Get the brochure

View the full program syllabus as well as details on faculty, guest speakers and key learner benefits.

Early Registration Ends Jan 13, 2025. $200 Application Fee will be added after Jan 13.

Program overview

Level up your career with the world's most
recognized private equity investing program

Wharton Online Wall Street Prep PE Program Certificate
Program Overview | Private Equity Certificate Program
Video poster
  • Career-focused Private Equity training

    Learn to analyze private equity investments, blending investment theory with real world analysis as it is done at the world’s leading private equity investment firms.

  • Learn from top faculty and practitioners

    You'll learn directly from Wharton School faculty, top PE corporate training instructors and senior executives at some of the world's leading Private Equity firms.

  • Gain a globally recognized certificate

    At the conclusion of the 8-week program, participants receive a digital certificate from Wharton Online and program graduate access to lifelong career resources.

The Private Equity industry is thriving. Meet the career opportunity head on.

A unique collaboration with Wall Street Prep

This career-focused program combines the institutional knowledge from the world’s leading business school with the practical skills approach of the private equity industry's leading training provider.

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"Our experience with WSP was extremely positive. Their training provides a base that is essential in understanding the core practice of private equity, and the technical fundamentals training lays the foundation for our firm-specific techniques. Wall Street Prep PE training is essential to minimizing the learning curve on the job."

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"Wall Street Prep is an integral part of the KKR analyst experience. Through our partnership, KKR analysts complete over 165 hours of practical, hands-on, technical skills training that's directly relevant to their day-to-day work."

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"Carlyle has partnered with Wall Street Prep the last several years for Associate Training as well as customized modeling training. WSP consistently delivers best-in-class training with hands-on exercises and top tier instructors. We look forward to continuing to work with this firm in the future."

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"Partnering with WSP has allowed us to provide our new hires with an immersive training experience that zeros in on the practical skills and concepts private equity professionals use every day. The instructors all have impressive PE backgrounds and truly understand the day-to-day roles of our analysts and associates."

Who Applies to the Program?

The Wharton & Wall Street Prep Private Equity Certificate Program is designed for both finance
and non-finance professionals in their early to mid career seeking to understand private equity investing.

Investment Professionals

Early-career PE and private markets investment professionals seeking to improve their investment expertise.

Investment Bankers

Investment banking analysts and associates seeking PE roles or those that work closely with sponsors.

Sponsors & Search Funds

Independent sponsors and search funds looking to formalize their investment process.

Professional Services

Consultants, lawyers, accountants and other advisors that work with GPs and support transactions.

Family Offices

Family offices and institutions raising their first fund or considering private equity investing.

Private Lenders

Private lenders and credit professionals that work with general partners.

Support Roles in Private Equity

IT, investor relations, custodial accounting and other support services for PE.

Career Switchers

Early to mid career professionals seeking to transition into private markets.

Students

Undergrad and graduate business, finance and accounting students applying for PE internships and full time roles.

Investment Professionals
Early-career PE and private markets investment professionals seeking to improve their investment expertise.
Investment Bankers
Investment banking analysts and associates seeking PE roles or those that work closely with sponsors.
Sponsors & Search Funds
Independent sponsors and search funds looking to formalize their investment process.
Professional Services
Consultants, lawyers, accountants and other advisors that work with GPs and support transactions.
Family Offices
Family offices and institutions raising their first fund or considering private equity investing.
Private Lenders
Private lenders and credit professionals that work with general partners.
Support Roles in Private Equity
IT, investor relations, custodial accounting and other support services for PE.
Career Switchers
Early to mid career professionals seeking to transition into private markets.
Students
Undergrad and graduate business, finance and accounting students applying for PE internships and full time roles.

