Top 11 Director of Events Certifications

Certifications are important for a director of events because they demonstrate the director’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the event planning field. A certification shows potential employers that the director has a comprehensive understanding of the event-planning process, including budgeting, marketing, risk management and customer service. Additionally, certifications can provide directors with an edge over other applicants by giving them access to valuable resources and networking opportunities. Finally, certifications help directors stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, allowing them to stay competitive in the job market.

This article reviews the top certifications for Directors of Events and explains how they can help to advance a director's career.

What are Director of Events Certifications?

Director of events certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of event management. This certification is offered by several organizations, including the International Association of Event Managers (IAEM), and typically requires successful completion of an exam and/or the submission of portfolio materials.

The certification helps demonstrate proficiency in the field to potential employers, clients, and peers. It can also help professionals stay up-to-date on best practices in event management and provides opportunities for networking with other professionals in the industry. A director of events certification can also open up job opportunities or help secure promotions or higher salaries within current positions. By obtaining this credential, individuals prove their commitment to the profession and demonstrate their ability to plan, manage, and execute successful events.

Pro Tip: When considering a Director of Events certification, look for a program that offers practical, hands-on training and experience. This will help you gain the skills needed to plan and execute successful events. Additionally, look for certification programs that have an established curriculum and offer support from experienced professionals in the field.

Related: What does a Director of Events do?

Top 11 Director of Events Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director of Eventss today.

1. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and experience of meeting professionals. It is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who plan and manage meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions, incentive travel programs, and other events.

To become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), you must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. To qualify for the exam, you must have three years of full-time paid experience in the meetings industry within the past five years. You must also complete a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education related to meeting management during that same period.

The CMP exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as budgeting, event planning, marketing, risk management, customer service, contracts/negotiations, and technology/AV support. The oral portion is an interview with a panel of experienced CMPs who assess your knowledge and experience in meeting management.

The cost to take the CMP exam varies depending on where you take it; however it typically costs around $700 USD. If you are applying through the Events Industry Council (EIC), there is an additional application fee of $100 USD.

Once you have passed both portions of the exam successfully, you will receive your official CMP designation from EIC or whichever organization administered your test. This designation shows employers that you have met rigorous standards for professional excellence in meeting management and are committed to ongoing professional development in this field.

2. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced special events professionals. The CSEP designation is awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA), an international professional association for those working in the live events industry.

To become a Certified Special Events Professional, individuals must have at least three years of experience in the field of special events and pass an exam that covers topics such as event design, production, marketing, risk management and financial management. The exam is administered twice a year in locations around the world.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation that proves their experience in special events. Once approved, applicants must pay a fee of $350 USD to take the exam.

The entire process from application to certification typically takes about six months. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CSEP designation and be able to use it on their resume or business cards.

3. Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional event management. The CEMP program was developed by the International Special Events Society (ISES) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of event management.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CEMP program. To become certified, individuals must first submit an application and then successfully pass a written exam. The exam covers topics such as budgeting, marketing, legal issues, risk management, and event planning. Once applicants have passed the exam, they must also participate in an in-person skills assessment.

The cost of becoming a Certified Event Management Professional varies depending on whether or not you are an ISES member. For non-members, the cost is $795 USD; for members, it is $595 USD. This fee includes access to study materials, the exam fee, and the skills assessment fee.

4. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional designation offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is a certification program designed to recognize event planners who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field.

The CEP program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, and risk management. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete the course.

To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam is administered online and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

The cost for the CEP program varies depending on your ILEA membership status. For non-members, it costs $395 USD; for members, it costs $295 USD; and for student members, it costs $195 USD.

5. Certified Hospitality Event Manager (CHEM)

Certified Hospitality Event Manager (CHEM) is a professional certification program designed to provide hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully plan, manage, and execute events. This certification is offered by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).

The CHEM program consists of three core courses that cover topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and risk management. The program also includes an online exam that tests the candidate's knowledge in these areas. To receive the CHEM designation, candidates must successfully pass all three courses and the exam.

The cost of the CHEM program varies depending on whether you choose to take individual courses or complete all three at once. The cost for taking all three courses together is $1,695 USD. There are also discounts available for IAVM members.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and exam. It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete all three courses and pass the exam.

6. Certified Conference and Event Manager (CCEM)

Certified Conference and Event Manager (CCEM) is an internationally recognized professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and expertise of conference and event managers. The CCEM credential demonstrates a commitment to professionalism in the field of conference and event management.

The CCEM certification is offered by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). It requires applicants to have a minimum of three years’ experience in the conference and event industry, as well as a successful completion of an online assessment.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application form. Once approved, they will be required to take an online assessment which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as budgeting, planning, customer service, marketing, sales, operations management, risk management, food & beverage services and more. Upon successful completion of the assessment with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their Certified Conference and Event Manager (CCEM) certificate.

The cost for this certification is $295 USD for IACC members or $395 USD for non-members. The entire process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish.

7. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP)

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) is a professional certification program that provides specialized training to individuals interested in becoming wedding and event planners. This certification is designed to teach the skills needed to plan, organize, and execute successful events. It covers topics such as event management, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and more.

The CWEP program typically takes three months to complete. During this time students will learn the fundamentals of planning weddings and events through an online course that includes lectures, videos, quizzes, assignments, and exams. The course also includes hands-on experience with real-world projects so students can practice their skills in a practical setting.

To get certified as a CWEP you must first register for the course online or through an accredited institution. After registering for the course you will be required to complete all of the lessons within three months as well as pass two exams with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of registration varies depending on the institution but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD.

