Top 10 Membership Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a membership manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job effectively. Certified membership managers are seen as more qualified than those without certifications, which can make them more competitive when applying for jobs. Certifications also provide evidence of a commitment to professional development and a mastery of the field. This can help employers feel more confident in their hiring decisions, as well as give them an indication of an individual's level of expertise and ability to handle complex tasks. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement, which is beneficial to both employers and employees alike.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Membership Managers and explain how they can help enhance a membership manager's career.

What are Membership Manager Certifications?

Membership Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide recognition to those individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities related to the management of membership-based organizations. The certification program was developed by the International Association of Membership Professionals (IAMP) in partnership with leading industry experts.

The certification program provides an objective third-party assessment of the individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities related to membership management. The certification is based on current best practices in the field and covers topics such as member recruitment and retention, managing memberships, communication strategies, event planning and customer service. The assessment consists of a series of exams that measure each candidate's level of mastery in these areas.

Having a Membership Manager Certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike. For employers, having certified staff can help ensure that their organization is following industry best practices when it comes to membership management. Certified staff also have a higher level of expertise which can lead to greater efficiency and fewer mistakes within the organization. For employees, having a certification can add credibility to their resume as well as provide them with an opportunity for career advancement or even career change into the field of membership management.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a membership manager certification, make sure you have a good understanding of the principles of customer service and marketing, as well as knowledge of database management. Additionally, gain experience in budgeting and managing staff to ensure you are prepared to handle the responsibilities of a membership manager.

Related: What does a Membership Manager do?

Top 10 Membership Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Membership Professional (CMP)

Certified Membership Professional (CMP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the membership management field. This certification is offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

The CMP program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and commitment to the profession through a combination of education, experience, and examination. The program consists of three components: an educational component, an experiential component, and an examination component.

To become certified as a CMP, applicants must complete all three components within five years. The educational requirement consists of completing at least 24 hours of approved courses related to membership management. The experiential requirement consists of having at least two years of full-time professional experience in the membership management field. The examination requirement consists of passing the CMP exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for becoming certified as a CMP varies depending on the applicant’s individual situation. For example, there are fees associated with taking the CMP exam, which range from $75-$150 depending on whether or not you are a member of ASAE. Additionally, there may be costs associated with taking any required courses or attending any workshops related to membership management.

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 designation is designed to recognize association professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. It is a mark of distinction that sets apart those who have achieved the highest level of professional accomplishment and expertise in association management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to obtain the CAE certification, depending on the individual's experience and background. To get the CAE certification, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in an association, or equivalent part-time experience; completing a minimum of 100 hours of continuing education; and passing a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of association management.

The cost for obtaining the CAE certification varies depending on the applicant's ASAE membership status. For nonmembers, it costs $1,250 for the application fee plus $395 for each exam section taken. For ASAE members, it costs $750 for the application fee plus $395 for each exam section taken.

3. Certified Manager of Membership Development (CMMD)

Certified Manager of Membership Development (CMMD) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). It is designed for association professionals who manage membership development activities, such as recruiting and retaining members. The CMMD certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively develop and manage successful membership programs.

It takes approximately six months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must complete three courses: Principles of Membership Development, Effective Strategies for Recruiting Members, and Retention Strategies for Member Engagement. Each course includes an online assessment which must be passed in order to receive the CMMD credential.

The cost of the CMMD program depends on whether you are an ASAE member or non-member. For members, the cost is $1,395; for non-members it is $1,595. This fee covers all three courses and assessments required for certification.

Once certified, individuals will have access to a variety of resources including webinars, workshops, mentoring opportunities, networking events and more. They will also gain recognition from their peers as a Certified Manager of Membership Development (CMMD).

4. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals working in the nonprofit sector. It is administered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, a national organization dedicated to strengthening the leadership capacity of the nonprofit sector.

