD process, including detailed timelines, engagement steps, and strategies for managing both buy-side and sell-side transactions, from initial assessment through final report preparation.

  • Navigate the transaction process by learning the roles, responsibilities, and typical deliverables for FDD professionals across various stages of a deal, with a focus on addressing the specific considerations and challenges that arise in both buy-side and sell-side engagements.

  • Develop the ability to create and present comprehensive FDD databooks, synthesizing complex financial data and analyses into clear, well-structured reports that provide actionable insights and support decision-making throughout the transaction process.

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Course Details

Live Virtual Session Schedule

Course Requirements


  • Personal Computer Running Microsoft Excel (PC required).  We strongly advise against using a Mac. Excel hotkeys differ on Macs, and Mac-specific commands and will not be taught as part of this course. 

  • Full-Sized Keyboard Recommended. Keyboards with single-function F-keys and a full ten-key number pad greatly improve efficiency for Excel-based exercises.

  • Two (2) Computer Monitors are Required. This allows participants to simultaneously view the instruction screen and complete exercises in Excel or other tools as directed.

  • Functioning Computer Camera. Cameras must remain on throughout all live sessions. Failure to comply may result in removal from the course without refund.

  • Reliable High-Speed Internet. Reliable, high-speed internet connection that supports continuous video and audio streaming.

  • Ability to Log into Microsoft Teams. Access to Microsoft Teams videoconference (or similar service as may be used by PE Primer from time to time).

  • Timely Completion of Asynchronous Materials. Participants must complete the asynchronous digital M&A Bootcamp materials before the first live virtual session.

  • Quiet, Professional, Non-Public Workspace. Make sure your workplace is a quiet, professional, and non-public location without visual or auditory distractions. Headphones with a microphone may be necessary based on your setup.

  • Active Participation is Required. Participants are expected to:
    —Ask and answer questions,
    —Offer perspectives during discussions,
    —Contribute meaningfully to group work, and
    —Engage fully during case studies and Excel exercises.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Certificates

Participants will receive two certificates of completion upon passing grade of 70% on final assessment (M&A Bootcamp) and attending all Virtual Live sessions (FDD Fundamentals). 
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Private Equity Primer is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: NASBAregistry.org.