At a Glance:
Program Learners & Graduates

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1650+ Students
40+ Countries
500+ Employers
Applicant Career Levels

Applicant Industry Distribution

1 Non-Investment Real Estate

2 Non-Real Estate

Countries Represented
Top Roles Applicants Hold
1. Investment Banking Analyst
2. Investment Associate
3. Private Equity Associate
4. Associate (Consulting)
5. Senior Associate (Consulting)
6. Private Equity Analyst
7. Financial Analyst (Corporate Finance)
8. Chief Financial Officer
9. Investment Analyst
10. Investment Banking VP

How you'll learn

The Wharton & Wall Street Prep Private Equity Certificate Program is an immersive learning experience made up of self-paced video lecture, real-world exercises, industry case studies and full faculty support

8-Week Program
Focusing on Private Equity

Gain the skillset of an early- to mid-level Private Equity professional.

8-10 Hour Weekly
Time Commitment

A comprehensive certificate program designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Self-paced Online
Learning Experience

Complete the program on our online learning platform at your own pace.

The Same Training
Used by Top PE Firms

Access the same lessons and methods taught inside the world’s leading PE firms.

Learn Directly From
PE Industry Leaders

Hear directly from the best about PE investing and the latest industry trends via our guest speaker series.

Tailored Learning Experience
Through Program Electives

Customize your experience based on your specific learning objectives.

Case Studies That
Capture Perspective

Learn first-hand how top PE firms execute deals, analyze companies and evaluate investment opportunities.

Weekly Office Hours
& Dedicated Support

Program faculty and support staff is available every step of the way.

PE Certification
Issued from Wharton Online

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Wharton Online.

Earn a certificate from Wharton Online upon successful completion

Upon successful completion of the program, your Wharton Online-issued certificate will be emailed to you in a digital format you can use to demonstrate your achievement on your LinkedIn profile and resume.

Wharton Online Wall Street Prep PE Program Certificate Wharton Online Wall Street Prep PE Program Certificate
Learn about the program directly from students
Hear Directly From Students | Private Equity Certificate Program
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Program curriculum

Over the course of eight weeks, you will learn the concepts and practical technical methods investment professionals deploy in both evaluating and executing private transactions. Delivered in a weekly self-paced online format, the program culminates in a closing ceremony and the receipt of a Certificate from Wharton Online.

Module 1

Introduction to the Private Equity Asset Class

The foundation for your learning experience is an overview of the private equity asset class and how private equity firms function

  • History & Evolution of Private Equity as an Asset Class
  • Fund Structure, Management & the General Partner /Limited Partner Relationship
  • Private Equity within the Private Market and Alternatives Ecosystem
  • Current State of Private Equity in Emerging Markets

Module 2

The PE Investment Framework

Learn the investment approach, value creation strategies, and valuation methods deployed by private equity.

  • Common Investment Strategies
  • LBO Analysis, Hurdle Rates and Returns
  • Leverage as Tool for Value Creation in Private Equity
  • Introduction to Valuation Methods: DCF, Comparables, and Multiples Analysis

Module 3

The Private Equity Deal Process

Practical exercises, real life examples and case studies bring the private equity deal process to life. In this module, we explore the practical aspects of the key stages of an investment.

  • Anatomy of the Deal Process: Stages, Workstreams & Responsibilities
  • The Role of Third Parties & Their Functions
  • Deal Docs: NDAs, Teaser/CIMs, IOIs/LOIs, SPA/APA, Credit Agreements
  • Key Terms and Points of Negotiation in a Transaction

Module 4

Deal Structure

Explore and contrast common PE deal structures and the competing motivations and perspectives of the buyer and seller. Understand the various tax and financial considerations associated with each structure.

  • Deal Structuring: Asset sales/338(h)(10) vs Stock Sales
  • M&A Accounting, Purchase Price Allocation and Tax Implications
  • Impact of Deal Structure on Seller Proceeds, Cash Flow and Sponsor Returns
  • Leveraged Finance and Private Credit
  • EBITDA, Working Capital and the Quality of Earnings

Module 5

Private Company Analysis, Valuation & LBO Modeling, Part 1

Using real case studies of both private and public investments, learn how to construct the financial models deployed by PE firms to evaluate investments.

