Industry Certifications & Programs
Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 18 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations1.
Now is the time to stand out and distinguish yourself among your peers, and gain a professional advantage with the meetings and convention industry’s most respected designations.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program is the most recognized designation in the industry. Launched in 1985, it was designed to increase the professionalism of meeting and event professionals and promote the status and credibility of the industry.
Today, the CMP designation represents the standard of excellence in today's meetings and events industry. The CMP distinguishes its holders as career professionals who have demonstrated a high level of experience, skill, and knowledge in the meetings and events industry. The CMP is a global professional designation delivered by the Events Industry Council (EIC). The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education and a written exam.
Why Become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)?
- Recognition: As the premier industry certification, the CMP distinguishes holders as career professionals who have demonstrated a high level of experience, skill and knowledge.
- Competitive Advantage: The designation conveys credibility to a meeting professional's opinions and ideas, both at work and in the greater meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.
- Peer Acceptance: CMPs are immediately recognized by other CMPs as fellow professionals committed to the advancement of the profession. CMPs can use the certification as a competitive advantage when it comes to negotiating salaries and other business.
- Salary Enhancement: CMPs can use the certification as a competitive advantage when it comes to negotiating salaries and other business.
- Personal Achievement: After passing a rigorous application and examination process, CMPs express a profound sense of personal achievement at finally being regarded as the exceptionally skilled professional they are.
- Commitment: Successful completion of the certification process conveys that the certified meeting professional is committed and goal-driven in their career.
How to Become a CMP?
The CMP certification program is a two-part process in which you must complete the CMP application to demonstrate your eligibility, and then successfully pass a written examination covering the functions performed in meeting management.
Before applying for your CMP, you will need to complete 36 months of full-time employment in the meetings industry, along with 25 clock hours of continuing education. Professionals with a degree in Event Management or Hospitality only need 24 months of full-time employment.
You may apply for the CMP at any time. Once approved and notified, you have one (1) year to pay the exam fee, take and pass the CMP examination. The exam can be taken multiple times, but you will need to pay the exam fee each time.
For more information on the CMP visit the Events Industry Council website.
MPIKC Chapter – We’re here for you!
Don’t know where to start on your CMP journey? You are not alone!
MPIKC has seasoned CMP members who will be happy to answer questions, provide study tips or just encouragement! Contact mpikansascity@gmail.com and a CMP will get back to you.
The MPIKC Chapter supports your professional development by offering education programs that qualify for CE Credit. After each qualified program you attend, you will receive the information necessary to self-report your hours.
Other Industry Certifications
There are many professional certifications and certificates available to the meeting and events industry. Each one pertaining to a particular industry sector, or based on your desired skill set. For more information, visit the links below.
Certification in Meeting Management (CMM)
Certified Meeting Professional – Healthcare Subspecialty (CMP-HC)
Certified Association Executive (CAE)
Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE Certification)
Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME Certification)
Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM Certification)
Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)
Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM)
Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP®)
Digital Event Strategist Certification (DES)
Virtual Event & Meeting Management (VEMM)
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm