Top 10 Event Producer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for event producers to demonstrate their expertise and skills in the job market. Having certifications shows employers that the individual is knowledgeable and experienced in their field. Certifications also provide a standardized measure of competency, so employers can have confidence that the individual has the necessary qualifications to do the job. Additionally, certifications provide a way for event producers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, helping them stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Event Producers and explain how they can enhance an event producer's career.

What are Event Producer Certifications?

Event producer certification is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in event production. Event producers are responsible for the design and implementation of events, from concept to completion. They must be knowledgeable in areas such as budgeting, marketing, logistics, and risk management. Event producer certification demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully produce events.

Certification can help event producers stand out from their peers and provide credibility to their work. Certification also provides an opportunity to learn best practices and gain access to resources that may not otherwise be available. Additionally, certified event producers can take advantage of networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, helping them stay up-to-date on current trends and techniques in event production. Ultimately, certification can give event producers an edge when seeking employment or new business opportunities within the industry.

Pro Tip: When researching event producer certification, make sure to look for programs that offer continuing education opportunities. This will help ensure that you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices in event production.

Related: What does an Event Producer do?

Top 10 Event Producer Certifications

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

1. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of special events. The CSEP program is offered through the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and is currently the only globally recognized certification for event professionals.

To become a Certified Special Events Professional, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by ILEA’s Code of Ethics. Applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in the events industry, or two years with a college degree related to the events industry. They must also complete an ILEA-approved course on event management or attend an ILEA-approved conference or workshop.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, risk management, legal issues, and more.

The cost for becoming a Certified Special Events Professional is $450 USD for members of ILEA and $595 USD for non-members. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, study materials, and one year's membership in ILEA.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been passed successfully, applicants will receive their official CSEP certificate from ILEA.

2. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a designation awarded by the Convention Industry Council, an independent body that sets standards for the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. It is the most recognized certification in the event planning industry and demonstrates a professional’s commitment to excellence in their field.

To become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), you must meet certain criteria and pass an exam administered by the Convention Industry Council. The requirements include having at least three years of experience in meeting or event management, as well as completing a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education within five years prior to applying for certification.

The CMP exam is offered twice each year, usually in March and October. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as meeting planning principles, financial management, risk management, marketing and communication strategies, technology applications, legal considerations and customer service. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $475 USD.

Once you have passed the CMP exam, you will be required to pay an annual fee of $125 USD to maintain your certification status. Additionally, you will need to complete at least 25 hours of continuing education every three years in order to remain certified.

3. Certified Event Manager (CEM)

Certified Event Manager (CEM) is an internationally recognized professional designation for event and meeting professionals. It is awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA), a global organization that promotes excellence in the events industry.

The CEM program was created to recognize and reward those individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in event management. The program is designed to help event professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field, as well as provide them with a competitive edge in their chosen profession.

To become a Certified Event Manager, you must complete an application process, which includes submitting your resume, passing a written exam and completing an online course. The exam covers topics such as marketing and promotion, budgeting, logistics, risk management, customer service, legal considerations and more. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CEM certification.

The entire process takes around six months to complete.

The cost of the CEM program depends on how you choose to participate:

- Self-Study: $695 USD

- Online Course: $1,295 USD

- In-Person Course: $2,495 USD

4. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in the event planning industry. The CEP program provides an opportunity for event planners to demonstrate their knowledge and experience, as well as gain recognition from their peers.

The CEP program consists of three levels: Certified Event Planner (CEP), Advanced Certified Event Planner (ACEP) and Master Certified Event Planner (MCEP). Each level requires successful completion of a series of courses, exams, and practical experience. The courses cover topics such as event management, budgeting, marketing, sales, customer service and more.

It typically takes about 1-2 years to complete all three levels of the CEP program. However, this can vary depending on the individual's background and commitment to completing the program.

To get started with the CEP program, individuals must first complete an application form with ILEA. Once approved, applicants will receive access to course materials and be able to begin taking classes online or through an accredited educational institution. After completing all required courses and exams for each level of the program, applicants must submit proof of practical experience in order to receive their certification.

The cost for enrolling in the CEP program varies depending on whether you choose to take classes online or through an accredited institution. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 USD per level plus any additional fees associated with taking courses at an accredited school or university.

5. Professional Conference Manager (PCM)

Professional Conference Manager (PCM) is a software program designed to help conference and event organizers manage their events from start to finish. It is an all-in-one solution that helps you plan, organize, and execute your conferences, meetings, and other events.

PCM offers a variety of features such as event registration, budgeting, scheduling, reporting, and more. It also allows you to create custom forms for collecting information from attendees and sponsors. With PCM you can easily manage multiple events at the same time and keep track of all the details in one place.

It typically takes about two weeks for setup and implementation of PCM. You can get started by signing up for a free trial or purchasing a subscription plan from the company’s website. The cost of the subscription will depend on the number of users and features you need. Generally speaking, most plans range between $50-$100 per month depending on your needs.

6. Certified Corporate Event Designer (CCED)

Certified Corporate Event Designer (CCED) is a certification offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the planning and execution of corporate events. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of event design, production, budgeting, marketing, and client relations.