The CNP program consists of five core competencies: Fundraising & Resource Development; Financial Management; Governance & Leadership; Program Planning & Evaluation; and Communication & Marketing. The program also includes an online assessment which evaluates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of each competency.

To become certified, individuals must complete a series of courses and workshops related to each competency, pass an online assessment, and submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of the material. The entire process typically takes between six months and two years to complete depending on the individual's prior experience and level of commitment.

The cost for certification varies based on whether an individual is enrolled in one of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s partner universities or if they are taking courses independently. For those enrolled in partner universities, tuition fees may range from $2,000 - $4,000 depending on the institution. For those taking courses independently, there may be additional costs associated with course materials or other fees that can vary significantly.

5. Certified Membership Marketing Professional (CMMP)

Certified Membership Marketing Professional (CMMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively market memberships. The program is offered by the American Association of Association Executives (ASAE).

The CMMP program consists of an online self-assessment, two days of in-person training, and a final exam. It takes approximately six months to complete the program.

To get certified, applicants must first take the online self-assessment. This assessment covers topics such as membership strategy, marketing principles, and customer service. After passing the assessment, applicants must attend two days of in-person training that focuses on developing skills related to membership marketing. Finally, applicants must pass a comprehensive final exam that tests their understanding of membership marketing principles and practices.

The cost for the CMMP program is $1,495 for ASAE members and $1,795 for non-members. This fee includes all materials needed for the program as well as access to an online community of certified professionals.

6. Certified Member Retention Specialist (CMRS)

Certified Member Retention Specialist (CMRS) is a certification offered by the Association of Professional Member Retention Specialists (APMRS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in member retention strategies and techniques. The certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as customer service, marketing, data analysis, and communication.

The certification process typically takes between six to nine months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application and pay the corresponding fee. Once accepted, applicants must complete an online course that covers the fundamentals of member retention and then take a proctored exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMRS certification.

The cost for becoming a Certified Member Retention Specialist varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD for all required materials and exams.

7. Association Management Professional (AMP)

Association Management Professional (AMP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the management of associations. The program is offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

The AMP certification requires a minimum of five years of full-time association management experience, as well as successful completion of an examination. The exam consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person interview. The online assessment covers topics such as association governance, financial management, membership development, marketing and communications, and strategic planning. The in-person interview focuses on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate knowledge and experience in association management.

To become certified, individuals must first submit an application that includes their resume and work history. Once approved, applicants will be given access to the online assessment and must pass it with a score of at least 80%. After passing the online assessment, applicants will be contacted for an in-person interview. Upon successful completion of both components, applicants will receive their AMP certificate.

The cost for obtaining the AMP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ASAE. For non-members, the cost is $1,200; for members, it is $800.

8. Association Leadership and Management Program (ALMP)

The Association Leadership and Management Program (ALMP) is a comprehensive training program designed to help association leaders and managers develop the skills they need to lead their organizations. The program covers topics such as leadership, management, finance, communications, human resources, and more. It provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing associations today and how to meet them.

The ALMP consists of four core courses: Leadership & Management; Financial Management; Human Resources; and Communications & Public Relations. Each course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. The total cost for the entire program is $2,500.

To get started with the ALMP, you must first contact your local association or professional society for information about enrolling in the program. You will be asked to provide proof of membership in an association or professional society before being accepted into the program. Once accepted into the program, you will receive access to all four courses and can begin completing them at your own pace.

At the end of each course, you will be required to take an exam that tests your understanding of the material covered in that particular course. Upon successful completion of all four courses and exams, you will receive a certificate from ALMP recognizing your achievement in completing the program.

9. American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Certification Program

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Certification Program is a professional development program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of association professionals. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the core competencies necessary to be successful in the field of association management.

The ASAE Certification Program consists of four levels: Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Certified Association Executive (PCAE), Senior Certified Association Executive (SCAE), and Master Certified Association Executive (MCAE). Each level requires a combination of education, experience, and examination components.