Once you have successfully completed all of the requirements for certification you will receive your CWEP certificate which is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can then use this certificate to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in wedding and event planning when applying for jobs or contracts in this field.

8. International Live Events Association Certification Program (ILEA-CP)

The International Live Events Association Certification Program (ILEA-CP) is a professional certification program for event professionals. It is designed to recognize and reward those who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of event management.

The ILEA-CP is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of event management, from planning and budgeting to execution and evaluation. The program consists of two parts: an online learning component and an assessment component.

The online learning component includes self-paced modules covering topics such as project management, marketing, finance, customer service, risk management, legal issues, and more. Participants must complete the modules before taking the assessment.

The assessment component consists of a multiple-choice exam that tests participants’ knowledge in the areas covered by the online learning modules. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any ILEA office or at a designated testing center.

To get certified through ILEA-CP, individuals must have at least two years of experience in event management or related fields. They must also meet certain educational requirements such as having completed an accredited college degree program or having completed one year of college coursework in event management or related fields.

The cost for the ILEA-CP certification program is $595 USD for members of ILEA and $695 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all online learning modules as well as the multiple choice exam.

9. National Association of Catering Executives Certification Program (NACE-CP)

The National Association of Catering Executives Certification Program (NACE-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in the catering industry. The program is open to all individuals who are actively engaged in the catering industry, including caterers, event planners, chefs, hospitality professionals, and other related professionals.

To obtain the NACE-CP certification, applicants must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as food safety, sanitation practices, menu planning, customer service skills, financial management principles, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Applicants must also submit proof of at least three years of work experience in the catering industry as well as two letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 30 continuing education credits within the past five years.

The cost for the NACE-CP certification exam is $375 for members and $450 for non-members. Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, they will receive their official NACE-CP certificate.

10. Global Business Travel Association Certification Program (GBTA-CP)

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Certification Program (GBTA-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of business travel professionals. The program provides an industry-wide standard for business travel professionals, ensuring they have the necessary skills and expertise to provide quality service to their clients.

The GBTA-CP consists of four levels: Certified Professional (CP), Senior Certified Professional (SCP), Master Certified Professional (MCP), and Executive Certified Professional (ECP). Each level requires a different set of qualifications and certifications.

To become certified at any level, applicants must first meet the prerequisites, which include a minimum number of years in the business travel industry, as well as specific educational requirements. Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification.

The application process includes completing an online assessment test and submitting supporting documents such as proof of education and work experience. Once all required documents are submitted, applicants will receive notification on whether or not they have been approved for certification.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly applicants complete the application process. Generally, it takes between two to four weeks from start to finish.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the level being applied for. The CP level costs $350 USD; SCP costs $450 USD; MCP costs $550 USD; and ECP costs $650 USD. All fees are nonrefundable once payment is made.

11. American Society of Association Executives Certification Program (ASAE-CP).

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Certification Program (ASAE-CP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, experience, and expertise of association professionals. It is designed to help association professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field and to distinguish themselves from their peers.

The ASAE-CP is a comprehensive program that requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of six core competency areas: Governance, Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Membership Development & Retention, Communications & Marketing, and Strategic Planning & Leadership. The program also includes an assessment of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in each area.

It typically takes up to 18 months to complete the ASAE-CP program. During this time, applicants must complete a series of online courses and assessments as well as attend two in-person workshops. Applicants must also pass an exam at the end of the program in order to receive their certification.

In order to apply for the ASAE-CP program, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in association management or related fields. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor or colleague attesting to their qualifications for the program.

The cost for the ASAE-CP program varies depending on whether you are an ASAE member or nonmember. For members, it costs $2,800; for nonmembers it costs $3,500. This fee covers all materials needed for completion of the coursework as well as access to webinars and other resources throughout the duration of the program.

Do You Really Need a Director of Events Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Director of Events certification depends on your career goals and the type of job you’re seeking. A certification can be beneficial for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in event planning, but it may not be necessary for all types of jobs.

If you are looking for a job as an event planner or director, then having a Director of Events certificate could give you an edge over other applicants. It shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand what is required to plan successful events. It also demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge needed to manage staff and resources effectively, coordinate vendors, and execute events safely and successfully.

On the other hand, if you are simply looking for a job as an assistant or coordinator in the events industry, then a Director of Events certification may not be necessary. Employers may be more interested in your experience with coordinating logistics and managing personnel rather than your certification status.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Director of Events certificate comes down to your individual career goals and how much emphasis employers place on certifications when considering applicants. If certifications are important to employers in your field, then investing in one could help give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

Related: Director of Events Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Events Certifications

1. What is a Director of Events Certification?

Answer: A Director of Events Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of event planning, management, and leadership skills. It provides recognition for individuals who have the knowledge and experience to plan and execute successful events.

2. How do I become certified as a Director of Events?

Answer: To become certified as a Director of Events, you must complete an accredited program in event planning or management and pass an exam administered by the certifying organization.

3. What are the benefits of earning a Director of Events Certification?

Answer: Earning a Director of Events Certification can provide credibility in the field, demonstrate expertise to potential employers or clients, help secure higher-paying positions, and open up career advancement opportunities.

4. How long does it take to earn a Director of Events Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to earn a certification depends on the program you choose and your level of commitment to studying for the exam. Most programs require at least six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require continuing education credits (CECs) in order to maintain your certification status. These CECs may include attending workshops or seminars, completing online courses or reading industry publications related to event planning or management.