Top 11 Event Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an event manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of industry knowledge, credibility, and experience. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the event manager has a working knowledge of the field and is able to properly manage events. They also show potential employers that the event manager is committed to their profession and has invested time and effort into gaining relevant qualifications. Certifications can also help an event manager stand out from other candidates who may have similar levels of experience but lack formal credentials.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Event Managers and how they can help boost their career prospects.

What are Event Manager Certifications?

Event manager certification is a type of professional credential that provides event professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage events. It is designed to give event professionals a comprehensive understanding of the entire event planning process, from concept development to post-event analysis. Event manager certification can help individuals gain the confidence they need to plan and execute successful events. It also helps them develop their expertise in areas such as budgeting, marketing, risk management, venue selection and contract negotiation. By having an event manager certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field of event planning and management. This can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions in their chosen field. Additionally, certified event managers may be more attractive to potential employers who are looking for experienced professionals with specialized knowledge. Finally, having an event manager certification can provide individuals with access to exclusive resources and opportunities that may not be available to those without it.

Pro Tip: When looking into event manager certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Check to see if the certification is accredited and what type of job opportunities it can lead to. Also, try to find out what kind of experience or qualifications are necessary in order to get certified.

Related: What does an Event Manager do?

Top 11 Event Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Event Managers today.

1. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is an internationally recognized professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of meeting professionals. It is administered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC). The CMP credential is a voluntary certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the planning and execution of meetings, conferences, conventions, and other events.

In order to qualify for the CMP designation, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements as well as pass an examination. To be eligible for the CMP exam, applicants must have three years of full-time paid experience in the meetings industry within the last five years prior to submitting their application.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections: Financial Management; Risk Management & Insurance; Human Resources; and Project Management & Logistics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center worldwide.

The cost for taking the CMP exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $395 - $495 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $125 USD due each year to maintain your CMP designation.

2. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a credential that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of special events planning and management. The CSEP designation is issued by the International Live Events Association (ILEA), which is an international organization dedicated to providing education, networking opportunities, and resources for those in the special events industry.

To obtain the CSEP credential, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time professional event planning experience, completing an approved ILEA program or workshop, and passing a comprehensive exam. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to continuing education by earning at least 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years.

The cost of obtaining the CSEP credential varies depending on whether you are an ILEA member or non-member. For non-members, the fee is $450 USD plus applicable taxes; for members, it is $250 USD plus applicable taxes. It typically takes around two months to receive your CSEP certification once you have submitted your application and passed the exam.

3. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and expertise of event planners. The CEP program is administered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA), a global organization dedicated to advancing the event industry.

To become a Certified Event Planner, applicants must complete an online application and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as event planning principles, budgeting, marketing, and legal considerations. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the event planning field.

The entire process takes approximately three months from start to finish. After submitting the application and passing the exam, applicants will receive their CEP certificate within six weeks.

The cost of becoming a Certified Event Planner depends on whether you are an ILEA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD for the application fee plus $195 USD for the exam fee, for a total of $590 USD. For ILEA members, the cost is $295 USD for both fees combined, for a total of $295 USD.

4. Certified Hospitality Event Manager (CHEM)

Certified Hospitality Event Manager (CHEM) is a certification program for hospitality professionals who are looking to further their knowledge and skills in event management. This certification is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHEM program consists of two courses: Certified Hospitality Event Manager (CHEM) and Certified Hospitality Event Planner (CHEP). The CHEM course focuses on the fundamentals of event planning, such as budgeting, marketing, and customer service. The CHEP course focuses on the execution of events, such as food and beverage service, venue selection, and risk management.

The program takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. To get certified, you must complete both courses with a passing grade. You can take the courses online or attend an in-person class at an AHLEI-approved training center.

The cost of the certification varies depending on how you choose to take it. If you take the courses online, it will cost around $800-$900. If you attend an in-person class at a training center, it will cost around $1,200-$1,500.

5. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP)

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) is a professional certification program created by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). It is designed to provide wedding and event planners with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to plan successful events.

The CWEP program consists of five courses that cover topics such as marketing and business development, budgeting and financial management, event design and production, client relations and communication, and legal considerations. The courses are offered online or in-person at ABC-approved schools around the world.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CWEP program. To get certified, you must complete all five courses within two years of enrollment. You will also need to pass an exam at the end of each course in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CWEP program varies depending on which school you attend. On average, it costs between $1,000-$2,500 USD for the entire program.

6. Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP) is a certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize event professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and experience in event management. The CEMP certification is recognized as an industry standard for event professionals around the world.

To get the CEMP certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time professional experience in event management and must pass an exam that covers topics such as budgeting, marketing, risk management, legal considerations, and client relations. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

The cost of the CEMP certification varies depending on whether you are already an ILEA member or not. For non-members, the fee is $495 USD; for members it is $395 USD. Additionally, there are fees for re-taking the exam if you do not pass it on your first attempt ($150 USD for non-members; $100 USD for members).

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive your CEMP certificate within 4-6 weeks.

7. Certified Festivals and Events Executive (CFEE)

Certified Festivals and Events Executive (CFEE) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful festival and event planners. The CFEE program is administered by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).

The CFEE program consists of four courses: Event Planning, Event Management, Event Marketing, and Event Evaluation. Each course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the fundamentals of planning, managing, marketing, and evaluating festivals and events. The courses are offered online or in-person at various locations around the world.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete all four courses in order to receive the CFEE designation. In order to apply for the CFEE program, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in festival or event planning/management. Applicants must also submit a resume along with three references from industry professionals who can attest to their experience in festival or event planning/management.

