The credential
The Chartered Buyout Professional® designation
A competency-based charter for private equity practitioners. Earned through proctored examination, conduct, and board approval.
- CBP
- Post-nominal
- $450
- Enrollment
- 20 hrs
- Annual CPD
What it is, and what it is not
The Chartered Buyout Professional® (CBP) is issued by IBPES to candidates who meet published standards of competence, conduct, and examination performance. It evidences buyout-specific judgment, not generalist finance credentials alone.
It is not a university degree, attendance certificate, or employer endorsement. Assessment is governed by the board independently of any instruction provider.
Register opens with first cohort. Public register: 1 January and 1 July.
Framework
Twelve competencies
Four clusters. Level 1 samples all domains per published volume weightings.
01
3 competencies
Earnings, Cash, and Capital
- C1Financial statement analysis and quality of earnings
- C2Cash flow, working capital, and liquidity
- C3Capital structure and financing mechanics
02
3 competencies
Modeling and Returns
- C4LBO and transaction modeling
- C5Returns measurement and attribution
- C6Sensitivity, scenario, and stress analysis
03
3 competencies
Deal Execution
- C7Commercial and financial due diligence
- C8Transaction structuring and documentation
- C9Negotiation and process management
04
3 competencies
Fund Economics and Professional Judgment
- C10Fund economics, governance, and LP considerations
- C11Portfolio monitoring and value creation
- C12Professional judgment, ethics, and conduct
How the designation is earned
Step 1
Level 1 examination
4-hour proctored VDR case. $1,350 per sitting.
Step 2
Experience
36 months in transaction advisory, investment banking, or private equity (within 8 years of application).
Step 3
Charter application
$450 one-time and annual dues $400 / year after Level 1 pass and experience verification.
Step 4
Continuing development
20 hours per year once designated
Level 2: Same sitting calendar as Level 1 (June and December windows). See examination reference and programme pathways.
Ethics and conduct
Candidates and charterholders agree to the IBPES code of ethics. The board may investigate breaches and suspend or revoke a designation. Full conduct schedule published in the candidate guide before each sitting.
Retake policy: 6 months between attempts; maximum 3 attempts within any 24-month period
Pass rates: Pass rates published after the first full charterholder cohort (minimum n=100).
Charter FAQ
Questions about the designation
Direct answers for search and reference.
More comparisons and examination policy: full FAQ · CBP vs CFA
Designation rules and marks
Charterholders may use CBP subject to published usage rules. Chartered Buyout Professional® and IBPES marks are controlled. Formal marks and usage guide published before the 1 January registration window.