Build Your Exit Planning Expertise with the December CEPA Program

By popular demand, the December Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) class is returning, December 14–18, 2026. This five-day program allows professional advisors to enter the new year with a clear, proven framework for helping owners build more valuable companies and achieve more meaningful outcomes.

What is a CEPA?

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor is a business owner expert who helps create significant companies and also significant outcomes for business owners looking to exit their business.

Working through the Value Acceleration Methodology™, a CEPA helps a business owner align the Three Legs of the Stool – business, personal, and financial – and create value in their business. Exit planning is a complex and emotional process. Business owners must confront their identity and legacy, which are deeply intertwined with their company.

During this process, they often rely on their most trusted advisor, which is where a CEPA comes into the picture. Trained in Value Acceleration, a CEPA and their team work with a business owner to untangle the complexities that come with exiting a business.

Why Register for the December Class?

The December CEPA class is ideal for advisors who want to start the new year with Value Acceleration top of mind.

Earning the credential before the end of the year can create momentum at a time when many professionals are setting annual goals on how they will better serve clients in the coming year. It also allows advisors to return to their firms with a clear process for engaging business owners around the issues that matter most.

The CEPA credential also helps advisors create new, more strategic conversations with business-owner clients while building services focused on Value Acceleration. It also gives you access to a community of more than 9,000 CEPAs who share the same Value Acceleration language and mission to serve business owners.

First-time CEPAs also enter the Exit Planning Institute® (EPI) community at the CEPA Plus tier after passing the CEPA exam. This new membership option offers advisors access to tools that can help kickstart your CEPA journey, including:

• An account on the new CEPA Connect platform
• Access to CEPA Mastermind Groups
• Three continuing education (CE) - approved EPI Academy courses every year to help complete your required CE hours.
• Access to the new Methods to Mastery podcast featuring Senior Member Experience Representative Ryan Beltz
• The Business Owner Prospecting Toolkit
• 60-Minute Business Owner Meeting

Learn More About the CEPA Credential

The return of the December class gives advisors another chance to complete the CEPA credential program before the end of the year, and to carry that knowledge and momentum into calendar flips.

If you are ready to help business owners create more valuable companies today while preparing for their life beyond the business, the December 14–18 CEPA class is an opportunity to get started.

To learn more about the CEPA credential and the upcoming December class, download the CEPA brochure below to explore the program and take the next step toward becoming a Certified Exit Planning Advisor.

About the Certified Exit Planning Advisor Credential

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) is a professional credential for advisors who wish to engage with business owner clients through the exit planning process using the Value Acceleration Methodology™. Through the CEPA credential, advisors can provide new offerings for clients and stand out from their non-CEPA peers, all while gaining access to education, resources, and a vast network of like-minded professionals.

Related Resources

• Make the Most of Your Credential with this CEPA Resource Guide
• How Top CEPAs Integrate Value Acceleration into Their Practice
• Exploring the Brand-New CEPA Membership TiersD