The 2027 Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) program schedule is here. Throughout the year, professional advisors will have 11 opportunities to pursue the CEPA credential and deepen their ability to serve business-owner clients through the Value Acceleration Methodology™ (VAM).
The 2027 calendar includes monthly options, running from January through November. The five-day CEPA program equips advisors with a clear, proven framework for helping owners build more valuable companies and achieve more meaningful outcomes.
The dates for each class in 2027 are:
A Certified Exit Planning Advisor is their business-owner client’s most trusted advisor, guiding them through the Value Acceleration Methodology to create an attractive and transferable company. While doing this, the advisor works with the business owner to align their personal, financial, and business goals, leading to a better exit outcome.
This is crucial because, according to industry data from the Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), 75% of business owners profoundly regret selling their business within a year after exiting. This is where a CEPA enters the picture, working holistically with a team of advisors to ensure that both the owner and the business are in the best possible shape before an exit.
Earning your CEPA in 2027 allows you to take advantage of the new CEPA membership tiers, including CEPA Plus, and work toward the CEPA Mastery tier, for top-level advisors looking to take their practice to a new level.
First-time CEPAs also enter the EPI community at the CEPA Plus tier after passing the CEPA exam. This membership option offers advisors access to tools that can help kickstart your CEPA journey, including:
The CEPA credential can help advisors initiate more strategic conversations with business owners 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.
Advisors who complete the CEPA program can also earn up to 18 CPE continuing education hours and 14 CFP® hours.
To learn more about the CEPA credential ahead of the new year, download the CEPA brochure below to explore the program and take the next step toward becoming a Certified Exit Planning Advisor.
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.