Top 10 Director of Special Events Certifications

Certifications are important for directors of special events in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certification in event management, catering, budgeting, or other related areas can provide potential employers with evidence of a director's qualifications and experience. Additionally, certifications can help directors stand out from other applicants by showing that they have taken the initiative to stay current on industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications are often necessary for pursuing higher-level positions within an organization and may be required to gain access to certain professional organizations or networks.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Directors of Special Events and explains how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Director of Special Events Certifications?

Director of Special Events certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the field of special event planning and management. This certification is offered by various organizations, such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA). This certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their capabilities to employers and gain recognition from their peers.

The Director of Special Events certification program provides certificate holders with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the events industry. The program covers a range of topics including event planning, budgeting, marketing, risk management, sponsorship development, vendor relations, contract negotiation and more. Certificate holders also learn about legal issues associated with events and how to develop successful relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors. Additionally, they gain insight into how to manage large events while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their mastery of essential skills needed for success in the special events field. In addition to boosting their professional credentials, certificate holders may be better equipped to plan and execute successful events that meet or exceed expectations. Furthermore, obtaining this credential can provide networking opportunities within the industry as well as access to continuing education resources.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a certification in Director of Special Events to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in planning and executing successful events. Certification programs typically include courses on topics such as event organization, budgeting, venue selection, marketing, and customer service. With this certification, you will be able to confidently manage any special event with ease!

Related: What does a Director of Special Events do?

Top 10 Director of Special Events Certifications

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

1. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a certification program designed to recognize those who have achieved excellence in the special events industry. It is the only internationally recognized credential for event professionals, and it is administered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA).

In order to become a CSEP, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards, and pass an exam. The educational requirements include a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the special events industry or completion of an ILEA-approved course of study. In addition, applicants must also submit references from two current or former employers.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as event planning principles, budgeting and finance, legal issues, marketing and public relations, risk management, technology applications for events, and ethics. The exam can be taken at one of ILEA’s approved testing centers or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost to take the CSEP exam is $400 USD for ILEA members and $500 USD for non-members. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CSEP designation which is valid for three years. After that time period has expired, you must renew your certification by completing 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

2. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program for meeting and event professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved the highest level of professional achievement in the field. The CMP program was developed by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), an alliance of organizations representing all segments of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry.

To get certified, you must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of full-time experience in the field and passing a comprehensive exam. The process can take up to six months to complete.

To get started, you must first submit an application to the CIC which includes your work history and other information about your experience in the field. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to pay a fee which covers the cost of registration and materials for the exam. After registering for the exam, you will need to study for it using CMP study materials provided by CIC or purchased from third-party vendors.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CMP designation and be eligible to use it on business cards, resumes, and other documents. The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether or not you purchase additional study materials from third-party vendors but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

3. Certified Event Manager (CEM)

Certified Event Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced event managers. It is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA), an organization that provides education, networking, and resources for event professionals around the world.

The CEM program consists of four levels: Certified Event Planner (CEP), Certified Event Executive (CEE), Certified Event Professional (CEP), and Certified Event Manager (CEM). Each level requires a certain number of hours of study and experience in order to qualify for certification. The CEM program requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in the field as well as completion of an extensive exam.

In order to become a CEM, you must first complete all four levels of the certification program. This process typically takes between two and three years depending on your experience level. Once you have completed all four levels, you will need to submit an application packet which includes your resume, references from industry professionals, a copy of your exam results, and any other relevant documents. After submitting your application packet, it will be reviewed by ILEA’s Certification Committee who will decide whether or not you are eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming a CEM varies depending on where you live and what type of payment plan you choose. Generally speaking, the total cost can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD depending on which payment plan you select.

4. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification for event professionals. It is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). The CEP certification program is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of event planners.

The CEP program consists of three levels: Certified Event Planner (CEP), Certified Event Manager (CEM), and Certified Master Event Planner (CMEP). Each level requires its own set of qualifications, exams, and continuing education requirements.

To become a CEP, applicants must have at least two years of event planning experience or a degree in hospitality or tourism management. They must also pass an online exam covering topics such as budgeting, logistics, marketing, and customer service. The exam costs $150 USD and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Once applicants have passed the exam they will be awarded the CEP designation. They must also complete 10 hours of continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of the CEP program varies depending on whether you are already an ILEA member or not. For non-members it costs $250 USD for the application fee plus $150 USD for the exam fee. For ILEA members it costs $125 USD for the application fee plus $150 USD for the exam fee.

5. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP)

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) is a professional certification program that provides education and training in the areas of wedding and event planning. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to become successful wedding and event planners.

The CWEP program consists of six courses, each focusing on a different aspect of wedding and event planning. The courses cover topics such as budgeting, design, marketing, contracts, legal issues, customer service, vendor relations, and more. Upon completion of all six courses, students are eligible to take the CWEP exam for certification.

The CWEP program typically takes about three months to complete. However, some students may choose to take longer if they need additional time to review course material or study for the exam.

To get started with the CWEP program, students must first register for the program through an accredited provider such as The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada or The International Association of Professional Wedding Planners. Once registered, students will be provided with access to course materials and resources needed for completion of the program.

The cost of the CWEP program varies depending on which provider you choose; however it typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD. This cost covers registration fees as well as the cost of course materials and resources needed for completion of the program.

6. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of fundraising professionals. The CFRE credential is granted by CFRE International, an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards for philanthropic fundraising and certifies individuals who meet those standards.

