Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Become a Certified Event Planner to grow your business and career

1. What is the CSEP?

The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation recognizes event professionals who have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability essential to perform all components of a special event. The International Live Events Association (ILEA) endorses and manages the voluntary Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) program for those who meet established standards.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining the CSEP?

Obtaining the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) means clients will have more trust in your business and skills. The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation and obtaining event planner certification means you will have:

  • A stamp of approval: Marketing or soliciting new business? CSEP conveys instant credibility to clients – the only certification that signifies broad knowledge across all facets of the industry.
  • An elite network: CSEP’s don’t just ‘network’ – they make meaningful connections with an elite global community of highly motivated and skilled live events professionals.
  • A development accelerator: With CSEP, you gain advanced, market-relevant events industry expertise that demonstrates a career-long commitment to personal and professional development.
  • A bit of swagger: Being able to put the letters CSEP after your name is verification of knowledge, expertise and excellence.
  • A collective knowledge: With your CSEP, you are contributing to the industry’s overall knowledge base, removing performance uncertainty from your clients’ minds and qualifying for higher level opportunities.

But most importantly the program is designed to:

  • Increase the proficiency of event professionals
  • Elevate industry standards and practices
  • Establish the level of knowledge and performance necessary for certification
  • Promote the advancement of the special events industry
  • Advance the careers of practitioners
  • Acknowledge the high calibre work of CSEPs and the value of the products and services they provide

3. What is the process to becoming a CSEP?

To qualify as a candidate for the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) exam, one must have a minimum of three years of full-time events industry employment. The steps to obtaining your CSEP event planner certification are as follows:

  1. Complete the CSEP application.
  2. Submit proof of three years of full-time events industry employment.
  3. Pay $600 exam fee – credit card information is collected in the application.

Acceptable forms of documentation can include but are not limited to:

  • Statement of employment verification from personnel or human resources official
  • Copy of W2 forms (USA applicants only)
  • Letter of incorporation

Supporting documentation must be submitted in English. If these documents are in a language other than English, the candidate is responsible for having the documents translated into English and notarized. Submission information is located in the exam application.

Approved candidates will receive a notification with exam scheduling information. Candidates are responsible for scheduling their exam at their chosen testing location.

If you previously completed and failed the examination and would like to re-take the exam you must complete the CSEP Retake Examination Form.

CSEP Exam Windows

The exam window is 15 days in length and is offered four times annually.

Exam Window Exam Application and Exam Fee Due Date
15 – 30 January 1 December
15 – 30 April 1 March
15 – 30 July 1 June
15-30 October 1 September

[For more information on how to schedule your CSEP exam CLICK HERE.]

Become an Event Planner Expert
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