To become certified as a CCED, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it to ILEA for review. Once approved, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as event planning principles, event design fundamentals, and production strategies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be completed online or in person at an ILEA-approved testing center.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCED varies depending on the country where the applicant is located. In the United States, the cost is $395 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams prior to taking the actual exam.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certificate in 4-6 weeks after passing their exam.

7. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP)

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) is a certification program offered by the Professional Bridal Consultants Association (PBCA). The CWEP certification recognizes professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skill, and proficiency in wedding and event planning.

The CWEP program consists of an online course that covers topics such as budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, design principles, and legal issues. It also includes a hands-on practicum where participants plan a real wedding or event under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

To earn the CWEP certification, you must successfully complete the online course and practicum. You must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of wedding and event planning. The exam is administered by the PBCA and can be taken at any approved testing center.

The cost of the CWEP certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for the entire program including the online course, practicum, and exam fees.

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

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Certification Program (ILEA-CP) is a professional development program designed to provide event professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the live events industry. The program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Event Planner, Certified Event Producer, and Certified Event Manager.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the ILEA-CP program depending on your prior experience and how quickly you can complete the required coursework. To get started, applicants must first register for the program and pay a non-refundable application fee of $50 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to complete a series of online courses covering topics such as event planning, production, management, marketing, finance, operations, design and technology.

Upon completion of all course requirements, applicants must pass an exam administered by ILEA to earn their certification. The cost for each level of certification varies depending on which courses are taken and if any additional materials are purchased. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $1,000 USD per certification level.

9. American Institute of Floral Designers Certification Program (AIFD-CP)

The American Institute of Floral Designers Certification Program (AIFD-CP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the highest level of achievement in the art and science of floral design. The program is designed to provide florists with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to create beautiful and creative floral designs.

The AIFD-CP consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on examination. The online course provides an overview of floral design principles, techniques, and tools. It also covers topics such as color theory, composition, mechanics, and business practices. The hands-on examination requires participants to demonstrate their ability to create arrangements using fresh flowers.

The entire process typically takes about six months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with a fee of $300 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to the online course materials and be required to complete the course within 60 days. After completing the online course, applicants must register for the hands-on examination which is held twice a year in select cities throughout North America.

The hands-on exam consists of three parts: a written test on floral design principles; a practical demonstration in which participants are required to create two arrangements; and an oral presentation in which participants must explain their design choices for each arrangement they created during the practical demonstration portion of the exam. Upon successful completion of all three parts of the exam, participants will be awarded their AIFD-CP certification.

The cost for this program is $300 USD for application fees plus any additional costs associated with traveling to take part in the hands-on examination if it's not held in your local area.

10. International Festivals & Events Association Certification Program (IFEA-CP).

The International Festivals & Events Association Certification Program (IFEA-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the festivals and events industry. The IFEA-CP provides a set of standards for festival and event professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities. It also serves as an endorsement of those who have achieved this certification.

The IFEA-CP consists of five modules that cover topics such as event planning, marketing, finance, operations, and legal issues. Each module includes an online assessment that must be completed before proceeding to the next module. Once all five modules are completed successfully, individuals will receive their IFEA-CP certification.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the IFEA-CP program depending on the individual's level of commitment and dedication. In order to get started with the program, individuals must first register for the program by completing an application form on the IFEA website. After registration is complete, individuals will be given access to the online learning platform where they can begin working through each module at their own pace.

The cost of the IFEA-CP program depends on whether or not you are a member of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). Non-members pay $1,500 USD for access to all five modules while members pay only $750 USD for access. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $100 USD for non-members or $50 USD for members when registering for the program.

Do You Really Need a Event Producer Certificate?

When it comes to becoming an event producer, there is no single answer to the question of whether or not you need a certificate. It depends on a variety of factors such as the type of events you plan to produce, your experience and education level, and the demands of potential employers.

For those who are just starting out in the event production field, having some form of certification can go a long way towards establishing credibility and showing potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for success. A certificate can also open up opportunities with larger organizations who may require specialized qualifications.

On the other hand, if you already have extensive experience in event production, having a certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your current level of expertise, many employers will take into consideration your previous work history when considering you for a job. Additionally, if you have other credentials such as certifications in related fields (e.g., hospitality management), these may be sufficient to demonstrate your competency in event production.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue an event producer certificate should depend on your own goals and objectives. If you feel that it would give you an edge over other applicants or help fill any gaps in your qualifications, then it may be worthwhile to obtain one. However, if you’re confident that your existing skillset is enough for success in this field then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pursue a career without it.

Related: Event Producer Resume Examples

FAQs About Event Producer Certifications

1. What are the requirements for event producer certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, event producer certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of professional experience in event planning and production, and to pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body.

2. How long does it take to get event producer certified?

Answer: Depending on the certifying body, it can take anywhere from six months to a year to complete the certification process.

3. How much does an event producer certification cost?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the certifying body, but typically ranges from $100 - $500.

4. What type of events do I need to be qualified to produce after I receive my certification?

Answer: After you receive your certification, you will be qualified to produce all types of events including corporate meetings and conferences, trade shows and exhibitions, awards ceremonies, festivals and concerts.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for certified event producers?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require certified event producers to maintain their credentials through ongoing education credits or refresher courses every few years.