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Event Planner School: Working Toward Event Planning Certification
Event Planner School:
Working Toward Event Planning Certification
Are you thinking about attending an event planner school to get the training you need for an exciting career in event management? Does the idea of organizing all the details of somebody's special day, important corporate event, or big-name concert thrill you? If so, read this article and find out why earning event planning certification could prove critical to your future career.
Benefits of Certification
Although certification is voluntary, it is one of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to the industry, and to clients and peers. Certification also:
- Indicates an industry-recognized level of skill
- Allows you to command a higher salary
- Helps you stand out in a competitive field
Of these points, standing out in a competitive field is especially important. For example, in the field of wedding planning, self-employment tends to be extremely high, so if you want to succeed in this market, you should be able to differentiate yourself.
Different Types of Certification
As an event planner, you could decide to specialize in any number of areas, including planning bridal showers, corporate events, or CD launches. Often, your area of specialization will determine the type of certification you pursue, and the professional organization you will obtain it from. While researching the available certifying organizations, it can be helpful to:
- Ensure a designation from the organization is respected and recognized
- Examine the eligibility requirements carefully (For example, there may be educational or work experience criteria)
One area of event planning that is currently experiencing significant growth is meeting and convention planning. In fact, professionals in this field can expect a job growth rate of 16 percent from 2008 through to 2018.* The projected increase is much faster than most occupations, and can be attributed to the globalization of many companies. Often, meetings are the only times international businesses can bring together various departments for essential face-to-face interaction.
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, launched by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) in 1985, is one of the most well-known certifications for meeting and convention planners.
Steps to CMP Certification
If you're interested in becoming one of the more than 12,000 professionals in 34 countries who have the CMP designation, you'll need to complete a two-part process. First, you'll need to complete the application by paying the $225 fee, and proving you meet the eligibility criteria, which includes membership in a professional organization, related post-secondary education, meeting management experience, and professional contribution to the field.
Next, you'll need to write the exam (at a cost of $450) and confirm your knowledge in five main areas:
- Strategic event planning process
- Financial and contract management
- Facilities and services
- Logistics
- Programs
Once you earn your CMP certification, you will need to re-certify every five years.
Regardless of the area of event planning you're interested in entering, your first
step to obtaining certification begins with event management education. This guide to event planner schools and programs is one of the best places to start your research!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed on Jan. 31, 2011.
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