Top 11 Meeting Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for meeting coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for. Certifications provide evidence that meeting coordinators have the necessary skills to effectively plan and execute events, as well as manage all aspects of event coordination. They also show potential employers that meeting coordinators are committed to continuing their professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends. Employers are more likely to hire certified meeting coordinators since they know they can trust them to deliver results. Certifications also provide an edge over other candidates who may not have the same credentials or experience.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Meeting Coordinators and discuss how they can help to advance their career.

What are Meeting Coordinator Certifications?

Meeting coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, and executing successful meetings and events. Meeting coordinators are responsible for the overall coordination of an event from start to finish, which requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Having meeting coordinator certification can demonstrate to potential employers that an individual has the necessary qualifications to successfully fulfill this role.

The certification process typically involves taking courses or seminars related to meeting planning and event management. These courses may cover topics such as budgeting, logistics, risk management, customer service techniques, marketing strategies for events, and more. The goal of a meeting coordinator certification program is to provide students with the knowledge they need to successfully coordinate meetings and events by teaching them key concepts and skills that will help them plan successful meetings and events.

Having meeting coordinator certification can also help individuals stand out from their peers in the job market. It shows potential employers that they have taken the initiative to learn more about their field of work and have invested time into developing their skillset. This can give them an edge over other applicants who may not have taken any additional steps to enhance their credentials. Furthermore, having meeting coordinator certification can open up new career opportunities in areas such as corporate event planning or hospitality services that require specialized knowledge.

Pro Tip: When considering meeting coordinator certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and pick one that is best suited for your career goals. Additionally, be sure to look into the requirements of each certification and determine if you have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully complete the program.

Related: What does a Meeting Coordinator do?

Top 11 Meeting Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Meeting Coordinators today.

1. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is an internationally recognized professional certification program for meeting and event professionals. The CMP program was developed by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), a coalition of industry organizations, to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential to the successful performance of meeting management.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for CMP certification. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Meeting Professional, applicants must first apply online through the CIC website. Once approved, they will be required to complete an application packet which includes providing proof of their education and experience as well as agreeing to abide by the code of ethics. After submitting their application packet, applicants will then take a computer-based exam at a testing center near them.

The cost for applying for CMP certification is $450 USD for members of any of the CIC member organizations or $550 USD for non-members. This fee covers both the application fee and exam fee.

2. Certified Association Executive (CAE)

Certified Association Executive (CAE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in association management and demonstrate their commitment to the profession. The CAE credential is recognized as the highest standard for association professionals.

The process of obtaining the CAE credential involves completing an online application, submitting transcripts or other supporting documents, and passing a comprehensive examination. The exam covers topics such as governance, finance, legal issues, human resources, marketing and communications, membership development, public policy, technology and strategic planning.

The cost of obtaining the CAE credential varies depending on whether you are an ASAE member or non-member. For ASAE members, the cost is $750 USD; for non-members it is $1,000 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($125-$225 USD) and renewing your credential every three years ($150 USD).

It typically takes about six months to complete all of the requirements for obtaining the CAE credential. This includes studying for and passing the exam as well as gathering any necessary supporting documents.

3. Certified Event Manager (CEM)

Certified Event Manager (CEM) is a professional designation given by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). The CEM designation recognizes professionals in the events industry who have achieved a level of expertise in event management. It is designed to demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and continuing education.

To become a Certified Event Manager, you must meet certain criteria and complete an application process. You must have at least three years of experience in the events industry, as well as an ILEA-approved educational course or training program. You must also submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or clients, and pass an exam administered by ILEA.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, your certification will be valid for three years. After that time, you will need to renew your certification by completing additional approved courses or attending conferences and seminars related to event management.

The cost of becoming a Certified Event Manager varies depending on the type of course or program taken for the certification process. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire process.

4. Certified Hospitality Meeting Professional (CHMP)

Certified Hospitality Meeting Professional (CHMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of meeting and event professionals in the hospitality industry. The program is administered by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).

The CHMP program is designed to help meeting professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as planning, budgeting, marketing, customer service, food and beverage service, and more. It also provides an opportunity for meeting professionals to network with other professionals in the field.

It typically takes around three months to complete the CHMP program. To get certified, you must first complete an online application form which includes a self-assessment questionnaire. Once your application is approved, you will be required to attend an IACC-accredited training course or workshop. After completing the course or workshop, you will need to take a written exam that covers topics related to hospitality management and meeting planning.

The cost of the CHMP program varies depending on where you take your training course or workshop. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD for the entire program including fees for registration, tuition, materials and exams.

5. Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA)

The Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program is a certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated exceptional customer service skills and knowledge of the tourism industry. The CTA program was created by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) in partnership with the National Coalition of Destination Organizations (NCDO).

To become a Certified Tourism Ambassador, individuals must complete an online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, destination marketing, hospitality, and tourism trends. It typically takes about 10 hours to complete the course and exam.

The cost for the CTA program varies depending on whether you are an individual or part of an organization. For individuals, the cost is $150 USD; for organizations, the cost is $250 USD per person.

Once certified, CTA’s are eligible to receive discounts from many tourism-related vendors and suppliers. Additionally, they can use their certification to demonstrate their commitment to customer service excellence and knowledge of the tourism industry.

6. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a professional designation given by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is a recognition of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of special events. The CSEP designation demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards for professionalism in their field.

To become a Certified Special Events Professional, individuals must complete an application process and pass a comprehensive examination. The application process includes submitting information about your education, work experience, and references. Once you have been approved to take the exam, you will need to register and pay the fee associated with taking it.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as event planning, budgeting, risk management, marketing strategies, and customer service. You must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam and obtain your CSEP certification.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials or other services related to preparing for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and obtained your CSEP certification, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in special events planning to potential employers or clients. Additionally, having this certification can open up new opportunities within your career as it shows that you have achieved a certain level of excellence in your field.

