What is CPYB Certification and Why Does It Matter?

The Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) designation is the most widely recognised professional certification for yacht brokers in the United States and increasingly worldwide.

What is the CPYB designation?

CPYB is administered by the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) in partnership with other marine industry associations. To earn the designation, a broker must:

• Have a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a yacht broker
• Complete a rigorous written examination covering yacht sales law, ethics, financing, documentation, and marine surveying
• Demonstrate a track record of completed transactions
• Commit to ongoing continuing education to maintain the certification

Why should you only work with CPYB brokers?

The certification isn't just a badge — it signals that a broker has demonstrated real knowledge and commitment to professional standards.

Legal knowledge: CPYB brokers understand maritime law, state and federal documentation requirements, and the legal obligations of both parties in a yacht transaction.

Ethics: The certification requires adherence to a code of ethics. Brokers can lose their designation for unethical behaviour.

Experience: The three-year minimum ensures you're working with someone who has closed real transactions, not someone fresh to the industry.

YBAA membership

The Yacht Brokers Association of America is the professional body that represents the yacht brokerage industry. YBAA members agree to a code of ethics and have access to training and industry resources.

How to verify a broker's certification

On Elyxe, CPYB-certified brokers and YBAA members have verified badges on their profiles. The certification has been confirmed by our team before it appears.