  • Private vs. Public Company Analysis
  • Valuation Methodologies: DCF, Comparables and Presentation
  • Middle Market Transaction Simulation & Case Study
  • Defining & Calculating EBITDA
  • Financial Modeling Best Practices
  • Income Statement and Balance Sheet Projections

Module 6

Private Company Analysis, Valuation & LBO Modeling, Part 2

Through the completion of the middle market transaction simulation & case study, this module walks through a detailed LBO model build and explores the role and limits of the LBO model in the investment decision making process.

  • Bottom-Up LBO Model Build
  • Operating Model Build & LBO Integration
  • Developing Transaction & Model Assumptions
  • Using the LBO Model to Inform Investment Recommendations

Module 7

Thinking Like a Private Equity Professional, Part 1

This module begins to explore how private equity professionals think about investment opportunities, in the context of the due diligence process.

  • Understanding Industries and TAMs
  • Barriers to Entry & Competitive Advantage
  • The Data Room Loop: Working with Management Data
  • Drivers of Value in an Operating Model
  • Business Segmentation & Modeling Common Revenue Builds

Module 8

Thinking Like a Private Equity Professional, Part 2

This module expands on \operating model builds to cover cost structures, expense modeling, and data analysis. The module concludes with a case interview and LBO build to prepare you for the private equity interview process after program completion.

  • Cost Structures & Common Expense Build Modeling
  • Unit Economics & Operating Leverage
  • Modeling Add-Ons and Acquisitions
  • The SaaS Model, Recurring Revenue Builds and Cohort Analysis
  • PE Case Interview & LBO Model Build
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Faculty & speakers

  • Dr. Burcu Esmer

    Co-Director, Harris Family Alternative Investments Program, Wharton School
    View Bio
  • David Musto

    Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance, Wharton School
    View Bio
  • Scott Roman

    Private Equity Program Director,
    Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • David Rubenstein

    Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board, Carlyle Group
    View Bio
  • Steven Rattner

    Chairman, Willett Advisors; Op-Ed Writer, New York Times
    View Bio
  • Marc Ganzi

    CEO, DigitalBridge
    View Bio
  • Martin Brand

    Head of North America Private Equity, Blackstone
    View Bio
  • Dina Dwyer

    Managing Partner, Eden Capital
    View Bio
  • Carl Chan

    Senior Vice President, Thoma Bravo
    View Bio
  • Marc Ganzi

    CEO, DigitalBridge
    View Bio
  • Scott Graves

    Co-Head of Private Equity, Ares Management
    View Bio
  • Jennifer James

    Managing Director, Thoma Bravo
    View Bio
  • AJ Jangalapalli

    Principal, Thoma Bravo
    View Bio
  • David C. Lee

    Partner, Gibson Dunn
    View Bio
  • Carl Press

    Partner, Thoma Bravo
    View Bio
  • Steven Rattner

    Chairman, Willett Advisors; Op-Ed Writer, New York Times
    View Bio
  • David Rubenstein

    Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board, Carlyle Group
    View Bio
  • Ali Satvat

    Partner, Private Equity, KKR
    View Bio
  • Andrew Schoenthal

    Partner, Harvest Partners
    View Bio
  • Nizar Tarhuni

    Senior Director, PitchBook
    View Bio
  • Vanessa Webb

    Partner, Oliver Wyman
    View Bio
  • Larry Wiesneck

    Co-President & Head of Investment Banking, Cowen
    View Bio
  • Burcu Esmer

    Co-Director, Harris Family Alternative Investments Program, Wharton School
    View Bio
  • Ayodele Ekhator

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Matan Feldman

    Founder and CEO, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Zach Freeman

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Jessica Holton

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Marc Howland

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Adam McGowan

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • David Musto

    Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance, Wharton School
    View Bio
  • Lidia Napier

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Zach Ranen

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Scott Roman

    Private Equity Program Director,
    Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Christopher Reilly

    M&A and FP&A Consultant
    View Bio
  • Michael Stack

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio
  • Alex Stoyanov

    Senior Instructor, Wall Street Prep
    View Bio

Tuition & payment options

Tuition
$4,800
*For enrollments before Jan 13. $200 Application Fee will be added after Jan 13.