The CFRE program is open to anyone with a minimum of five years of paid, full-time professional fundraising experience. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of the profession through a combination of education, training and work experience. To achieve certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as donor relations and management, legal compliance, financial management and ethics.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CFRE exam. Applicants should plan on studying for at least 100 hours prior to taking the exam. Preparation can include reading books or articles on fundraising topics, attending workshops or seminars offered by organizations such as AFP or NTEN or taking online courses offered by CFRE International.

The cost of the CFRE exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $500-$700 USD. There are additional fees for applications and renewal every three years which range from $50-$100 USD.

7. Certified Hospitality Sales and Marketing Professional (CHSMP)

Certified Hospitality Sales and Marketing Professional (CHSMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery in hospitality sales and marketing. The CHSMP certification is one of the most respected credentials in the hospitality industry, and it is widely recognized by employers as a sign of expertise in this field.

The CHSMP program requires participants to complete an online course that covers topics such as sales strategies, customer service, marketing principles, and more. The course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate from AHLEI that verifies your achievement.

In order to get certified, you must first register with AHLEI and pay the $299 fee for the course materials. After registering, you will receive access to the online course materials which include videos, quizzes, and other resources. Once you have completed all of the required material and passed all of the assessments with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your CHSMP certification.

The cost for this certification program is $299 USD. This fee includes access to all of the online course materials as well as your official certificate upon completion of the program.

8. Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)

The Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in catering and event planning.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CPCE program, depending on the individual's experience and knowledge. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety, menu planning, event design, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and more. After completing the online course, individuals must pass a three-hour proctored exam at an approved testing center to receive their CPCE certification.

The cost of the CPCE program varies depending on whether you take the online course or attend a live workshop. The cost for the online course is $399 USD for members of NACE and $499 USD for non-members. For those attending a live workshop, the cost is $799 USD for members of NACE and $899 USD for non-members.

In order to obtain your CPCE certification you must meet certain requirements including having at least two years of experience in catering or event planning; completion of an approved education program; passing scores on both parts of the CPCE exam; and payment of all applicable fees.

9. Certified Experiential Marketer (CEM)

Certified Experiential Marketer (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of experiential marketing. The certification is awarded by the Experiential Marketing Association (EMA), a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of experiential marketing.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the CEM program, depending on how quickly you can work through the material. To get started, you must first apply for and be accepted into the program. Once accepted, you will receive access to an online learning platform where you can view course materials and take assessments. After completing all of the coursework and assessments, you will then need to pass a final exam in order to earn your CEM designation.

The cost for the CEM program varies depending on which type of membership you select. The basic membership fee is $99 USD, while the premium membership fee is $299 USD. Both memberships include access to all course materials and assessments, as well as discounts on EMA events and services. Additionally, premium members also receive access to exclusive resources such as webinars and industry reports.

10. Association of Bridal Consultants Certification Program

The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) Certification Program is an online program that provides bridal consultants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful wedding planner. It is designed to help bridal consultants develop their professional skills, as well as provide them with the resources they need to be successful in the industry.

The ABC Certification Program consists of three courses: Wedding Planning Basics, Advanced Wedding Planning and Business Management for Wedding Planners. Each course takes approximately eight weeks to complete, and students are required to complete all three courses in order to receive their certification. The program also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get certified through the ABC Certification Program, students must first register for the program on the ABC website. After registering, students will be able to access all of the course materials and exams online.

The cost of the ABC Certification Program is $599 USD. This fee covers all three courses and the final exam. Once a student has successfully completed all three courses and passed the final exam, they will receive their certification from ABC.

Do You Really Need a Director of Special Events Certificate?

The short answer is: it depends. A Director of Special Events Certificate can be a valuable asset for those who are interested in pursuing a career in event planning and management. It can also serve as proof that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to work in the field. However, if you already have some relevant experience or knowledge, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary.

It is important to consider your long-term goals when deciding whether or not to pursue a Director of Special Events Certificate. If you want to eventually become an event planner, then having this certification could provide you with an advantage over other job applicants. It will demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show potential employers that you are serious about becoming an event planner. On the other hand, if you simply want to gain more general knowledge about event planning and management, then taking courses or attending seminars may be more beneficial than obtaining a certificate.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a Director of Special Events Certificate would be beneficial for your career prospects. Consider your goals and weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions.

Related: Director of Special Events Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Special Events Certifications

1. What is a Director of Special Events Certification?

Answer: A Director of Special Events Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to plan, organize, and manage special events in a variety of settings. The certification requires successful completion of coursework and exams that cover topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, and risk management.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Director of Special Events?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Director of Special Events can provide professionals with the skills necessary to be successful in the field. In addition, certification can help demonstrate competence and dedication to employers, clients, and colleagues alike. It can also open up new career opportunities and increase earning potential.

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

Answer: To become certified as a Director of Special Events you must complete an accredited program or course that covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, and risk management. Upon completion of the program or course you must pass an exam administered by the certifying organization in order to receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Director of Special Events?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the individual's experience level and type of program chosen for certification. Most programs require between one to two years for completion; however some programs may require more or less time depending on their structure and requirements.

5. Does becoming certified guarantee me employment as a Director of Special Events?

Answer: Becoming certified does not guarantee employment; however it does demonstrate professionalism and commitment within the field which could lead to increased job opportunities or advancement within your current position.