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Best event planner certifications
Event planner certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an event planner to employers. However, not all event planner certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an event planner are Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP), Certified Planning Engineer (CPE), and Certification in Meetings Management (CMM).
Below is a list of the best event planner certifications. Obtaining an event planner certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
11 best certifications for event planners
| Rank | Event planner certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP) | The Wedding P... |
| 2 | Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) | AAPM |
| 3 | Certification in Meetings Management (CMM) | MPI |
| 4 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 5 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 6 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 7 | Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) | ISES |
| 8 | Certified Master Wedding Planner | AACWP |
| 9 | Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) | AACWP |
| 10 | Certified Sales Professional (CSP) | MRERF |
| 11 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
11 best event planner certifications
1. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP)
Savvy brides-to-be are using the Internet and online chat rooms to research before they book a wedding planner or wedding vendor. The Wedding Planning Institute now offers The Industry Standard Certification Exam for wedding planners.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)
Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certification in Meetings Management (CMM)
MPI's Global Certification in Meeting Management is an elite, intensive-learning opportunity designed for tenured and highly accomplished members of our global meeting industry community who seek career acceleration and advancement and professional recognition. The program offers strategic business education, resulting in the most prestigious designation in the meetings and events industry. Through the Global CMM program, applicants benefit from career-focused courses taught by top-level instructors, experienced industry practitioners and industry leaders.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
5. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
8. Certified Master Wedding Planner
AACWP's online training courses provide in-depth training by experienced professional planners. Our Training Course Committee continually strives to review, update and ensure the attendees receive the most current information on wedding planning, how to build a business and trends in the industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
9. Certified Wedding Planner (CWP)
AACWP's online training courses provide in-depth training by experienced professional planners. Our Training Course Committee continually strives to review, update and ensure the attendees receive the most current information on wedding planning, how to build a business and trends in the industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
10. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
11. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for an event planner?
The best event planner certification is Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP). The Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP) is awarded by the The Wedding Planning Institute. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this event planner certification:
- To become a certified Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for event planners?
The most in-demand event planner certification is Certified Special Events Professional based on all active job postings. Having this event planner certification will give you access to more event planner jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an event planner career and salary?
The Certified Planning Engineer certification will help you to secure an program coordinator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An program coordinator's average salary is $44,587 whereas event planners make an average salary of $51,542.
The most common combination of event planner certifications include: Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP), Certified Planning Engineer (CPE), and Certification in Meetings Management (CMM).
Online courses for event planners to earn certifications
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