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Activity |
CAE Renewal Credit |
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Volunteer officer of an association or professional society |
2 credits per year |
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Chair or vice chair of a committee, section, or special-interest group |
2 credits per year |
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Regular committee or board member without a qualifying officer/chair title |
No credit |
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Teach an association-management course or workshop |
2 credits per course/workshop |
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Write an association-management article, chapter, or book |
2 credits per item |
CAE renewal requires 40 credits. At least 30 must come from qualifying professional development; up to 10 may come from qualifying leadership, instruction, or writing activities.
CAE Recertification Requirements
Get Involved with ESSAE
Put your expertise to work while getting more involved with ESSAE. Committee service provides opportunities to build connections, contribute to the association community, and develop your leadership skills. For current CAEs, qualifying leadership roles such as serving as a committee chair or vice chair may also earn CAE renewal credit
Explore ESSAE Committees & Task Forces
Rita Lashway Scholarship
Investing in a professional credential can be a significant commitment. The Rita Lashway Scholarship Program helps support eligible ESSAE members pursuing professional development and industry credentials.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
What is the CMP?
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC), is a globally recognized certification for professionals in the meetings, conventions, and events industry.
Earning the CMP demonstrates knowledge and experience in meeting management and a commitment to continued professional development.
Thinking About Earning Your CMP?
Interested in pursuing the CMP? The Events Industry Council provides current information about eligibility requirements, the application process, exam preparation, testing, fees, and maintaining your certification.
Preparing for the CMP Exam
Preparing for the CMP exam? Explore official study materials, exam resources, and preparation information from the Events Industry Council to help you develop a study plan.
Earn CMP Continuing Education with ESSAE
Continue building your meeting and event management knowledge through ESSAE educational programs. Select ESSAE conferences, webinars, e-learning programs, and other professional development opportunities may offer continuing education applicable toward CMP certification or recertification requirements.
Already a CMP? Maintain Your Credential
Professional development continues after earning your CMP. CMPs must complete continuing education and meet EIC's current recertification requirements to maintain their credential.
Visit the Events Industry Council for current information about CMP recertification requirements, eligible continuing education activities, deadlines, and fees.
Track Your CAE/CMP Credits
Looking to create your own continuing education transcript, track CAE or CMP credits earned through ESSAE, or add a recent qualifying class?
Rita Lashway Scholarship
Investing in a professional credential can be a significant commitment. The Rita Lashway Scholarship Program helps support eligible ESSAE members pursuing professional development and industry credentials.
Explore Other Professional Credentials
CAE and CMP are just two of the professional credentials available to association, nonprofit, meetings, and hospitality professionals. Depending on your role and career goals, other industry certifications and designations may also support your professional development.
For Example:
Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM)
Designed for experienced meeting and event professionals seeking advanced education in leadership and business management.
Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME)
A professional designation focused on leadership and executive-level knowledge within the destination management industry.
Professional Credentialing Glossary
Credentialing terminology can vary among organizations. The definitions below explain how ESSAE generally uses these terms. When describing a specific program, ESSAE follows the terminology used by the organization that administers it.
Professional credential: An umbrella term for a recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education, or professional achievement. Certifications, certificates, and professional designations may all be described broadly as credentials.
Certification: A competency-based professional credential generally awarded after an individual meets established eligibility requirements and passes an assessment or examination. Certifications commonly require continuing education or recertification to remain active.
Certificate program: An education or training program focused on defined learning objectives. Participants receive a certificate after successfully completing the program and any required assessment or project.
Certificate: The document or recognition awarded after completing a certificate program. A certificate demonstrates completion of a particular educational experience but is not necessarily the same as professional certification.
Designation: A professional title or set of letters that an individual may be authorized to use after their name. Because organizations use this term differently, ESSAE follows the terminology selected by the organization administering each credential.
Accreditation: Independent recognition that an organization, program, or institution meets established quality standards. Accreditation generally applies to the credentialing or educational program—not to the individual participant.
Continuing education: Professional learning completed after entering a field or earning a credential. Continuing education may help someone qualify for an examination, maintain a credential, or continue developing professionally.
Clock hour: Generally, 60 minutes of qualifying educational participation. Credentialing organizations determine which activities qualify and how hours are calculated.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU): A standardized unit sometimes used to measure continuing education. Under the traditional CEU definition, one CEU equals 10 contact hours. Because CAE and CMP programs generally use credits or clock hours, ESSAE avoids using “CEU” as a generic substitute unless a program specifically awards CEUs.
Recertification or renewal: The process through which a credential holder maintains an active certification by completing continuing education, professional experience, or other requirements within an established period.
Certificant: A person who currently holds a professional certification.
Certified Association Executive (CAE): A professional certification and credential administered by ASAE through the CAE Commission. It recognizes knowledge and competency in association management and must be renewed every three years.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP): A professional certification and credential administered by the Events Industry Council. It recognizes professional experience, education, and demonstrated knowledge in meeting and event management and must be maintained through EIC’s recertification process.
Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM): An executive certificate program and professional credential offered by Meeting Professionals International for experienced meeting and event leaders. MPI describes CMM as an executive credential rather than a professional designation.
Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME): A professional credential administered by Destinations International for experienced destination organization and tourism professionals. The program includes coursework, assessments, an examination, and continuing recertification requirements.
