Become a CBB

Become a Certified Business Broker (CBB)

The CABB Certified Business Broker (CBB) is a privileged designation that identifies an experienced and dedicated Business Broker. The title distinguishes its holder as a seasoned, professional who has a solid educational background, proven accomplishments in completing business transactions, and is an active member of CABB. Renewal of the CBB Designation is required. To maintain the credential, CBB must complete the current requirements by the 4th anniversary of the award and each 4 years thereafter.

In order to hold the CBB designation, an active member of CABB must complete the following requirements.

Please submit your CBB application and supporting documents once you've completed ALL items. Please submit all your documents in ONE FILE to cabb@cabb.org.

Initial CBB Certification Requirements (see application form for further details):

  1. Membership in CABB and Agreement to uphold the Association Code of Ethics.
  2. Completion of CABB 101, CABB 201 & CABB 250.
    • CABB 101: Members who have other certifications or experience may waive CABB 101 CABB 101 Waiver Form
    • CABB 201: Members who have completed IBBA 210, 220, AND 221 or hold an active CBI may waive CABB 201. CABB 201 Waiver Form
    • CABB 250: Legal Aspects
  3. Proof of selling 5 California-based business transactions (not Real Estate) that have successfully closed within the past 4 years where the applicant is the primary agent in the transaction. The 5 closed transactions must include at least 3 listing/seller representation transactions. Download Transaction Submittal Form
    • Closed Transactions must meet one of the following criteria:
      • Minimum gross transaction amount (purchase price) of $100,000 or
      • Minimum gross success fee/commission to broker of $10,000
  4. Attendance at 2 industry conferences in the past 4 years (CABB, IBBA or M&A Source), minimum of 1 CABB Conference. For example, if you are applying in 2023, then the conferences must have been attended within Jan 1, 2020-Dec 31, 2023.
  5. Completion of the CBB Application and $50 Application Fee.

 

Regular CBB Requirements

If you have completed IBBA 210, 220 & 221 or hold an active CBI designation you have the option to waive CABB 101 or 201 with additional requirements and proof.

Active CABB Membership

required

required

CABB 101

required

CABB 101 Waiver Form

CABB 201

required

CABB 201 Waiver Form

CABB 250

 required required

5 Closed Transactions

required

required

2 Conference Attendances

required

required

Application Fee

required

required


Click here to view the CABB CBB Policy Manual.

Download the PDF Application for becoming a CABB CBB.

Click here to submit the $50 CBB Application Fee.

*As a reminder, you need to be logged into your Member Dashboard to submit the $50 application fee.

The CBB committee is made up of volunteers and will do their best to process all applications in a timely matter. Please follow all instructions and provide all the necessary documentation as requested. Incomplete applications will result in delays or denial.

CABB will update the CBB forms and applications from time to time to clarify program requirements. 

LAPSED OR EXPIRED CBB CREDENTIALS
If a CBB credential lapses for any reason (recertification not renewed in time, or membership is not renewed in CABB), the member must immediately remove a claim of CBB Designation from all promotional and marketing materials. The lapsed member may apply for recertification at any time by utilizing the recertification guidelines and qualifications.