CEPA – what does that mean? That is a fairly common question I get so I thought I would take this week to define this important designation. I also thought it was important that I let you, as my clients and customers know of some of the activities that I have been engaged in over the past few years to grow in my designation as a CEPA.
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) Program, created in 2007, is the only program of its kind. Developed by nationally recognized experts in the field of exit planning, this 5-day executive MBA style program is taught by a faculty of nationally recognized experts in their respective fields. The program is held twice a year at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business Gleacher Center. The Gleacher Center is the University’s state-of-the-art executive education center in downtown Chicago.
The CEPA Program offers professionals an innovative learning experience, performance-enhancing resources, and the strategic tools to help them advance their exit planning practice. The CEPA program is the only exit planning program of its kind that qualifies for 32.5 hours of CPE credit for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), 32.5 hours of CPE credit for Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), 32.5 hours of CPE credit for Accredited Valuation Analysts (AVA), 32.5 hours of CPE credit for Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF), 32.5 hours of CPE credit Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), 27.5 hours of CE credit for Certified Investment Management Consultants (CIMC), 27.5 hours of CE credit for Certified Investment Analysts (CIMA), 27.5 hours of CE credit for Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) 17 hours of CE credit for Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), 24 hours of CPE credit for Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors (CM&AA), and 10 hours of CE credit for Certified Business Intermediaries (CBI).
Participants who successfully complete the CEPA program, and pass the 3.5 hour, closed book proctored exam, receive the Certified Exit Planning Advisor or CEPA credential.
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential must be renewed every three (3) years.
The renewal application documents 1) ongoing adherence to professional conduct requirements and 2) completion of professional development activities, or a combination of professional development activities and contributions to the profession:
Renewing certificants must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of exit planning related professional development, or a minimum of 30 hours of exit planning related professional development plus 10 hours of qualifying leadership, authorship, and teaching activities contributing to the exit planning profession. Qualifying leadership activities include volunteer service as a chairman, Chair-Elect, or officer for committee service to a qualifying organization other than the applicant’s employer.
These are just some of the activities I have been involved in:
– Closing the Value Gap: Maximizing Business Value and Transaction Readiness
– 2014 EPI Conference
– 2014 EPI Conference Planning Committee
– The Ultimate Business Owner Plan
– A Case Study in Value Acceleration
– 2013 Annual Conference Planning Committee
– 2013 EPI Conference
– Will Your Buy-Sell Agreement Work?
– NAIFA Family Business Ownership Transition Presentation
– Tales of Family Businesses Rescued From Extinction
– State of Owners Readiness
– How to Keep People and Assets From Walking Out of the Door
– Impact of Company Risk on Value Before and After Exit Planning
– How to Assemble and Manage the Board of Advisors
– Employee Performance as a Value Driver
– The Nuts and Bolts of Selling Physicians’ Practices
– How to Talk With Your Client About Marketing as a Value Driver
– Iowa State University Foundation Professional Advisor Continuing Education Conference
– Growing by Shrinking Business – A Case Study Presented at 2014 National Conference
In addition, I write a weekly blog and have been published several times in regional publications I hope this demonstrates my continuing commitment to provide you with the best support available as you plan for the most important event of your financial life, the transition of ownership of your business. If you have any questions about these credentials, please ask and I will be happy to provide more detail. I thank all of you for your continued support and look forward to growth and service over the next few years.