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Succession Planning. Elevated.

The International Succession Planning Association delivers training, certification, operational tools, and a professional network for succession planners who are guiding business families through complex transitions.

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Why ISPA?

ISPA is built on over five decades of succession planning expertise and a mission to elevate the profession through education, standards, and community.

4,500

Succession Planners needed each year for the next 20 years just to meet market demand

50 Years Experience

In partnership with The Rawls Group, ISPA draws on generations of practice expertise

Team Sport

Succession Planning requires a coordinated effort from multiple professionals

Key Offerings

Here are our key offerings that help increase your value

Certified Succession Planner (CSP)

Specialize succession planning
credentials and training that elevate your
expertise and expand your practice

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Succession Planning Assessment (SPA)

Elevate client engagement and offer comprehensive succession planning services with this powerful resource

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Succession News & Applied Practice (SNAP)

Apply CSP insights with curated tools and guides that elevate and streamline your succession planning practice

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Stay Informed with Practical Succession Planning Insight

Sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media for guidance and updates focused on real-world succession planning.

How ISPA Members Expand Advisory Value

Explore real-world case studies that demonstrate how ISPA members use ISPA tools to broaden their services, collaborate across disciplines, and deliver more comprehensive succession solutions.

CPA Advisor · Founder-led business continuity and growth

How a CPA used the Succession Planning Assessment (SPA™) to expand an existing client into a $200K+ growth engagement

Read 2-minute Summary

CFP Wealth Manager · Partner-led advisory expansion

How a CFP used ISPA tools to coordinate a $200K+ advisory engagement for a multi-unit franchise owner

Read 2-minute Summary

Succession Advisor · Family-owned business advisory expansion

How a succession advisor guided a 2nd-generation family business through leadership transition and continuity planning

Read 2-minute Summary

Testimonials

Leon M. Rogers CPA/ABV/CFF, CFE, CVA, CSP

Managing Member, Tetrick and Bartlett

"The most important item I gained by obtaining training in succession planning was an understanding of the legion of drivers that impact a successful succession plan. It gave me the ability to understand my clients' motives better."

Michael L. Chindamo

Founding Member, Family Financial Advocates, LLC, DBA Fautores Family Offices

"Any adviser planning to work with business owners would be wise to learn about the succession planning tools offered in the CSP®. This requires in-depth knowledge of the process and procedures needed to present a client with the best chance of securing the long-term preservation of their business and financial security for their family."

Michael C. Valdez AIF, CLU

Founder & President - Business Transition Council

"This training helped me transition from selling to asking better questions. This also enhanced my listening skills and I pivoted to teaching/consulting to their issues. I was better able to help privately held businesses move through the process of Succession, Exit and Transition."

Free Resources to Level Up Your Succession Planning Practice

Certified Succession Planner (CSP™)

Multi-generational clients grow your business. Whether you are a lawyer, accountant, financial advisor, or consultant, we have a list of actionable strategies you can test today to motivate your clients to work with you long term

Download Reports

Succession Planning Assessment (SPA™)

Get this free resource of 12 powerful questions you can ask to identify client motivations and influence business owners to take action. Grow your business by having better discussions with prospects and clients immediately

Download Reports

3 Strategic Examples

You need to have a plan. We outlined three of our best examples of projects you could learn from and potentially apply in your business. From objective to successful outcome, these family business examples help you build strategies

Download Reports

FAQ

Who is ISPA for?

ISPA serves CPAs, financial advisors, attorneys, consultants, coaches, and other professionals who support business owners through leadership and ownership transitions. If your work touches family businesses, continuity, or long-term planning, ISPA is designed for you.

Do I need formal experience in succession planning to join ISPA?

No. Many ISPA members are experienced advisors who want to expand into succession planning in a structured, supported way. Our training, tools, and community are designed to help you build confidence and capability — from foundational skills to advanced practice.

What is the CSP™ Certification?

The Certified Succession Planner™ (CSP) designation is ISPA’s professional credential for advisors who complete our structured curriculum.CSP training includes:
• Family-business systems
• Communication and conflict dynamics
• Leadership transition frameworks
• Owner and enterprise readiness
• Ethical and professional practice standards

Does the CSP™ program qualify for Continuing Education Credits?

Yes, the CSP™ program is approved for up to 26.5 CFP® hours.

How is succession planning different from exit planning?

Succession planning focuses on leadership readiness, family dynamics, continuity, and long-term organizational stability. Exit planning focuses more narrowly on financial valuation, tax structure, and transaction mechanics. Most business owners need both, but succession planning addresses the human, operational, and relational elements unique to family businesses.