How to Become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
What is the a Certified Meeting Professional?
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is a prestigious recognition within the events industry. It was launched in 1985 by the Events Industry Council (EIC) to enhance the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession, and advance uniform standards of practice.
The CMP certification program is a two-part process in which you must complete the CMP application to demonstrate your eligibility, and then successfully pass a written examination covering the functions performed in meeting management.
Why Pursue CMP Certification?
According to an industry study conducted by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), meeting planners who hold the CMP can potentially earn $10,000 more annually than their non-certified counterparts.
- Professional Recognition: The CMP is globally acknowledged as the badge of excellence in the events industry.
- Increased Earning Potential: CMPs typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts.
- Career Advancement: The certification opens doors to better opportunities and is recognized by recruiters and employers.
- Commitment to Best Practices: CMPs adhere to industry standards, practices, and ethics.
How to Become a CMP?
- Professional Experience: Applicants must have relevant experience in the events industry.
- Education: Candidates complete continuing education or academic coursework related to meeting management.
- Examination: Aspiring CMPs must pass a comprehensive exam covering meeting management topics.
What are the eligible requirements?
For detailed information about these requirements and acceptable forms of documentation, please download the CMP Handbook and CMP Handbook Addendum
To be eligible to sit for the CMP exam, your application must include proof of both EXPERIENCE and EDUCATION.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – CHOOSE 1 OF 3 OPTIONS
Option 1: 36 months of experience
- Thirty-six (36) total months of full-time work experience in the meeting, event, exhibition, hospitality, and tourism industry. The 36 months must have taken place in the past five years, but they do not have to be consecutive months; and
- A resume or CV with your application. The experience you list on your resume should demonstrate meeting management responsibilities or your role in contributing to the planning, execution and results of meetings.
Option 2: 24 months of experience and an industry degree
- Associates’s degree (or higher) in the hospitality/tourism/event management field; and
- A resume or CV with your application. The experience you include on your resume should demonstrate meeting management responsibilities or your role in contributing to the planning, execution and results of meetings; and
- Both the degree and the 24 months of experience must have taken place in the past five years but they do not have to be consecutive months.
Option 3: 36 months as an educational instructor
- Full-time instructor of meeting, event, exhibition, hospitality or tourism management at an educational institution or university program; and
- 36 months of full-time experience in academia; and
- Official course outline and syllabus that proves full-time teaching at an educational institution or university program.
CONTINUING EDUCATION – CHOOSE 1 of 2 OPTIONS
Option 1: 25 clock hours of educational activities that
- Were completed in the past five years
- Include face-to-face conferences, webinars (both live and on-demand), classes and individual sessions
- Have learning objectives related to one of the nine domains in the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS). It is not required that you have education activities in all nine domain areas.
- Effective 1 January 2016, continuing education requirements for the CMP exam have been modified. Of the 25 clock hours needed for eligibility, 20% (five hours) may be non-industry-specific general education IF the learning objective of the activity relates to one of the nine domains in the CMP International Standards (e.g., project management, marketing, or financial management).
- Non-industry-specific continuing education must be reported on the application on a session-by-session basis and appropriate session description and documentation of attendance uploaded as outlined in the CMP Certification Handbook.
- Unless pre-approved through the Preferred Provider Program, all continuing education is reported on a session-by-session basis and documentation is uploaded as outlined in the CMP Certification Handbook.
Option 2: Industry Internship
This option is typically used by those who have chosen Option 2 in the Experience section of the application. The internship must have:
- Taken place in the past five years; and
- Included a minimum of 200 hours of work experience with a professional organization through an accredited educational institution or university.
Your application must include a letter from your faculty/internship advisor or internship supervisor certifying the completion of the internship.This letter must be on official letterhead and signed by the advisor.
What is the CMP exam?
The exam is based on the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS) and each question is tied to one of the nine domains in the CMP-IS.
All questions on the exam undergo an extensive review process by a group of meeting industry subject matter experts. These experts, as well as testing experts, ensure that the exam accurately measures a meeting professional’s level of knowledge. Only questions that measure competency and skill are included on the exam.
There are multiple versions of the CMP exam in circulation at any given time. Questions include selections from the CMP Item Bank, a database of exam questions prepared by subject matter experts and experts in testing and assessment.
Exam structure
- Computer-based
- 165 multiple-choice questions: 150 operational questions (scored) and 15 unscored questions (referred to as pre-test questions).
- Four answer choices
- No trick questions
- No “all of the above” or “none of the above”
- Three and a half hours
- Pass or Fail score
- Offered only in the English language – translation is not available.
How to Prepare for the CMP exam?
The following references are required for the CMP programme: CMP Handbook, the CMP Handbook Addendum and the The CMP International Standards.
CMP Knowledge Training & Boot Camp
The CMP Knowledge Training & Boot Camp Program/Course embodies a strong commitment to professional growth, providing a clear pathway for aspiring candidates aiming for the prestigious Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification. Meticulously crafted with a blend of exceptional academic instruction and practical coaching, this program establishes benchmarks aimed at maintaining quality standards within the hospitality industry. As a CPD-accredited educational institution, OmniPear is recognized for its dedication to delivering high-quality education. If you are looking for general education, take advantage of the course to learn more about best practices for industry professionals.
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