When you apply for a role in event management, you need to convince the employer or client that you have the skills needed to excel in the role. Communicating that value is a challenge.
Fortunately, a number of certification programs exist that help demonstrate your expertise and that you know what it takes to plan an outstanding event. If you want to build and advance your career in event planning, earning an event planning certificate is an avenue worth exploring.
Let’s explore some of the top certification programs and what you should know about your different educational options.
How to Become an Event Planner: Event Coordinator Certification Options
Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM)
Becoming a Certified Exhibition Manager, or CEM, is an excellent option for those who work specifically with exhibitions or want to specialize in events management. The certification comes from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
Overview of the CEM Designation
The CEM certification delves into a variety of critical topics that professionals can use immediately in their roles. The teachers themselves are industry professionals, which means they can add their own experiences and insights to the lessons.
The certificate provides ample opportunity to learn about the latest trends and development in the industry while also raising the professional standards of professionals, so graduates can feel confident that they are ready for what the position has to offer.
Courses for earning this certificate are offered on-demand, virtually, and in person. Applications must take these courses and then pass the applicable exam to receive their certificate.
Benefits of Earning the CEM
Earning the CEM helps enhance the credibility and expertise for professionals building event-oriented careers. Many certified professionals also appreciate the opportunities for networking offered, including participating in a recognition ceremony at the end of the certification process.
The CEM has been around since 1975 as well, giving it an established, respected reputation. It is globally recognized and includes a network of more than 3,700 professionals.
How to Obtain the CEM Certification
To obtain the CEM certification, professionals will need to take 9 courses out of the 13 different offerings available. After completing the courses, you will also have to pass the accompanying exam. Once you start the process by passing your first exam, you have 3 years to complete the process.
In addition to the training courses, you also must have 3 years of full-time experience in the exhibitions and events industry as well as an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
The Certified Meeting Professional, CMP, certification also provides great benefits for those interested in excelling in the field. Earning this certificate gives you a designation that highlights your skills and professionalism, making it a great choice for those who organize or design events.
Overview of the CMP Designation
The CMP certification enhances the knowledge and understanding of professionals that work with meeting development. The certification specifically works to create practice standards for the industry, and those who earn the designation are trained to uphold these standards.
The CMP certification signifies that this professional has earned a badge of excellence and offers global recognition. As an interesting feature, the certification also has a designated subspecialty for healthcare.
Benefits of Becoming a CMP
Those who pursue the CMP designation know that the certification carries recognition and respect in the event planning community. Finishing the certificate indicates that you care about abiding by the highest standards in the field. The training program communicates the core body of knowledge that successful professionals need to know, which helps to advance the field and create more business opportunities for professionals.
Those who have earned the certification also tend to earn more than their non-certified counterparts, demonstrating how professionals who emerge from this program demonstrate superior understanding and skills.
Steps to Certification
To earn the CMP status, professionals to fit one of the following categories:
- Worked in the industry either full-time for 36 months
- Worked in the field for 24 months have carry an industry degree
- Worked in the field for 36 months as an educator in the field
Those who meet the background qualifications then need to clock 25 hours of educational activities that relate to different category areas that the certification prioritizes. If not, applications can take an internship.
Finally, once you have met the previous criteria, you will need to pass an exam related to the areas of study.
Event Planning Certificate Programs
Event planning certification programs offer those interested in the field a variety of opportunities to excel. Let’s look more closely at what they offer.
Overview of Certificate Programs
The certificate programs generally consist of event planning classes. These classes will provide opportunities to review and explore key ideas related to event management and the latest trends and technology used in the process.
Students will learn more about how to plan and execute events in a manner that builds a successful event while also exploring how to iron out potential inefficiencies.
The learning portions of the certifications will typically combine examples with professional learning experiences.
Notable Programs
Event managers will quickly discover that there are a variety of great programs that offer certification opportunities. The key is seeking out organizations that have a solid reputation in the field and not only offer certifications, but also help to raise the standards of the industry to keep it moving forward and meeting the needs of clients.
Some top organizations that offer these types of certifications include:
- The IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events)
- The Events Industry Council
- The National Career Certification Board
- Various reputable universities who offer training for entry-level certifications
Advantages of Certificate Programs
Of course, those interested in building their event planning career may wonder about the value of going through the hassle of taking courses and passing an exam. However, we find that many professionals do benefit from these types of courses.
- Taking courses and obtaining a certificate demonstrations your hard work. It provides you with a concrete way to demonstrate your skills for new clients or employers.
- It will help you improve your understanding of strategies associated with quality event planning. Even the most experienced planners can learn new tips for increasing efficiency.
- The training will help you better understand the psychology of event organization. This can help you build highly successful, valuable events.
- You will build your skills in execution and budgeting, which can further boost your capabilities.
Let’s look more closely at your options for event planning certifications.
Certified Event Planner (CEP)
A certified event planner builds their skills to help with the organization and executions of a variety of corporate events. The training through Lovegevity and LWPI prepares professionals to properly manage events of all sizes.
Overview of the CEP Certification
The CEP focuses on corporate events, which can range from large events like:
- Galas
- Product promotions
- Fundraisers
To smaller events such as:
- Professional meetings
- Award ceremonies
- In-housing training seminars
All of these types of events call for professionals who understand how to bring together all the different components of event management and can launch an event that is effective and valuable for the intended participants.
