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Registration for the December sitting opens 1 July for Level 1 and Level 2.Early bird registration: 1 to 10 July.Calendar and fees
IBPESStandards Board

CBOK reference

Level 1 and Level 2 curriculum

Published examination weightings for both levels side by side. The full reading list and sample CBOK material are in the programme brochure (18 Level 1 readings, 15 Level 2 readings).

L1: 18
Level 1 readings
L2: 15
Level 2 readings
12
Competency domains
Published syllabus and body-of-knowledge materials on a desk
CBOK referenceCBOK-REF-2026Effective May 2026

Volume weightings published; full reading lists issued to registered sitters. Issued by International Board of Private Equity Standards (IBPES).

IBPES publishes separate Level 1 and Level 2 bodies of knowledge. This page shows volume weightings and competencies only. Candidates receive the complete reading pack and sample materials after brochure download and registration for a sitting.

Two-level CBOK

Volume weightings at a glance

Level 1 and Level 2 in one view. Reading titles are issued through the brochure and to registered sitters.

Level 1

Level 1 CBOK

5 vol. · 18 readings · 300+ hrs

  • IFoundations of Private Equity10%
  • IIFinancial Analysis and Modeling25%
  • IIITransaction Execution30%
  • IVPortfolio and Value Creation15%
  • VFund, Markets, and Professional Practice20%

Level 2

Level 2 CBOK

4 vol. · 15 readings · 250+ hrs · Same sitting calendar as Level 1 (June and December windows)

Same sitting calendar as Level 1 (June and December windows)

  • IAdvanced Transaction Economics20%
  • IIComplex Deal Execution30%
  • IIIPortfolio Leadership and Value Creation25%
  • IVFund, Markets, and Professional Judgment25%

Download the brochure for the full syllabus outline, reading list, and sample CBOK material.

Private equity professional reviewing curriculum on a tablet

CBP Level 1

Download the CBOK curriculum brochure

Enter your details once, then download immediately. The pack covers the Level 1 body of knowledge: 5 volumes, 18 readings, and examination weightings. The brochure describes the published standard and examination weightings only.

Reference

Competency framework

Twelve domains across four clusters apply to both levels (depth and case complexity increase at Level 2). Charter rules on the charter page. Examination detail on the exam page.