What's the best event planning certification for your career?

1 CMP: Certified Meeting Professional

The CMP is one of the most recognized and respected certifications for event planners who focus on corporate, association, and government meetings. It demonstrates your expertise in planning, designing, executing, and managing meetings of various sizes and formats. To earn the CMP, you need to have at least three years of professional experience, 25 hours of continuing education, and pass a rigorous exam. The CMP can help you advance your career, network with other professionals, and access exclusive resources and opportunities.

2 CSEP: Certified Special Events Professional

The CSEP is the gold standard for event planners who specialize in social, cultural, and entertainment events. It showcases your creativity, innovation, and excellence in producing memorable and impactful events. To obtain the CSEP, you need to have at least three years of full-time experience, a portfolio of events, and pass a challenging exam. The CSEP can help you stand out from the crowd, increase your earning potential, and join a prestigious community of peers.

3 CGMP: Certified Government Meeting Professional

The CGMP is the only certification designed specifically for event planners who work with federal, state, or local government agencies. It covers the unique rules, regulations, policies, and protocols that govern government meetings and contracts. To qualify for the CGMP, you need to be a member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), have at least one year of experience, and complete a three-day course and exam. The CGMP can help you gain trust and credibility, enhance your skills, and expand your career options.

4 CPCE: Certified Professional in Catering and Events

The CPCE is the ideal certification for event planners who want to master the catering and food service aspects of events. It covers the core competencies of catering and event management, such as menu development, beverage management, event design, sales and marketing, and legal and ethical issues. To earn the CPCE, you need to have at least three years of experience, 30 hours of education, and pass a comprehensive exam. The CPCE can help you improve your service quality, attract more clients, and collaborate better with vendors.

5 CMM: Certificate in Meeting Management

The CMM is a certificate program that offers an advanced level of education and training for senior event planners and leaders. It focuses on the strategic and business aspects of event planning, such as financial management, risk management, change management, and stakeholder relations. To enroll in the CMM program, you need to have at least seven years of experience, 40 hours of education, and submit an application. This certificate can help you develop your leadership skills, increase your value, and advance your career. When deciding on the best event planning certification for your career, consider your career goals and aspirations, current experience and education, budget and time availability, as well as the expectations and standards of your clients and employers in your market. By balancing all these factors, you can find the best certification for you.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?