Top 10 Special Events Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for special events managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and experience in the field. Certifications provide employers with assurance that a candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully plan and manage events. Additionally, certifications can open up more opportunities for advancement in the industry, as some employers may require professional certification for certain positions or promotions. Having a certification also gives applicants an edge over other candidates by providing them with more credibility. Finally, certifications can help special event managers stay current on trends and techniques in the industry, as many organizations offer continuing education programs to keep their members up-to-date on best practices.

This article reviews the top certifications for Special Events Managers and explains how they can help to advance a special events manager's career.

What are Special Events Manager Certifications?

Special Events Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of experienced event managers. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the planning, execution, and management of special events. This certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career in event management by gaining recognition and credibility in the field.

The program covers topics such as budgeting, marketing, risk management, client relations, contract negotiations, vendor selection, and more. Participants will gain an understanding of best practices for event planning and execution that can be applied to any type of event. They will also learn how to effectively manage different types of events while considering the legal requirements associated with them. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate that is recognized by industry professionals.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or competing for contracts in the field. It is also a great way to demonstrate commitment to professional development and stay up-to-date on trends in special events management. As well as showing employers that one has the knowledge required for the job, having this certification can also open doors to new opportunities within the field or industry.

Pro Tip: Before investing in a special events manager certification, research the certifying organization to ensure it is reputable and recognized within the industry. Additionally, read through the curriculum of the program to ensure that it covers all aspects of event management, including budgeting, planning, marketing and risk management.

Related: What does a Special Events Manager do?

Top 10 Special Events Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). This certification is designed to recognize event professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of special events. The CSEP program requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, risk management, and more.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in the special events industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also complete an application form, submit references from two industry professionals, and pay a fee. The fee for the CSEP program is $395 for ILEA members and $495 for non-members.

The entire process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. After submitting the application form and paying the fee, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. Once they complete the exam, they will receive their results within four weeks. If they pass the exam, they will then be eligible to receive their CSEP certification.

2. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of meeting professionals. The CMP credential is awarded by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the meeting management body of knowledge, which includes topics such as event planning, logistics, risk management, budgeting, and contract negotiation.

The process for obtaining the CMP credential involves completing an application form, submitting a portfolio that demonstrates relevant work experience in the industry, and passing an exam. To qualify for the CMP exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time paid experience working in the meetings industry within the past five years.

The CMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as strategic planning, risk management, financial management, marketing and communication strategies, technology applications in meetings management, and legal considerations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or at a testing center.

The cost for taking the CMP exam is $450 for members of the Convention Industry Council (CIC) or $550 for non-members. In addition to this fee there are also fees associated with submitting an application portfolio ($100 for members/$150 for non-members), as well as annual renewal fees ($50).

3. Certified Special Events Coordinator (CSEC)

Certified Special Events Coordinator (CSEC) is a professional certification program designed to equip event professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, coordinate, and execute successful special events. The program focuses on developing the core competencies required for success in the field of special events management, such as budgeting, marketing, contracting, risk management, and more.

The CSEC certification is offered through the International Live Events Association (ILEA). To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics related to event planning and management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to become eligible for the CSEC exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in special events planning or management. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background and professional experience in order to be approved for the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CSEC certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In general, it costs around $500 USD for ILEA members and $600 USD for non-members.

4. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the event planning industry. The certification is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA).

To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. This includes having at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the event planning industry, as well as completing a minimum of 30 hours of ILEA-approved education.

The CEP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. It covers topics such as event design, budgeting, marketing, legal issues, risk management, and more.

The cost for the CEP exam varies depending on your region; however, it typically ranges from $400 to $600 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $75 USD to maintain your certification status.

5. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP)

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, coordinate, and execute successful weddings and events. The program is offered by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).

The CWEP program consists of two parts: an online course that covers the fundamentals of wedding and event planning, and a hands-on practicum that includes a live event experience. Upon completion of both parts, participants are eligible to receive their CWEP certification.

The online course takes approximately 8 weeks to complete. It covers topics such as budgeting, contracts, marketing, etiquette, design elements, customer service, vendor relationships, and more. Participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certificate.

The hands-on practicum is typically completed in 3 weeks or less. During this time participants will work with an experienced wedding planner on an actual event from start to finish. This experience provides them with valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of wedding planning while allowing them to apply what they learned in the online course in a real-world setting.

In order to become certified as a CWEP, participants must successfully complete both the online course and hands-on practicum. The cost for the entire program is $1,495 USD which includes tuition for both the online course and practicum as well as all study materials required for completion of the program.

6. Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise and experience of event management professionals. The CEMP certification is awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and is recognized as an industry standard for event managers.

The CEMP certification requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in event management, and applicants must pass a comprehensive exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The exam covers topics such as budgeting, risk management, project management, marketing, legal issues, customer service, and more.

To get the CEMP certification, you must first complete an online application form on the ILEA website. Once your application has been approved, you will be sent an invitation to take the exam. The exam fee is $450 USD for members of ILEA or $550 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ILEA.

Overall, it takes approximately two months to get certified after submitting your application.

7. Certified Special Events Executive (CSEE)

Certified Special Events Executive (CSEE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). The CSEE program is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of excellence in the special events industry.

