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Essentials on Your Certified Exit Planning Advisor Road Trip

Written by Kellie Nock | Jul 28, 2025 3:00:00 PM

Map Out Your CEPA Road Trip  

Summer is the perfect time to hitch up your trailer and take that cross-country road trip you've been dreaming of for years. But, before you hit the road, you need to know exactly which route you'll take to maximize fuel efficiency, see all the stops you want, and ensure you arrive at your destination on time.  

Similarly, when you begin the epic journey of becoming a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), you need to map out your plan to make the most of this top-tier credential. The CEPA designation not only provides you with expertise in the Value Acceleration Methodology™, but it also distinguishes you from your colleagues by offering an additional service for your business owner clients. CEPA allows both you and your clients to shift from merely achieving success to achieving significance. Here’s how to start your journey and plan your ideal CEPA road trip.  

Fuel Up 

While it's easy to wait until the last minute to pack for your trip, your CEPA journey demands proper preparation. You want to make sure you have enough time to “fuel up” for your designation. Here are some things to pack as you get ready: 

  • Your dedicated pre-CEPA call. Before starting the CEPA Program, schedule your one-hour call to review the program, discuss logistics with a live person, and meet other CEPA candidates going through the program at the same time. This call is your opportunity to connect with EPI and take the initiative with your designation.   
  • Log in to your Member Center, your main hub for all your member benefits and files. Sign in before your CEPA program to access necessary files for the upcoming week and prevent last-minute issues.  

Enjoy the Ride  

Something people often forget to do on their road trips? Enjoy the ride! With the CEPA Program, you'll have five full days of online courses that follow a specific “Layered Learning” model. With 17 modules taught by industry experts, you'll spend Monday through Friday learning about all things exit planning and Value Acceleration.  

After live faculty Q&As each day, you'll gain the knowledge and community support to fully benefit from your CEPA journey. By the end of the week, you'll be prepared to take the CEPA exam, which is already included in the program's cost. For additional exam preparation, we offer a CEPA Exam Prep course available for purchase.  

Don’t worry if you encounter any bumps in the road. The CEPA exam can be retaken up to two more times, for a total of three attempts. Once you pass and receive notification from a member of the EPI Fulfillment Team, you can proudly display your CEPA designation now that you've completed this journey.  

It’s About the Journey AND the Destination 

What makes the CEPA designation so valuable is not only the critical growth information you will gain from the course, but also your ability to stand out to business owners as a trusted advisor and guide on their Value Acceleration journey. With it, you can build significance not only in your clients’ lives but also in your own.  

With road trips, it’s often about the journey rather than just the destination. The advantage of your CEPA road trip is that it’s about both. Not only have you built a strong foundation of knowledge through your CEPA program, but the designation and membership also give you access to numerous continuing education opportunities, including webinars and additional courses.  

Through EPI Academy, you can explore a variety of Value Acceleration topics taught by exit planning experts. New courses are added regularly, such as our latest courses, “Brain Training for Business Advisors” and “Demystifying the Role of the Exit Planning Quarterback.”  

Another key destination on our CEPA journey is the Exit Planning Summit, our annual event that attracts advisors from around the world for three days of networking, education, and experiences. Featuring various hands-on workshops and sessions led by industry leaders, the Summit is an ideal opportunity to expand your exit planning knowledge while connecting with like-minded, value-driven professionals in your field. 

Unlike a road trip, your CEPA journey has the unique chance to always keep moving forward. With numerous professional growth opportunities and the dedicated EPI team guiding your way, you will continually push toward your journey of significance.  

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