What Are the Qualifications for a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)?

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is a professional advisor with specialized training in helping business owners navigate transitioning out of their businesses. The goal is to maximize the value of their business and minimize risk during the exit process. 

Hiring a CEPA gives business owners a third-party perspective on the legal, financial, and tax considerations of exiting their business to work towards a successful transition out of the business. 

Qualifying for a CEPA Designation 

The Exit Planning Institute awards the CEPA designation after applicants meet certain qualifications: 

• A minimum of five years of professional experience with business owners in a financial, legal, or other relevant capacity. 
• Has an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience. Two years of relevant work experience equates to one year of required studies.
• A member of the Exit Planning Institute in good standing. 

The certification process also requires a five-day educational course and a multiple-choice final exam. Every three years, 40 hours of continuing education are required to keep the certification. 

What Does a CEPA Do? 

There are several reasons a CEPA can help with exiting a business: 

Expertise in Exit Planning Strategies and Solutions: 

A CEPA has specialized training in exit planning, including business valuation, succession planning, tax planning, and other critical components of a successful exit. A CEPA can help business owners develop and implement a comprehensive exit plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Ability to Navigate Complex Legal, Financial, and Tax Considerations: 

Exiting a business involves legal, financial, and tax considerations. A CEPA can help business owners understand and address these issues, working towards a successful transition out of the business.

Objective Third-Party Perspective: 

A CEPA can provide an objective third-party perspective, helping business owners identify blind spots and potential pitfalls in their exit plan. This can be valuable for family-owned businesses or businesses where emotions may run high.