Top 10 Trade Show Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a trade show coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Companies want to hire qualified individuals who have the skills necessary to successfully coordinate and manage trade shows. Certifications provide employers with assurance that an individual has taken the time to gain the proper training and education necessary to do the job accurately and efficiently. Additionally, certifications can help trade show coordinators stand out from other applicants as they demonstrate commitment to their profession.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Trade Show Coordinators and discuss how they can help to enhance a trade show coordinator's career.

What are Trade Show Coordinator Certifications?

Trade show coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and competence in managing the planning and execution of trade shows. With this certification, coordinators can prove their ability to handle the many different aspects of organizing a successful event, from setting up the venue to coordinating vendors and exhibitors. This certification can also help employers identify qualified professionals who have the necessary skills and experience to manage trade shows effectively. In addition, it may provide trade show coordinators with access to job opportunities that require specific credentials or certifications. Trade show coordinator certification can be an important asset for those looking to further their career in this field, as it provides a competitive edge in the job market.

Pro Tip: When selecting a trade show coordinator certification program, look for one that is endorsed by a professional organization or association. This will ensure that the program meets industry standards and provides you with the best possible education and training.

Related: What does a Trade Show Coordinator do?

Top 10 Trade Show Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Trade Show Professional (CTSP)

Certified Trade Show Professional (CTSP) is a professional certification program created by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). The CTSP certification recognizes professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the trade show industry.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CTSP program. To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least three years of experience in the trade show industry, or having completed an IAEE-approved course or program. You will then need to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as event planning, marketing and promotion, sales and customer service, budgeting and finance, operations management, technology, legal issues and more.

The cost for the CTSP certification is $395 for IAEE members ($495 for non-members). This fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and webinars. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CTSP certificate along with other recognition benefits.

2. Certified Trade Show Manager (CTSM)

Certified Trade Show Manager (CTSM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). It is designed to help trade show professionals understand the full scope of managing successful trade shows. The CTSM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam.

The online course covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, operations, customer service, and more. It takes approximately 25 hours to complete the course. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a comprehensive exam to become certified.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. To become certified, participants must score at least 70% on the exam. The cost for the CTSM certification program is $495 USD for IAEE members and $595 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification for event planners. It is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). The CEP certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced event professionals.

It takes approximately one year to complete the requirements for the CEP certification. To become certified, applicants must first complete a minimum of three years of full-time or equivalent experience in the events industry. Then they must pass an online exam that covers topics such as event planning principles, marketing and promotion, budgeting and finance, legal considerations, and risk management.

The cost of obtaining the CEP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of ILEA or not. For non-members, it costs $495 USD to register for the exam and receive study materials. For members, it costs $395 USD to register for the exam and receive study materials.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements and passed the exam, you will be awarded your CEP certification. This will give you access to exclusive resources such as discounts on event-related products and services as well as recognition from peers in the industry.

4. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the meeting and event planning industry. It is administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC), an international organization that sets standards for the events industry.

To become a Certified Meeting Professional, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of full-time experience in the meetings and events industry, completing a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education related to the field, and passing an examination. The CMP exam covers topics such as event design, risk management, budgeting, marketing and sales, legal issues, technology use in events, and more.

The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on how quickly you can meet all requirements. To get started on your CMP journey you need to register with EIC and submit your application along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once accepted into the program you will be given access to study materials and resources which will help you prepare for the examination.

The cost associated with becoming a Certified Meeting Professional depends on several factors such as whether or not you are already a member of EIC or if you need to purchase any additional study materials. Generally speaking it costs around $500-$700 USD for non-members to become certified.

5. International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM)

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) is a professional certification program for those involved in the exhibition management industry. It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate knowledge, experience, and commitment to the exhibitions and events industry. The CEM program is administered by IAEE and requires applicants to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in the exhibition management field as well as a minimum of 75 hours of approved continuing education credits within the past five years. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam which covers topics such as industry trends, operations, marketing and sales strategies, customer service, financial management and more.

The CEM program typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To get started, prospective candidates can apply online through IAEE’s website or contact their local chapter for assistance.

The cost for the CEM program varies depending on whether you are an IAEE member or non-member. For IAEE members, the cost is $595 USD plus applicable taxes; for non-members it is $795 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes all study materials, exam fees and certification processing fees.

6. American Marketing Association (AMA) Trade Show Certification Program

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Trade Show Certification Program is a program designed to help marketers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in trade show marketing. This program is designed for those who have an interest in learning more about trade show marketing, as well as those looking to increase their expertise in the field.

The program consists of four courses: Trade Show Basics, Trade Show Strategy and Tactics, Trade Show Evaluation and Measurement, and Trade Show Management. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and includes lectures, case studies, activities, quizzes, and other interactive elements. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their AMA Trade Show Certification.

To get started with the AMA Trade Show Certification Program, individuals must first register online at the AMA website. Once registered, they can access the four courses through the online learning platform. The cost of the entire program is $299 USD.

Once all four courses are completed successfully within one year of registering for the program, individuals will receive their AMA Trade Show Certification. This certification is valid for three years from date of issue and can be renewed by completing additional coursework or attending approved events related to trade show marketing.