OR

$960/month
Pay 5 monthly installments of $960.
Tuition Assistance
$550 off
Apply to get $550 off your tuition fee

Networking Events & Program Benefits

Successfully completing the Private Equity Certificate Program unlocks access to exclusive events including in person networking events and meet ups, roundtables with the world's top Private Equity recruiters, inclusion in a Graduate Database sent to top employers, and fireside chats with the world's leading Private Equity investors.

Peer-to-Peer Networking

Enrollees access a large and highly engaged global network of peers who are committed to give as much as they get and to support one another. Program graduates reinforce and strengthen connections built throughout the program via in person and virtual meetups, discussion groups and networking events.

Invitation-Only Wharton/Wall Street Prep Group on LinkedIn

Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an invitation to join the Wharton Online / Wall Street Private Equity Certificate Program Alumni Group on LinkedIn. Through this group, graduates can directly connect with the entire graduate network, seek advice and access graduate-only online events and resources.

Local Connection for
a Global Certificate

Program participants come from over 40 countries, so while the program is global, connection is often created locally. Graduates gain access to their Local Alumni Slack Channel, designed to facilitate local connection for a global certificate.

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Amity logo
Career Rockstars logo
Odyssey logo

Exclusive Recruiting Events

Upon completion of the program, graduates gain exclusive access to intimate, small group roundtables, workshops and events hosted by the world’s top private equity recruiters. Events are curated to accommodate the varied expertise, experience and geographic locations of graduates.

For Employers: Level up your
firm’s professional development

Private Equity & Investment Firms

Strengthen your internal talent pipeline

  • Accelerate the desk readiness of your investment professionals
  • Sponsor non-investment professionals to align technology, operations, and back office roles with investment professionals
  • Develop new hires and strengthen your internal talent pipeline

Speak With Us

Professional Services

Better serve your private equity clients

  • The world’s leading investment banks, consulting, TAS, accounting and law firms have chosen the Private Equity Certificate Program to develop incoming talent and upskill existing employees to better serve their private equity clients.

Speak With Us

Earn 65 CPE Credits with the Private Equity Certificate Program

Wall Street Prep and Wharton Online are 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: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Ready to get started?

1

Get the brochure

To learn more about the course, provide your contact information in the form above. We will then send you our course brochure, where you can find additional details on the course modules, guest speakers and more.

2

Speak with an enrollment advisor

Still have questions about the program? Use the link below to book a call with an enrollment advisor who will help answer any questions you have about the certificate program.

3

Enroll to secure your spot in the program

Enrollment in the Wharton & Wall Street Prep Private Equity Certificate Program is on a first-come basis. Ready to enroll and secure your spot in the upcoming cohort? Click the link below.

FAQs

How often are programs offered?

Programs will be offered three times each year. Cohorts will begin in January, May, and September.

How much time will it take to complete this certificate?

The course is designed to run for eight weeks, with a recommended workload of 8-10 hours of lectures, live sessions, and assignments per week.

What languages will the program be offered in?

This program is offered in English only.

How do I register for this program?

You can register for the program at any time through our Enrollment Form.

How much does the program cost?

Program tuition is $4,800. Tuition can be paid in full or in 5 monthly payments.

Do you offer tuition assistance?

Tuition assistance will be available for every cohort. Use our Tuition Assistance form to apply.

What is the program refund policy?

This program is non-refundable.

Who can I contact for additional questions?

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our enrollment team at enrollment@wharton.wallstreetprep.com.

Starts
Feb 10
Duration
8 Weeks
Tuition
$4,800 or $960/mo