7. Certified Conference Manager (CCM)

Certified Conference Manager (CCM) is a professional designation for those in the conference and event management industry. It is recognized as the premier certification worldwide, and is administered by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).

The CCM program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person workshop. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of conference planning, budgeting, operations, customer service, and other topics related to the field. To receive the CCM designation, you must pass this assessment with a score of 80% or higher.

The in-person workshop is designed to build on what you learned from the online assessment. It focuses on practical skills such as developing objectives for a conference, creating marketing strategies, and implementing customer service plans. The workshop also covers topics such as risk management, legal issues related to conferences, and team building. Upon completion of the workshop, you will receive your CCM certificate.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete both parts of the program. You can register for either part at any time through IACC's website.

The cost for the entire program varies depending on your membership status with IACC; non-members pay $1,500 while members pay $1,000.

8. International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)-Certified Conference Planner

The International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) Certified Conference Planner (CCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and elevate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of meeting professionals who plan and manage conferences and events. The CCP is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of excellence in conference planning.

The IACC Certified Conference Planner program consists of two components: a comprehensive online course and an exam. The course covers topics such as event planning fundamentals, budgeting, contracts, food & beverage management, technology solutions, room set-ups, sustainability practices, client relations, and risk management. Once the course is completed successfully, individuals can register for the exam.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of event planning. To pass the exam and become certified as an IACC Certified Conference Planner (CCP), individuals must score a minimum of 70%.

It typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete the IACC Certified Conference Planner course and take the exam. The cost for the program is $650 USD which includes access to all course materials and one attempt at taking the exam.

9. International Live Events Association (ILEA)-Certified Event Designer

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Certified Event Designer is a professional credential for event professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in the design and execution of live events. The certification is recognized by the ILEA as an industry-standard for event designers and provides a benchmark for excellence in the field.

In order to become an ILEA-Certified Event Designer, one must successfully complete the ILEA Certification Program. This program consists of four courses, including Event Design Fundamentals, Advanced Event Design, Business Practices & Ethics, and Strategic Planning & Execution. Each course requires approximately 10 hours of study time and can be completed online or in person at an approved training facility.

The cost to become ILEA-Certified is $595 USD. This fee covers all four courses as well as the exam fee and certification fee. Once all four courses are completed, candidates must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

Upon successful completion of the program and passing of the exam, candidates will receive their official ILEA-Certified Event Designer certificate from ILEA headquarters.

10. American Society of Association Executives-Certified Meeting Executive

The American Society of Association Executives Certified Meeting Executive (CME) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of meeting professionals. It is an industry-recognized credential that signifies a mastery of the core competencies required for successful meetings management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of full-time experience in meetings management or related field, as well as having completed a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education in meetings management within the past three years.

The CME exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as strategic planning, budgeting and finance, risk management, event marketing and promotion, technology applications, venue selection and contracting, food and beverage services, logistics coordination and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CME exam is $395 for ASAE members and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CME certificate from ASAE.

11. International Special Events Society-Certified Special Events Professional

The International Special Events Society (ISES) Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a professional certification for event professionals. It is the only internationally recognized certification for event planning and management. The CSEP is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of special events.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the CSEP program, which involves completing an online course, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio of work that demonstrates expertise in the field. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you are a member of ISES or not. Non-members pay $1,500 USD while members pay $1,200 USD.

To get the CSEP certification, applicants must first become members of ISES and then register for the CSEP program by completing an application form and paying the fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as event design, budgeting, legal issues, marketing strategies and more. After completing this coursework, applicants must pass a comprehensive written exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their CSEP certification. Finally, they must submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in special events planning and management in order to receive their certificate from ISES.

Do You Really Need a Meeting Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a meeting coordinator certificate in order to become a successful meeting coordinator. However, having a certification can be beneficial as it demonstrates your commitment and knowledge to employers or clients. It can also provide you with the necessary skills needed to excel in the role of meeting coordinator.

A meeting coordinator certificate program is typically offered through a professional organization or educational institution. The coursework usually focuses on topics such as event planning, budgeting and hospitality management. Many programs also include internships or field experiences which allow participants to gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce.

Having a meeting coordinator certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for positions or negotiating contracts with clients. Employers may view your certification as evidence that you are knowledgeable about the industry and understand the complexities of coordinating meetings and events. Additionally, having certification can open up additional job opportunities that may not have been available without it.

In summary, while having a meeting coordinator certificate is not essential for success in this field, it can give you an advantage when competing for jobs or contracts. If you are serious about becoming a successful meeting coordinator then obtaining certification can help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in this area.

Related: Meeting Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Meeting Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Meeting Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Meeting Coordinator Certification is an accreditation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to plan and coordinate meetings, conferences, and other events.

2. How do I become certified as a Meeting Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified as a Meeting Coordinator, you must complete an accredited program or course and pass an exam demonstrating your knowledge of meeting planning practices, principles, and techniques.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Meeting Coordinator?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a Certified Meeting Coordinator include increasing your employability in the field, demonstrating your professional qualifications to employers, expanding your network of industry contacts, and gaining access to exclusive resources for meeting planners.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Meeting Coordinator?

Answer: The time required to become certified depends on the type of certification program you choose; some programs may require completion in 6 months or less while others may require up to 2 years of study.

5. Is there an age requirement for becoming a Certified Meeting Coordinator?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for becoming a Certified Meeting Coordinator; however, certain certifying organizations may have requirements regarding educational background or prior experience in the field.