The CSEE program consists of three levels: Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), Certified Special Events Manager (CSEM), and Certified Special Events Executive (CSEE). To become certified at any of these levels, an individual must pass a comprehensive written exam that covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, and risk management.

To become certified at the CSEE level, an individual must have at least five years of experience in the special events industry and must have successfully passed both the CSEP and CSEM exams. Once certified, CSEEs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years.

The cost for taking the CSEE exam is $500 USD. It typically takes about four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

8. Certified Corporate Event Manager (CCEM)

The Certified Corporate Event Manager (CCEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, experience, and expertise of corporate event professionals. It is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA).

It is a comprehensive certification program that covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, risk management, legal/contractual issues, and more. The program consists of three parts: an online self-assessment test, a face-to-face workshop with an ILEA-certified instructor, and a final exam.

The online self-assessment test is designed to assess your current knowledge of corporate event management. It typically takes about two hours to complete. After completing this part of the program, you will receive feedback on your performance and be able to identify areas for improvement.

The face-to-face workshop will provide you with in-depth instruction on the topics covered in the self-assessment test. This workshop usually takes one or two days to complete depending on the instructor’s schedule. At the end of this part of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion from ILEA.

The final exam tests your understanding of all aspects of corporate event management covered in both parts of the program. It usually takes one hour to complete and must be passed in order to become certified as a CCEM.

In total, it takes approximately four days to complete all three parts of the CCEM certification program and become certified as a CCEM. The cost for this certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

9. International Live Events Association Certification Program

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Certification Program is a comprehensive professional development program designed to increase the knowledge and expertise of event professionals. It provides a structured learning environment that helps event professionals stay current on industry trends, best practices, and technology.

The ILEA Certification Program consists of five levels of certification: Certified Event Designer (CED), Certified Event Manager (CEM), Certified Event Planner (CEP), Certified Event Producer (CEP) and Certified Event Professional (CEP). Each level requires different qualifications and experience in order to be eligible for certification.

In order to become certified at any of the five levels, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it to ILEA. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online course materials. The courses are self-paced and can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to complete depending on the level of certification desired.

Once all course materials have been completed, applicants must then pass a final exam in order to receive their certification. The cost for each level of certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the applicant.

For non-members, the cost for each level is $500 USD; however, members receive discounted rates ranging from $250 - $400 USD per level. Additionally, members who choose to pursue multiple certifications may be eligible for additional discounts or complimentary courses.

10. Event Leadership Institute Certification Program

The Event Leadership Institute (ELI) Certification Program is an industry-leading certification program for event professionals. It is designed to provide comprehensive training and education in the areas of event planning, management, and production. The program consists of four modules which cover topics such as event strategy, marketing, budgeting, risk management, and more.

The ELI Certification Program can be completed in as little as eight weeks or up to a year depending on the individual’s schedule and availability. To get started, individuals must first register for the program online or through their local ELI Chapter. After registering, participants will receive access to the online course materials and can begin their journey towards becoming an ELI Certified Professional.

Throughout the course of the program, participants will learn how to plan and manage successful events from start to finish. They will also gain valuable insight into best practices in event planning and management from experienced professionals in the field. At the end of each module, participants must pass a series of tests in order to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered. Upon completion of all four modules, participants will receive their official ELI Certification.

The cost for the ELI Certification Program varies depending on whether you are enrolling as an individual or group participant; however it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Special Events Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a special events manager certificate will largely depend on the type of job you hope to obtain. If you want to be an event planner, the more qualifications and experience you have, the better. A certificate can demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand what goes into planning successful events.

Having a certificate in special events management may give you an edge when it comes to competing for jobs with other applicants. It could also give potential employers confidence that you are knowledgeable about the field and capable of handling whatever challenges arise during their events. Furthermore, earning a certificate may indicate that you are committed to your professional development and open to learning new skills as needed.

In addition, if your goal is to start your own special events business, having a certificate in special events management can help establish credibility with potential clients. It demonstrates that you understand the nuances of planning successful events and how to make them run smoothly from start to finish. This can help set your business apart from competitors and show potential customers that they can trust you with their event needs.

Overall, whether or not you need a special events manager certificate will depend on your individual goals and circumstances. However, obtaining such certification can certainly be beneficial when it comes to gaining knowledge in this field, competing for jobs, and establishing credibility with clients if starting your own business.

Related: Special Events Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Special Events Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a Special Events Manager Certification?

Answer: The requirements to become a certified Special Events Manager vary by certification program, but typically include education, experience, and passing an exam. Depending on the program, you may need a college degree in hospitality or event management; at least two years of professional experience in event management; and successful completion of an exam.

2. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Special Events Manager Certification Exam?

Answer: Yes, depending on the program, there may be prerequisites such as completing specific courses or having minimum work experience. It is important to check with the specific certification provider for their exact requirements.

3. How long does it take to complete a Special Events Manager Certification Program?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete a certification program varies from provider to provider and can range from several weeks to several months. It is important to research the different programs available and determine which one is best suited for your needs and timeline.

4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Special Events Manager Certification?

Answer: Most certification programs do not have specific age requirements; however, it is important to note that some programs may require that you have at least two years of professional experience in event management prior to taking the exam.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Special Events Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a certification varies by provider and can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the program's length and content. It is important to compare different programs and ensure you are getting value for your money before making your decision.