Technical Requirements for Our Programs
Before you start your journey in fundamental analysis with us, here's what you'll need to make the most of your learning experience.
Updated for 2025 enrollment periods
Torin Egeland
Technical Support Coordinator
"Most students are surprised by how accessible our programs are. You don't need the latest tech—just reliable equipment that can handle spreadsheets and video streaming. We've had students run everything on five-year-old laptops without issues."
What You Actually Need
Let's be honest about this. Financial analysis doesn't require cutting-edge hardware or expensive software. But you do need equipment that won't crash when you're working through case studies or watching recorded lectures.
Over the years, we've noticed something interesting: students often worry more about tech requirements than they should. But we've also seen people struggle because they underestimated what "reliable internet" really means when you're streaming three-hour workshops.
Computer Specifications
- Operating System Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, or any current Linux distribution. Chromebooks work for most content but may struggle with some spreadsheet exercises.
- Processor Intel Core i3 or equivalent AMD processor. Really. You don't need an i7 for financial modeling, though it won't hurt if you already have one.
- Memory (RAM) 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended. If you're planning to run multiple applications while working on assignments, that extra RAM makes life easier.
- Storage At least 50GB of free space. Course materials, recorded sessions, and your own project files add up faster than you'd think.
- Display 1920x1080 resolution recommended. Financial statements are dense, and you'll appreciate the screen real estate. Dual monitors aren't required but many students set them up after the first month.
- Internet Connection 10 Mbps download minimum for video streaming. Upload speed matters less unless you're participating in live sessions—then aim for at least 3 Mbps upload.
About Internet Reliability
Speed matters, but consistency matters more. A steady 10 Mbps connection beats an unreliable 50 Mbps connection every time. We record all live sessions, so if your connection drops during a workshop, you won't miss anything permanent.
Required Software
Spreadsheet Application
Essential for financial modeling
- Microsoft Excel 2016 or later
- Google Sheets (free option)
- LibreOffice Calc (free option)
Web Browser
For platform access and research
- Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox
- Safari (macOS users)
- Edge
PDF Reader
Course materials and case studies
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
- Built-in browser PDF viewer
- Any standard PDF application
Video Platform Access
Live sessions and recordings
- Zoom (we'll provide links)
- Working microphone for Q&A
- Webcam optional but helpful
A Note About Excel
We know Microsoft Excel can be expensive. Google Sheets works fine for 90% of our coursework, and we provide supplementary instructions for Sheets users. The handful of advanced Excel features we cover are demonstrated thoroughly, and Sheets alternatives exist for most scenarios.
Typical student workspace during fundamental analysis coursework
Optional but Helpful
- Financial Calculator Not required—we use spreadsheet functions instead. Some students like having one anyway, particularly those who've used them in previous finance courses.
- Note-Taking App OneNote, Notion, Evernote, or even good old pen and paper. Whatever helps you organize concepts and track your progress through modules.
- Backup Storage Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) or external hard drive. You'll create substantial project files over several months, and you really don't want to lose them to a hard drive failure.
- Headphones Makes video lectures easier to focus on, especially if you don't have a quiet study space. Nothing fancy needed—your phone earbuds work fine.