The CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) exam costs $5,000–$10,000 total, requires 68 hours of IBBA coursework, 3 completed business sale transactions, and passes at a 65–70% rate in 2026. This guide covers every requirement, fee, study strategy, and timeline to earn the IBBA's most prestigious broker credential.
Last verified: 2026 | Source: IBBA.org — ibba.org/cbi-certification
| Fact | Detail |
| Issuing body | IBBA (International Business Brokers Association) |
| Total cost | $5,000–$10,000 (courses + membership + exam application) |
| Fast Track option | $1,495 flat fee for brokers with significant experience |
| Education required | 68 credit hours (52 required + 16 elective) |
| Transactions required | 3 completed going-concern business sales as lead seller broker |
| Pass mark | 70% on each section |
| Pass rate | 65–70% first attempt |
| Time to complete | Up to 3 years; most complete in 12–18 months |
| Conference required | 1 IBBA Annual Conference attendance |
| Renewal | Every 3 years — 30 CE hours + annual IBBA membership |
| Credential | Best for | Total cost | Exam | Deal focus |
| CBI | Career business brokers (main street) | $5,000–$10,000 | Required | Under $5M |
| CM&AA | CPAs, bankers, attorneys entering M&A | $2,150–$5,495 | Optional | $5M–$250M |
| CMAS | Experienced advisors, no renewal fees | $3,850 | No | Any |
Yes — the CBI pays for itself within 1–2 closed transactions. CBI-certified brokers consistently command higher listing fees, win more competitive listings, and have documented access to IBBA's national referral network. The average business broker commission on a $1M transaction ranges from $50,000–$100,000 — the CBI's total cost is recovered in a fraction of one closed deal. The designation signals to buyers and sellers that you have verifiable transaction experience (3 minimum), which directly addresses their #1 concern.
Most CBI candidates complete all requirements within 12–18 months, assuming they have already met the 3-transaction requirement. IBBA allows up to 3 years from your first completed requirement. The Fast Track option allows experienced brokers to bypass the coursework pathway for a $1,495 flat fee.
The CBI exam pass rate is approximately 65–70% on first attempt. The exam requires passing each section at a minimum 70% — not an overall average. Candidates who fail may retest by reapplying to IBBA HQ.
Yes — the CBI requires 3 completed going-concern business sale transactions, not a minimum number of years in brokerage. Part-time brokers who complete 3 qualifying transactions can pursue the CBI on the standard pathway or apply for the Fast Track if they have substantial experience.
The CBI is for main street and lower-middle-market transactions (typically under $5M). The M&AMI (Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary) is the IBBA/M&A Source credential for advisors working on deals above $5M. The M&AMI requires holding a CBI first.
Yes — the CBI is internationally recognized. IBBA has members in over 20 countries and the CBI designation is acknowledged in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other English-speaking markets. It is most widely valued in the US market where IBBA has the largest professional presence.
The fastest path to your CBI combines the right foundational training with a clear understanding of the IBBA certification pathway. Explore our business broker training pathway → built specifically for professionals pursuing the CBI designation in 2026.