During training, participants will spend about 340 hours studying important skills related to designing events, budgeting for them, and reviewing how the event went after it is completed. All these components can help businesses improve and measure the value of their events.
Benefits of CEP Certification
With the CEP certification, event planners receive special benefits that can help them grow their careers. Specifically, graduates get support and networking opportunities through the program. These benefits even continue after they finish their studies, as the organizers will help students find internships and means of launching their new careers.
Through their studies and internships, those who complete the program will also build a quality portfolio that they can use to showcase their skills for future clients and employers.
How to Become a CEP
To become a CEP, interested professionals will first need to complete the coursework associated with the program. As we mentioned before, this typically takes about 340 hours to complete. Once the coursework is finished, students will want to pursue internships that provide them with ample opportunities to try out their new skills and see how to put these ideas into practice.
Upon completion of the course, students take exams on the content they studied, submit their projects, and prepare to launch new careers. This certification is a beginner-level certification, which means prior experience is not required to get started.
Certified Event Planning Specialist (CEPS)
The National Career Certification Board offers the CEPS program to provide newcomers to the event planning industry the introduction they need to thrive in the field.
Overview of the Event Planning Specialist Program
This program is designed for entry-level event planners, offering the skills and training relevant for those interested in becoming event coordinators, wedding planners, and event planning assistants. It goes over all the different components of planning an event, from selecting a vendor to budgeting and logistics. Graduates are prepared to look for positions in the entry levels of this field.
Benefits of the Event Planning Specialist Program
This program offers a good base level for those who want to pivot into this industry. For those who have not worked in event planning before, it can feel overwhelming. This certificate, however, provides the background information for people to confidently begin.
The National Career Certification Board also brings a strong reputation to the field, so people can feel confident that their certification will carry weight and provide them with quality information needed in the field. This certificate will therefore benefit job applicants tremendously.
Becoming a Certified Event Planning Specialist
Those interested in pursuing this certification will need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent level of education. They will then need to acquire the coursework or work experience that teaches what they need to know about the field. Finally, applicants will demonstrate their understanding of the best practices and core competencies by passing the CEPS exam to earn their certification.
Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
This certificate helps prepare people for several different types of careers in the event coordination field. This includes people like event planners, corporate event coordinators, and wedding planners.
Overview of the Special Events Certification
Professionals who earn this certification will learn directly from the International Live Events Association, which organizes classes based around event planning, execution, and evaluation. Those who achieve this certification will have to pass exams in addition to successfully completing the coursework.
Key Benefits
Those who complete this certification have the credentials that demonstrate their commitment to expertise. They will show their understanding and commitment to rigorous professional standards, which help them better serve their clients and employees.
This certificate and the organization that issues it are also internationally recognized, which can help boost the reputation and network for those who have earned this credential.
Path to Certification
To obtain this certificate, interested professionals need to have at least 3 years of full-time work in the relevant industry and have documentation of their experience and the types of event activities they have held responsibility for.
The application itself for the certification calls for essays. After completing the coursework, students will also have to take an examination with regards to various core competencies that event planners should know.
Event Planner Education Requirements
Those who want to pursue event planner certifications, will find that these different options can help them improve their planning skills and strategies. The certification path you pursue will depend upon factors like your background and experience in the industry and the types of events where you want to specialize.
Educational Pathways
Aspiring event planners will want to consider some important questions before they choose an educational pathway for their career. Some important questions we think you should ask yourself include:
- Do you want to be a specialist or a generalist? Knowing whether you want to specialize in a specific type of event, such as digital events, or whether you want to be more general in your skills and experience can help you select your preferred option.
- What is the cost-benefit analysis of this course? Knowing how much the course will cost you in time and money and comparing that with the growth you can expect from your career upon completion can help you evaluate if that is the right course for you. A successful event planner, for example, would not see much financial advantage of an entry level course.
- What networking and professional opportunities are provided with the course? Courses also provide help through opportunities for networking. See what you can do with your selected course.
- What types of courses will work best for you? Certifications often offer a few different options for trainees, such as in-person, virtual, or hybrid training programs. Knowing what can work for you and your schedule can also help you select the right pathway.
Event planning certifications can take a variety of different forms. From beginner to advanced courses and online to in-person training, knowing the pathway that will work for you and provide you with the most benefits will give you the optimal path to success.
Recommended Courses and Classes
To help you build your foundational knowledge in event planning, taking some of the popular courses from highly rated organizations can help you get started on the path to success. We recommend looking at courses such as:
- The Event Planner Training from the New York Institute of Art and Design
- The Event Management and Design from George Mason University
- Event Planning Certificates from community colleges
These courses will provide you with a solid overview of the field and give you insight into how you can launch a career that will prepare you for the more advanced certification options that require a few years of experience in the field.
Importance of Continuous Education
The event planning industry continues to grow and evolve with changing attendee needs and emerging technology. Therefore, successful event planners need to know how to navigate these changes and incorporate the latest best practices into their own jobs.
Staying on top of industry trends through continued education helps you achieve this goal. By prioritizing remaining at the forefront of your industry, you will enhance your career. You are ready to answer the needs of clients who want to engage with the latest best practices and you will maximize your efficiency throughout the planning process. This boosts your ROI.
Conclusion
Earning event planning certificates can help prepare you for a job in the field or help you improve your skills to boost your performance and professional opportunities. Consider these certifications as stepping stones to becoming a more effective corporate event planner .
Explore the certification options above further to see how these options might help you further your education in event planning.