7. International Special Events Society (ISES) Certified Event Coordinator

The International Special Events Society (ISES) Certified Event Coordinator is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who plan and manage special events. The ISES Certified Event Coordinator (CEC) credential is designed to set a standard of excellence for the event industry, as well as provide a benchmark for employers when hiring event professionals.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements to become an ISES Certified Event Coordinator. The process involves completing an online application, taking and passing an exam, submitting three letters of recommendation from industry colleagues or clients, and paying a fee.

The cost of becoming an ISES Certified Event Coordinator varies depending on your membership status with ISES. For non-members, the fee is $500 USD; for members, it is $300 USD.

To get started on the path to becoming an ISES Certified Event Coordinator, you must first join ISES as either a Professional Member or Associate Member. Once you have joined ISES, you can then apply for the CEC program by filling out the online application form and submitting all required documentation. After submitting your application materials, you will be notified if you are approved to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CEC designation and certificate from ISES.

8. Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convene Certification

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convene Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced professionals in the meetings and events industry. The certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in meeting management and provides recognition for those who have achieved it.

The PCMA Convene Certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first apply online and submit their resume. After submitting the application, applicants will be required to take a written exam that covers topics such as event planning, budgeting, marketing, customer service, operations management, and more. Once the written exam is completed successfully, applicants will then be eligible for an oral interview with a panel of industry experts.

The cost of the PCMA Convene Certification program varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with PCMA. For non-members, the fee is $450 USD; for members of PCMA or other related associations (such as Meeting Professionals International), the fee is $350 USD; and for students or recent graduates of hospitality programs, the fee is $250 USD.

In addition to completing the application process and passing both exams successfully, applicants must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years.

9. International Live Events Association (ILEA) Certified Special Events Professional

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a professional certification program for event professionals. It is the only international certification program of its kind and provides recognition of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to plan and execute successful special events.

To become a CSEP, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the special events industry, as well as pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as event planning, management, budgeting, marketing, risk management, legal issues and more. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices in their work.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the CSEP certification. To get started on the process applicants should first review the requirements and then register for the exam online through ILEA’s website. The cost for registration is $350 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered applicants will receive access to study materials which include practice exams and other resources to help them prepare for the exam. After passing the exam applicants will be awarded their CSEP certification from ILEA.

10. Event Marketing Institute's Certified Experiential Marketer

The Event Marketing Institute’s Certified Experiential Marketer (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to equip event marketers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, plan, and execute successful experiential marketing campaigns. The CEM program is a comprehensive training course that covers the fundamentals of experiential marketing, from concept development to implementation. It provides an in-depth look at the principles of experiential marketing and how it can be used to create memorable experiences for customers.

The CEM program consists of three levels: Level 1 – Foundation Course, Level 2 – Advanced Course, and Level 3 – Professional Certification Exam. Each level takes between 10-15 hours to complete and includes online lectures, quizzes, case studies, and interactive activities. The cost of the CEM program varies depending on which level you are taking; however, all levels include access to the Event Marketing Institute’s online library of resources.

To get certified as an Experiential Marketer through the Event Marketing Institute’s CEM program, you must first complete all three levels of training. Once you have completed each level successfully, you will be eligible to take the Professional Certification Exam which will test your knowledge and understanding of experiential marketing principles. Upon passing this exam, you will receive your official CEM certification from the Event Marketing Institute.

The cost for the entire CEM program typically ranges between $500 - $1,000 USD depending on which level you are taking and where you purchase it from.

Do You Really Need a Trade Show Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer is, no. You do not need a trade show coordinator certificate to work in the trade show industry. However, having a certification may make it easier for you to get hired and be successful in the field. It can demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and show potential employers that you have the skills necessary to do the job.

Certifications can also provide valuable networking opportunities that can lead to more employment opportunities. For example, many trade shows offer educational seminars and workshops that are attended by many people in the industry. Having a certification can open up doors to these events and allow you to build relationships with those who could potentially hire you or refer you for jobs.

In addition, having a certification may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers often look for employees who have certifications or degrees related to their field of work. Having a certification may make it easier to stand out from other applicants and prove your credentials as a knowledgeable professional in the industry.

In conclusion, while having a trade show coordinator certificate is not necessary, it can be beneficial if you want to pursue a career in this field. It can help demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and give employers confidence in your abilities as well as provide networking opportunities and an edge over other applicants when seeking employment or promotions.

Related: Trade Show Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Trade Show Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Trade Show Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Trade Show Coordinator Certification is a credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in planning, organizing, and executing successful trade shows. This certification covers topics such as budgeting, event promotion, vendor relations, logistics management, and risk management.

2. Who should consider getting the Trade Show Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Anyone who works in the trade show industry or is interested in advancing their career in this field should consider getting the Trade Show Coordinator Certification. This includes professionals such as event managers, exhibitors, vendors, and marketing professionals.

3. What are the benefits of having a Trade Show Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Having a Trade Show Coordinator Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the skills necessary to plan and manage successful trade shows. It also provides recognition from peers and clients as someone who has achieved an expert level of understanding of trade show coordination. Furthermore, it can open up opportunities for career advancement within the industry.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain certification depends on which certification program you choose to pursue; however, most programs require around 18-20 hours of course work spread over several weeks or months.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Most certification programs require applicants to have prior experience in either event planning or trade show coordination before being eligible for certification; however some may allow applicants with no previous experience to apply if they demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of the material covered by the program.