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Inaugural Level I sitting: June 2027 window. Registration dates published with the CBOK in Q1 2027.Join waitlistSign inLaunch calendar
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-2026Framework May 2026; CBOK Q1 2027

Volume weightings are provisional until the Level I CBOK is published in Q1 2027. 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 · study With CBOK (Q1 2027)

  • 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 · study With Level II spec (Q3 2027) · Level II specification published Q3 2027

Level II specification published Q3 2027

  • 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.