What certifications do business brokers hold in Canada?

A broker’s card or email signature may show letters after the name. This page covers one broker designation, the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), and how it relates to registration in Ontario. It does not rank designations, cover other designations or say whether to hire a certified broker. On registration this page speaks only to Ontario; check the rules where you are with a lawyer.

What the CBI is

The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) describes the CBI as a designation exclusive to the IBBA that identifies an experienced and dedicated business broker. It says a candidate must fulfil a combination of requirements, including maintaining IBBA membership in good standing, meeting educational requirements, attending an IBBA Conference, providing evidence as lead seller broker on business transactions, and passing the CBI exam. It also says a CBI must earn continuing education credits to maintain the credential.

A designation and a registration are separate

The IBBA’s page describes the CBI as an IBBA designation and does not describe it as a provincial licence or registration. In Ontario, TRESA s. 4(1) bars trading in real estate, which includes a business, unless registered, subject to s. 5. RECO says anyone who wants to become a registered salesperson or broker must meet all of the requirements for registration under TRESA, and it lists completing the registration education requirements among the steps. RECO says you can search its public register for real estate agents and brokerages registered to trade in real estate in Ontario.

The CBV is a different credential

CBV Institute presents the Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) as a valuation credential. The steps it lists include completing the CBV Program of Studies, completing the required hours of business valuation experience, passing the Membership Qualification Examination and applying for membership. It is a valuation designation, not a business-broker licence. For the difference between a broker’s view and a valuation, read is a broker’s opinion of value the same as a valuation. Ask any broker what a designation required, who grants it and whether you can confirm it with that body.