To become a CAE, applicants must have three years of full-time association management experience or five years of part-time experience, complete an approved educational program, and pass the CAE exam. The PCAE requires five years of full-time association management experience or seven years of part-time experience, completion of an approved educational program, and passing the PCAE exam. The SCAE requires seven years of full-time association management experience or nine years of part-time experience, completion of an approved educational program, and passing the SCAE exam. Finally, to become a MCAE applicants must have ten years of full-time association management experience or twelve years part-time experience, completion of an approved educational program, and passing the MCAE exam.

The cost for each level varies depending on whether you are an ASAE member or nonmember. For members it costs $450 for CAE; $650 for PCAE; $850 for SCAE; and $1,050 for MCAE. For nonmembers it costs $550 for CAE; $750 for PCAE; $950 for SCAE; and $1,150 for MCAE.

In order to get certified at any level you must submit your application online through ASAE's website along with all required documentation such as transcripts from your educational programs and proof that you have met the required number of hours in association management experience. Once your application is accepted you will receive information about registering for the appropriate exam which is offered twice a year in April/May and October/November at various locations throughout the United States. It typically takes 6 months from when you apply until you take your certification exam.

10. National Council of Nonprofits Certificate in Membership Management

The National Council of Nonprofits Certificate in Membership Management is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in membership management. This certificate program is designed to provide nonprofit professionals with the tools they need to successfully manage their organization’s membership program. It covers topics such as developing a membership strategy, engaging members, recruiting new members, and retaining current members.

The Certificate in Membership Management consists of four online courses: Fundamentals of Membership Management, Engaging Members, Recruiting New Members, and Retaining Current Members. Each course takes approximately 8-12 hours to complete. The cost for the entire program is $500.

To obtain the Certificate in Membership Management, individuals must complete all four courses within one year of enrollment. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive a Certificate in Membership Management from the National Council of Nonprofits.

Do You Really Need a Membership Manager Certificate?

When considering whether or not to pursue a membership manager certificate, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, having a certification may give you an edge in your job search and may open up opportunities for advancement. It could also demonstrate your commitment to the field of membership management and provide you with additional knowledge and skills that are beneficial when managing memberships.

On the other hand, obtaining a certificate can be time-consuming and expensive. You have to decide if the potential benefits outweigh the costs associated with obtaining a certificate. Additionally, some employers may not recognize or value certifications in membership management. Therefore, it is important to research what types of certifications employers prefer before investing time and money into obtaining a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a membership manager certificate depends on your individual career goals and interests. If you feel that having a certification will help you in your job search or give you an advantage over other applicants, then pursuing a certificate might be worth it. However, if you do not believe that having a certification will improve your career prospects or offer any tangible benefits, then it might be better to focus on other aspects of your professional development instead.

Related: Membership Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Membership Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Membership Manager?

Answer: Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry-level positions as a membership manager. However, employers may prefer applicants with additional training and/or certification in customer service, sales, or hospitality management.

2. Is there an exam I need to take to become certified as a Membership Manager?

Answer: Yes, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) offers the Certified Membership Manager (CMM) exam for those who want to pursue this certification. It consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as financial management, personnel management, membership recruitment and retention strategies, and operational procedures.

3. How long does it take to obtain my CMM certification?

Answer: The length of time required to obtain your CMM certification can vary depending on how well prepared you are for the exam and how quickly you complete your application materials. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months before you receive your certificate.

4. Are there any prerequisites I need to meet before taking the CMM exam?

Answer: Yes, applicants must have at least one year of experience in managing memberships or related services within the hotel industry prior to taking the exam. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in areas such as customer service principles and practices; financial management; and personnel management concepts and practices related to membership operations.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Membership Manager?

Answer: The cost of obtaining your CMM certification can vary depending on whether or not you choose an online or in-person preparation course prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, the cost of the exam itself is $355 USD plus applicable taxes and fees; however additional fees may apply if you opt for an online course or other preparation resources prior to taking the test.