Business exit planning is a proactive process that helps business owners grow business value and prepare for a future transition, whether that exit is soon or years away. It aligns business, financial, and personal goals to build a stronger, more transferable company. Any owner who wants to increase value, reduce risk, or eventually transition their business can benefit from exit planning, from those preparing for a sale to those focused on long-term growth and continuity.

No. Certification is not required to use BEI’s tools or deliver business and exit planning services. Many advisors, however, choose to pursue the CExP™ credential to strengthen their credibility and deepen their expertise.

No. BEI serves advisors, attorneys, CPAs, insurance providers, consultants, and financial professionals who work with business-owner clients. It is for professionals who want a clear, credible way to guide owners through business transitions and value growth.

The CExP™ certification is designed for advisors who want a deeper, more hands-on approach to business and exit planning. While CEPA provides a strong educational foundation, the CExP™ focuses on practical application using BEI’s proven planning processes, tools, and advisor support. CExP™ credential holders learn not only the concepts of exit planning, but how to implement a repeatable planning process with real clients.

Access enterprise-grade planning software, proven templates, and ongoing support—everything you need to deliver exceptional business planning efficiently.

The full certification pathway can be completed in as little as three months, depending on your pace. Each stage—Boot Camp, advanced exit planning (AExP), and CExP™— has generous completion windows, with most advisors having up to a year to finish the program.

Full access to BEI’s tools comes with membership, but we do offer training programs that don’t require joining. The best way to explore your options is a conversation with our team—we’ll help you determine the right starting point.