The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential is designed for advisors who work with business owners and want to strengthen their exit planning expertise.
Whether you are new to the credential or have been using it for years, the Exit Planning Institute® (EPI) offers resources that can support continued learning and professional development.
Read on below to explore what EPI has to offer as you either embark or continue to trek on your CEPA journey.
Implement Your CEPA with New Membership Tiers
At the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, EPI introduced three new membership tiers built based on feedback from CEPAs to help them better utilize their certification: CEPA, CEPA Plus, and CEPA Mastery.
CEPA Plus and CEPA Mastery members receive a profile on CEPA Connect, a platform that allows advisors to connect with peers, share insights, and explore professional opportunities.
Also included in CEPA Plus are:
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Access to CEPA Mastermind Groups
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Three continuing education (CE) - approved EPI Academy courses every year to help complete your required CE hours.
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Access to the new Methods to Mastery podcast featuring Senior Member Experience Representative Ryan Beltz
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The Business Owner Prospecting Toolkit
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60-Minute Business Owner Meeting
For veteran CEPAs looking to position themselves as a best-in-class business owner expert, the CEPA Mastery membership tier offers exclusive access to the brand-new CEPA Mastery Winter Retreat, debuting in 2027.
This event will bring top CEPAs together to dive deep into the Value Acceleration Methodology™, share their best practices, and offer unique experiences, including access to the EPI Thought Leadership Council, and one of the only chances to hear directly from EPI Chairman Christopher Snider in 2027.
This limited, application-only membership includes everything in the CEPA Plus tier (excluding registration for the Exit Planning Summit).
To learn more about the three new tiers, read our blog here or visit EPIMembership.com.
Learn with a Group at Immersion Events
For CEPAs who prefer a group learning environment, EPI offers CEPA Immersion Events in collaboration with Cultivate Advisors.
CEPA Immersion Events, which are virtual sessions held every two months, focus on enterprise value, Value Acceleration language, and strategies for working with business owners.
Advisors will also learn to differentiate themselves in the crowded marketplace by better understanding how business owners think. This includes having more productive and meaningful conversations with clients.
To learn more about these events, visit CEPAImmersionEvents.com to register for an upcoming session.
Continue Your Learning Journey with EPI Academy
While you don’t have to be a CEPA to take advantage of the courses offered in EPI Academy, there are plenty of options that can boost your practice post-CEPA program. EPI Academy offers self-paced learning that you can fit into your busy schedule, filled with business owner meetings and networking.
One of EPI Academy’s newest courses, the Business Owner Prospecting and Engagement Mastery Series, is a perfect complement for new CEPAs looking to activate their credential. This course provides CEPAs with advanced strategies to transform conversations with business owners into long-term relationships and a base for future referrals.
A five-week online program, this course features a live Q&A session with instructors, enabling you to maximize your understanding of the material.
Put it All Together at The Exit Planning Summit
The Exit Planning Summit is a three-day event that brings together advisors, EPI partners, and other professionals in the exit planning space. It includes opportunities for networking, learning, and discussion around Value Acceleration and related topics.
CEPA Plus members will receive a general admission ticket to next year’s Exit Planning Summit. This does not apply to first-year CEPAs, who will automatically receive CEPA Plus benefits upon completing the CEPA exam.
The summit can be a useful setting for advisors who want to connect with peers, learn from others in the field, and continue building their understanding of exit planning concepts.
Not a CEPA?
Are you not a CEPA yet, but want to get your hands on these invaluable resources? Download our CEPA brochure to learn more about how you can get started on the road toward becoming an expert in the Value Acceleration Methodology.
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.
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