Top 11 Membership Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a membership coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. Certification programs provide specialized training and may cover topics such as customer service, marketing, sales, project management, payroll and accounting, public relations, event planning, and more. By having certifications, a membership coordinator shows potential employers that they have the required qualifications to do their job effectively. Additionally, certifications can give an individual an edge over other applicants who don't have them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Membership Coordinators and explore how they can help further a membership coordinator's career.

What are Membership Coordinator Certifications?

Membership coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in managing membership programs. This certification can help professionals working in the field of membership coordination to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, as well as provide them with the opportunity to network with other certified professionals. It also prepares them for career advancement opportunities, such as taking on leadership roles within their organizations or seeking higher-level positions in the industry.

Membership coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing membership strategies and initiatives, cultivating relationships with members, recruiting new members, and helping organizations meet their goals for growth and engagement. They must have strong organizational, communication, customer service, project management, and problem-solving skills. Having a membership coordinator certification indicates that an individual has the necessary knowledge to effectively manage a membership program.

The certification program usually consists of courses related to topics such as marketing techniques, data analysis tools, customer relationship management systems (CRMs), and event planning techniques. The courses equip individuals with the skills they need to successfully plan, coordinate, and manage successful membership programs. In addition to these topics, some programs may include additional classes in areas like budgeting or fundraising.

Having a membership coordinator certification shows employers that an individual is knowledgeable about best practices in this field. It can also open doors to more advanced roles within the organization or industry such as director or manager of membership services. Additionally, it provides professionals with access to ongoing education and other resources that help them stay up-to-date on changes within the industry.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a membership coordinator certification can be an invaluable asset for those looking to enter the field of membership coordination. It can open up opportunities for career advancement, as well as give you access to industry resources and contacts that may not be available otherwise. Additionally, it can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your dedication to staying abreast on the latest trends in the field.

Related: What does a Membership Coordinator do?

Top 11 Membership Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Membership Professional (CMP)

Certified Membership Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). It is designed to recognize and reward professionals who demonstrate expertise in the field of association management. The CMP program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities through a comprehensive exam.

To become a Certified Membership Professional, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam that covers topics such as membership development and retention, communication strategies, marketing techniques, financial management, and technology. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in association management or related fields.

The CMP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost for taking the exam is $350 for ASAE members and $450 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMP certification within six weeks.

The CMP certification does not expire; however, certified professionals are encouraged to participate in continuing education activities every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

2. Certified Association Executive (CAE)

Certified Association Executive (CAE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The CAE credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and expertise in the management of associations. The CAE program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as association governance, finance, legal issues, membership development, public relations and marketing, technology, and volunteer involvement.

The CAE program consists of three components: an online self-assessment to gauge your current knowledge level; an online course covering the core competencies required for successful association management; and a final examination. The entire process takes approximately six months to complete.

To become certified as a CAE you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in association management or related fields; having completed at least 60 hours of continuing education related to association management within the past five years; and being currently employed in an association or related field.

The cost of becoming a Certified Association Executive varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are an ASAE member. Generally speaking, it costs between $650-$850 for non-members and $550-$750 for ASAE members. This fee covers the cost of the self-assessment exam, the online course materials, and the final examination.

3. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the nonprofit sector. It is awarded by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, a national organization dedicated to strengthening the social sector by preparing students for careers in the nonprofit field.

To become a CNP, an individual must have completed at least two years of full-time work in a nonprofit organization or have completed at least one year of full-time work in a nonprofit organization and have taken at least three courses related to nonprofit management.

In addition to meeting these qualifications, individuals must pass an exam administered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. The exam covers topics such as fundraising, financial management, marketing and communication, organizational development and human resources management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all of the requirements for certification. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already employed in a nonprofit organization. For those who are employed in a nonprofit organization, the cost is $250; for those who are not employed in a nonprofit organization, the cost is $450.

4. Certified Public Manager (CPM)

Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and enhance the management skills of public sector employees. The CPM program was developed by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium (NCPMC), which consists of several state government agencies, universities, and other organizations committed to improving the quality of public service.

The CPM program is an intensive training and assessment process that takes approximately one year to complete. It includes classroom instruction, self-study, field projects, and a comprehensive written examination. To earn the CPM designation, individuals must demonstrate mastery in topics such as organizational behavior, human resources management, financial management, public policy analysis, strategic planning, and communication.

To become certified as a CPM, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of professional experience in a public sector position or related field; having earned a bachelor’s degree or higher; and passing the required written exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on the individual’s location and institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,500 to $4,000 for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include books and materials needed for coursework as well as travel expenses if attending classes off-site.

5. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and commitment of special events professionals. It is the only certification program in North America that focuses exclusively on special event management.

To become a Certified Special Events Professional, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field and pass an exam administered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as event design, budgeting, marketing, risk management, legal issues, and more.

The process to become a CSEP typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents to ILEA. Once approved, they can register for the exam and pay the associated fees. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CSEP certificate from ILEA.

The cost to become a CSEP varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ILEA. For non-members, it costs $450 USD to take the exam plus an additional $50 USD processing fee. For members, it costs $350 USD plus a $50 USD processing fee.

6. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is an international credential that recognizes professional excellence in fundraising. It is the only globally-recognized certification for fundraising professionals and demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to lead successful fundraising programs.

The CFRE credential requires a minimum of five years of full-time, paid experience in professional fundraising, with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. To become certified, applicants must pass a rigorous examination that tests their knowledge and understanding of all aspects of fundraising, including ethics, donor relations, financial management, research, volunteer management and more.

Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world situations by submitting three written case studies. The CFRE exam is offered twice annually at testing centers around the world.

The cost for the CFRE application fee is $250 USD and the exam fee is $350 USD. The total cost for becoming certified is $600 USD.

7. Association Management Professional (AMP)

Association Management Professional (AMP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Association Executives (AAE). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate excellence in association management. The program focuses on the core competencies of effective association management, including strategic planning, financial management, governance, public policy, marketing and communications, membership development, meetings and conferences, and technology.

The AMP certification program consists of three levels: Certified Associate (CA), Certified Professional (CP), and Certified Executive (CE). Each level requires applicants to meet specific criteria and complete an assessment process that includes a combination of written exams and practical experience.

The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the individual's level of experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all three levels.

To get started with the AMP certification program, applicants must first submit an application form along with any required supporting documentation. Once approved by AAE staff members, applicants will be given access to an online learning platform where they can begin their studies.

The cost of the AMP certification program varies depending on the level being pursued. The current fees for each level are: CA – $395; CP – $495; CE – $595.

8. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes meeting and event professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the practice of meeting management. The CMP credential is administered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), an alliance of industry organizations dedicated to promoting professionalism in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry.

To become a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), you must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least three years of full-time experience in the meetings and events industry, or equivalent part-time experience; completion of 25 hours of continuing education within five years prior to application; successful completion of a CMP exam; and adherence to the CIC Code of Ethics.

It typically takes about six months from start to finish for candidates to complete all requirements for their CMP credential. Candidates are encouraged to begin their application process early in order to ensure they have enough time to complete all requirements before their desired deadline.

The cost for the CMP program varies depending on where you live and how quickly you need your results. The approximate cost is $500-$700 USD.

9. American Society of Association Executives' Certificate in Association Management

The American Society of Association Executives' (ASAE) Certificate in Association Management is a professional certification program designed to provide association professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage associations. The certificate program is offered both online and in-person, and consists of six core courses covering topics such as governance, finance, advocacy, communications, membership development, and technology.

The Certificate in Association Management can be completed in as little as nine months or up to two years depending on the individual's schedule. To earn the certificate, individuals must complete all six core courses plus an additional elective course. The cost for the entire program is $2,995 for ASAE members and $3,495 for non-members.

To get started, individuals must first create an account on ASAE's website. Once registered they will be able to access their course materials and begin their studies. Upon completion of all seven courses, participants will receive their Certificate in Association Management from ASAE.

10. Institute for Credentialing Excellence's Certified Membership Marketing Professional

The Certified Membership Marketing Professional (CMMP) designation is offered by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). It is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in membership marketing. The CMMP designation is intended to demonstrate that an individual has mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage membership marketing programs.

To earn the CMMP designation, individuals must complete a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of membership marketing principles and practices. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as recruitment, retention, engagement, communications, technology, data analysis, and financial management. Individuals must also have at least three years of experience in membership marketing or related fields.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete. Individuals must register for the exam online through ICE's website and pay a fee of $225 USD prior to taking the test. Once registered, individuals can take the exam at any Prometric testing center located in most major cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their CMMP designation from ICE along with a certificate suitable for framing. The certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued and may be renewed by completing continuing education requirements established by ICE.

11. National Council of Nonprofits' Certificate in Nonprofit Governance and Leadership

The National Council of Nonprofits' Certificate in Nonprofit Governance and Leadership is a professional development program designed to help nonprofit leaders better understand the principles, practices, and legalities of nonprofit governance. The program consists of three online courses that cover topics such as board roles and responsibilities, financial management, fundraising, strategic planning, and legal compliance. Each course takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete.

To obtain the certificate, participants must successfully complete all three courses within 12 months. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from the National Council of Nonprofits.

The cost for the Certificate in Nonprofit Governance and Leadership is $199 USD for individuals or $99 USD per person for groups of 5 or more.

Do You Really Need a Membership Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Membership Coordinator Certificate is largely dependent on the type of job you are applying for. If you are applying for a job as a membership coordinator, then having a certificate could be beneficial, as it would indicate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out your duties. However, if your goal is to further your career in this field, then obtaining certification might be more beneficial than just having a certificate.

Certification indicates that you have gone through an official program and have met certain standards of knowledge and proficiency. Certification also shows that you have taken the initiative to invest in yourself and gain the necessary knowledge to excel in this position. This can make you stand out from other applicants who may only hold a certificate.

In addition, certification could open doors for advancement within the organization or even lead to better job opportunities outside of the organization. It can also provide access to industry specific resources and networking opportunities that can help further your career in membership coordination.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Membership Coordinator Certificate depends on what your goals are with regards to this profession. If you want to demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skillset, then obtaining certification could be extremely beneficial. However, if all you need is an entry-level position, then simply having a certificate may be enough.

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FAQs About Membership Coordinator Certifications

1. What are the eligibility requirements for becoming a Membership Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The eligibility requirements vary from program to program, but generally speaking, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in customer service or membership management.

2. How long does it take to complete the Membership Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Depending on the program, it typically takes between three to six months to complete the coursework and earn your certification.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking the Membership Coordinator Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, most programs require that you have prior experience in customer service or membership management before taking the exam.

4. What topics are covered in the Membership Coordinator Certification course?

Answer: The topics covered in this certification course include customer service skills, membership management strategies, database administration, data analysis and reporting, sales techniques, marketing strategies and leadership development.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Membership Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require that you maintain your certification by completing a certain number of continuing education credits every year.