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Become Business Broker Certifications
Credentials

Business broker certifications

You do NOT need any certification to start brokering — most US states require no license either (see Licensing). Credentials build trust and referrals; earn them once you have deal flow. Costs are issuer ranges and change — confirm with the body before enrolling.

CBI Main Street

Certified Business Intermediary

IBBA — International Business Brokers Association
Cost$4,900 – $8,300 (year 1)
Time18–36 months
Requirements
  • 68 hours of approved IBBA core education
  • ≈3 years brokerage experience (or equivalent)
  • 4-hour proctored exam
  • 3 completed transactions before it's awarded
  • 48 CE hours / 3 yrs to recertify

Best for: The recognised Main Street credential. Strongest signal if you sell businesses under ~$5M.

Issuer ↗ Our guide →
CM&AA Lower-Mid Market

Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor

AM&AA — Alliance of M&A Advisors
Cost$2,150 – $5,495
Time4–5 week course
Requirements
  • 2 years of M&A experience to enroll
  • 10-module program (valuation, QoE, LBO, due diligence, deal structuring, tax, financing, integration)
  • Final exam

Best for: For lower-middle-market ($5M–$100M) advisory. Heavy on financial modelling and deal structuring.

Issuer ↗ Our guide →
M&AMI Lower-Mid Market

Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary

M&A Source
Cost$3,870 – $5,120
TimeYears (track-record based)
Requirements
  • 3+ years full-time brokerage
  • Proof of 3 closings ≥ $5M
  • Hold CBI + 20 M&A Source credit hours (or 40 for non-CBI / CM&AP)

Best for: Top-tier master designation. Earn it after you have real $5M+ deal flow.

Issuer ↗
CM&AP Entry

Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional

M&A Source / Coles College
Cost≈$2,950
TimeMulti-week program
Requirements
  • Complete the CM&AP coursework
  • No prior-experience gate — an on-ramp to M&A work

Best for: A good entry path into M&A if you don't yet qualify for CBI or CM&AA.

Issuer ↗
CEPA Exit Planning

Certified Exit Planning Advisor

EPI — Exit Planning Institute
Cost≈$5,000
Time5-day program + exam
Requirements
  • Attend the 5-day executive program
  • Pass the exam
  • Annual EPI membership to maintain

Best for: Differentiator: positions you as the owner's exit quarterback and opens CPA/wealth-manager referrals.

Issuer ↗
CMAS Lower-Mid Market

Certified M&A Specialist

AM&AA
Cost≈$3,850 (lifetime)
TimeTrack-record based
Requirements
  • 100 "experience credits" weighted by deal size/complexity
  • Lifetime credential — no annual renewal

Best for: Recognises a real closed-deal track record. No ongoing renewal.

ABI Entry

Accredited Business Intermediary

ABBA — American Business Brokers Association
Cost≈$1,000 – $2,000
TimeCourse + exam
Requirements
  • Complete ABBA coursework
  • Pass the exam
  • Lighter requirements than CBI

Best for: A faster, cheaper first credential if you want letters after your name early.