The cost for the CFEE program varies depending on where you take the courses. The cost typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD for all four courses plus any additional fees associated with taking the courses online or at an in-person location.

8. Certified Experiential Marketing Professional (CEMP)

Certified Experiential Marketing Professional (CEMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of experiential marketing. The CEMP certification is awarded by the Experiential Marketing Association (EMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the field of experiential marketing.

The CEMP certification program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in experiential marketing through a rigorous application process. This includes submitting a portfolio of work that demonstrates their understanding of the principles, practices, and strategies used in successful experiential marketing campaigns. Applicants must also pass an online exam that tests their knowledge and skills related to experiential marketing.

It typically takes about 6 months for an applicant to complete all requirements for the CEMP certification. During this time, applicants will need to dedicate time to studying for the online exam, gathering materials for their portfolio, and completing any other necessary paperwork.

To get certified as a Certified Experiential Marketing Professional (CEMP), applicants must first submit an application with supporting documents such as resumes, references, and portfolios of past work samples. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then take and pass an online exam that covers topics such as consumer behavior, brand strategy, event planning, digital media tactics, and more.

The cost of the CEMP certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of EMA. For non-members, it costs $400 USD plus any applicable taxes; for members it costs $350 USD plus any applicable taxes.

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

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Certification Program (ILEA-CP) is a comprehensive professional development program designed to recognize and reward the knowledge, skills and abilities of event professionals. The program is designed to provide a benchmark of excellence in the field of live events and to promote continuing education, best practices, and ethical standards.

The ILEA-CP requires applicants to complete a series of courses that cover topics such as event management, budgeting, marketing, sales, technology, risk management and customer service. Upon completion of the coursework, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the material.

The ILEA-CP takes approximately six months to complete depending on how quickly an individual can complete the coursework and pass the exam. The cost for the program varies based on the number of courses taken but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

To get started with ILEA-CP certification, applicants must sign up for an account on the ILEA website. Once registered they can select which courses they would like to take and pay for them online. After completing all required courses they will be eligible to take the final exam which will determine if they have met all requirements for certification.

10. International Association of Exhibitions and Events Certification Program (IAEE-CP)

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Certification Program (IAEE-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and professionalism in the field of exhibitions and events. The program is offered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), a global trade association for the exhibition industry.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of three years’ experience in the field, completing an approved course or seminar related to exhibitions and events, passing an exam, and agreeing to adhere to IAEE’s Code of Ethics.

The process typically takes around two months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register with IAEE and pay a $100 application fee. Once registered, applicants must complete an approved course or seminar related to exhibitions and events within six months of submitting their application. After completing the course or seminar, applicants must then take a proctored exam administered by IAEE at one of its designated testing centers. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as event planning, marketing, logistics, budgeting, legal issues, customer service, safety regulations, and more.

Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been passed with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their certification from IAEE-CP. The cost for this certification is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at one of IAEE’s designated testing centers.

Overall, obtaining your IAEE-CP certification provides you with recognition as an expert in the field of exhibitions and events while also helping you stand out from other professionals in your industry.

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 designed to recognize excellence in association management. The program provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the management of associations. It is designed to help association professionals demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and career development.

The ASAE-CP consists of two parts: an online exam and a portfolio review. The online exam covers topics such as governance, finance, membership, communications, marketing, technology, legal issues, human resources, and strategic planning. The portfolio review includes an evaluation of the applicant’s experience in association management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the ASAE-CP process from start to finish. To get started on the ASAE-CP process, applicants must first submit an application form and fee ($400 for ASAE members; $500 for non-members). After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will receive instructions on how to access the online exam and portfolio review materials. Once all required materials have been submitted successfully, applicants will be notified if they have passed both parts of the certification process within six weeks.

Successful completion of the ASAE-CP demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of excellence in association management and can serve as a valuable credential when seeking employment or advancement opportunities within the field.

Do You Really Need a Event Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and aspirations. Generally speaking, an event manager certificate can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and prove to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and competencies to excel in the role.

Having a certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants who may not have taken the time to pursue formal education in event management. Additionally, having a certificate shows that you are up-to-date with industry best practices and standards, which can give you an edge over competitors when applying for jobs.

Finally, some employers may require a certain level of certification or training before they will consider hiring someone for an event management position. If this is the case, then having a certificate could be essential in order to get hired.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an event manager certificate depends on what type of job you are seeking and what level of experience and training is required by potential employers. Ultimately, it is up to each individual person to decide if obtaining a certificate is worth their time and money.

Related: Event Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Event Manager Certifications

1. What are the benefits of getting an Event Manager Certification?

Answer: Event Manager Certifications can help you stand out from the competition in the job market, as well as gain recognition and credibility in the event management industry. It is also a great way to stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices, while increasing your knowledge and skillset.

2. What qualifications do I need to become an Event Manager?

Answer: Generally speaking, most employers require applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field. However, some may prefer more specific qualifications such as an MBA or CMP (Certified Meeting Professional).

3. How long does it take to get an Event Manager Certification?

Answer: The length of time required to obtain certification depends on the program chosen and individual's study habits. It usually takes anywhere from six months to two years for most people to complete their certification requirements.

4. How much does it cost to become an Event Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming an Event Manager varies depending on the certification program chosen and other factors such as travel expenses and study materials needed. Generally speaking, you can expect it to cost anywhere between $2,000-$10,000 USD or more depending on what route you choose.

5. Is there any online training available for event managers?

Answer: Yes! There are a variety of online programs available that offer comprehensive training for aspiring event managers including webinars, e-learning courses and even virtual conferences/workshops that participants can attend remotely from home or work.