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.
What are the Benefits of Obtaining the CSEP?
Obtaining the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) means clients will trust your business and skills more. 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: CSEPs 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, demonstrating a career-long commitment to personal and professional development.
- A bit of swagger: Being able to put the letters CSEP after your name is a verification of knowledge, expertise, and excellence.
- A collective knowledge: With your CSEP, you contribute 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-caliber work of CSEPs and the value of the products and services they provide
What is the process of 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:
- Complete the CSEP application.
- Submit proof of three years of full-time employment in the events industry.
- Pay the $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 must have 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 exams 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 long 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.]
FAQs for Aspiring CSEPs
What study resources are recommended for CSEPs?
The best starting point is the CSEP Candidate Handbook, available on the ILEA website. Many candidates also benefit from practice exams, flashcards, and study groups hosted by local ILEA chapters. Consider digital tools like Quizlet for event industry terminology for more focused preparation.
What are the associated costs?
The application fee for the CSEP is $600, covering registration and exam administration. Additional costs may include study materials and travel to testing centers. Always verify deadlines and fee updates on the official CSEP page.
How long does it take to become certified?
It takes anywhere between 3-6 months to get certified.
What industries value the CSEP certification?
CSEP-certified professionals are in demand across corporate events, weddings, entertainment, nonprofit galas, and trade shows.
Become a Certified Event Planner (EBOOK)
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