What certifications do you need to be an event planner?
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There are a number of certifications within the event planning industry that can enhance your career prospects. It all comes down to choosing the most suitable one for your area of interest.
The event planning industry is currently unregulated, which means that you will find many programs offering you cheap, bare-bones training to obtain “certification”, without much studying or training.
It is therefore essential to be able to identify the different industry-approved event planning certification programs as well as the best training programs to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful event planner. Many online programs will promise that you can obtain “certification” from completing their courses. This is incorrect.
Thеrе аrе numerous сеrtіfісаtіоn programs available within the event industry that will help you to dеvеlор your ѕkіllѕ and expertise. It all comes down to choosing the program that is most relevant for your area of specialization or interest.
We’ve outlined the most recognized event planning certifications through accredited associations, as well as a list of quality training programs to better suit your needs.
Currently, there are Four (4) widely recognized event planning certifications. These are:
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The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
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The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
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The Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)
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Certifications in Exhibition Management (CEM)
In addition, there are also two (2) certificate programs that provide training to event and wedding planners but are not considered accredited designations. These are:
There are many other certifications not covered in this article that might be related to other areas of the events industry such as catering and hospitality. This list only addresses those applicable to event and wedding planners. Check out our eBook below for a more extensive list.
A career аѕ an еvеnt рlаnnеr can be vеrу rеwаrdіng. Wе hоре thіѕ guide to on the different certification programs hаѕ been uѕеful and hеlрs уоu tо dеtеrmіnе thе bеѕt орtіоn fоr уоu.
Choosing the right event planning certification program that works best for you can prove to be difficult, particularly with the abundance of new programs being offered each year. As the field of Event Planning becomes more established as a professional career, it has also become more competitive for event planners. In the past, there was never a demand for event planners to have both training and certification. However, we have seen a great deal of change in this area, as companies and even private clients, will often seek out planners with not only an impressive portfolio but also a certification that proves their skills and professionalism
Not all certifications are created equal, but you also need to ensure that you’re enrolling in a program based on a genuine interest and desire to advance in that area. Nothing spells failure like committing to a program you have little interest in, which might lead you to not complete the program.
Choosing the program that is right for you is not always an easy decision. Take the time to research each program and option to see which works best for your schedule and lifestyle.
