--- title: What is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)? description: A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) specializes in helping business owners develop and execute a plan to exit their business. image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/Images/Blog/advisor-consultation-young-couple-is1188261824.jpg --- [![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/) - [Wealth Management Gap](https://www.realized1031.com/the-wealth-management-gap) - [Our Process](https://www.realized1031.com/how-realized-works) - [Financial Advisors](https://www.realized1031.com/advisor) - [Resources](https://www.realized1031.com/resources) - [The Company](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [Articles](https://www.realized1031.com/blog) [Register](https://www.realized1031.com/marketplace) [Log In](https://www.realized1031.com/login) - Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+** - [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333) - [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031** # What is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)? Posted May 4, 2023 ![advisor-consultation-young-couple-is1188261824](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/advisor-consultation-young-couple-is1188261824.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=advisor-consultation-young-couple-is1188261824.jpg) A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) specializes in helping business owners develop and execute a plan to exit their business. The CEPA designation is awarded by the Exit Planning Institute after completing a rigorous training program and passing an exam.  The CEPA training program covers everything from business valuations, estate planning, tax planning, financial planning, and other relevant topics. Their course helps them evaluate and develop a comprehensive exit strategy for business owners that takes into account their personal and financial goals, and the needs of the business.  A CEPA is also responsible for bringing together a team of professionals to facilitate the exit process including accountants, attorneys, and financial brokers, among others. The CEPA coordinates the efforts of the team to ensure a smooth exit and is the main point of contact for the business owner.  Professionals who choose to pursue the CEPA designation are usually accountants, financial advisors, bankers, and other industry professionals who feel it will help benefit their clients.  Choosing to work with a CEPA can help in many facets of exiting a business, including: - Saving time in the exit process.  - Maximizing the value of the business before the sale.  - Identifying financial issues and addressing them.  - Creating a team of professionals to work on the plan.  - Deciding to sell or liquidate and close the business.  - Finding a buyer or facilitating transfer within the family.  - Negotiating the terms of the sale.  - Positioning the business to be sold in good standing.  - Reducing risk in the process.  - Managing the proceeds from the sale.  - [Estate and tax planning](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/estate-planning).  - Ongoing support after the sale.  The criteria to pursue the [CEPA designation](https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cepa) are having 5 years of relevant professional experience, an undergraduate degree from a qualified university or equivalent work experience, and being an exit planning member in good standing. After taking a 5-day course there is an exam. Another test is required every 3 years to keep the designation.  A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is a professional who specializes in helping business owners develop and execute a plan to exit their business. CEPAs bring together a team of professionals to help with the planning process and work to maximize the value of the business before the exit. Working with a CEPA can help business owners navigate the complex and emotional process of exiting their business and achieve their personal and financial goals. This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. 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The CEPA training program covers everything from business valuations, estate planning, tax planning, financial planning, and other relevant topics. Their course helps them evaluate and develop a comprehensive exit strategy for business owners that takes into account their personal and financial goals, and the needs of the business. A CEPA is also responsible for bringing together a team of professionals to facilitate the exit process including accountants, attorneys, and financial brokers, among others. The CEPA coordinates the efforts of the team to ensure a smooth exit and is the main point of contact for the business owner. Professionals who choose to pursue the CEPA designation are usually accountants, financial advisors, bankers, and other industry professionals who feel it will help benefit their clients. Choosing to work with a CEPA can help in many facets of exiting a business, including: Saving time in the exit process. Maximizing the value of the business before the sale. Identifying financial issues and addressing them. Creating a team of professionals to work on the plan. Deciding to sell or liquidate and close the business. Finding a buyer or facilitating transfer within the family. Negotiating the terms of the sale. Positioning the business to be sold in good standing. Reducing risk in the process. Managing the proceeds from the sale. Estate and tax planning. Ongoing support after the sale. The criteria to pursue the CEPA designation are having 5 years of relevant professional experience, an undergraduate degree from a qualified university or equivalent work experience, and being an exit planning member in good standing. After taking a 5-day course there is an exam. Another test is required every 3 years to keep the designation. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is a professional who specializes in helping business owners develop and execute a plan to exit their business. 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