About the CMP programme
About the CMP programme
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) programme was launched in 1985 to enhance the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession and advance uniform standards of practice.
Today, the CMP credential is recognised globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education and a rigorous exam.
Benefits of CMP certification
Meetings direct spending has expanded 23% since 2009, primarily due to increases in the number of meeting participants. In 2016, 1.9 million meetings were held in the United States, generating $845 billion USD in economic impact (source: Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy Report© 2018 Events Industry Council).
According to a recent industry report conducted by PCMA, meeting planners who hold the CMP earn (on average) $10,756 more annually than their non-certified counterparts.
CMP certification is mark of excellence in comprehensive events management. Certification opens the door to better and more opportunities. Client expectations for meetings are higher than ever and recruiters and prospective employers recognise CMP certification in the growing industry.
Created by and for meeting professionals
The CMP exam was developed and is maintained by meeting professionals from all over the world who volunteer their time to ensure that the programme reflects the best practices in the meeting management field. More than 11,000 meeting professionals in 55 countries around the globe hold the CMP designation. This unique community represents every sector of the industry—from corporations and associations to government and institutional organisations.
The CMP programme aims to increase the professionalism of meeting management professionals in all sectors of the industry by:
- Identifying a comprehensive body of knowledge in the meeting management profession
- Promoting industry standards, practices and ethics
- Stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management
- Increasing the value of CMPs to their employers
- Maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by CMPs
The CMP-HC subspecialty
The Certified Meeting Professional healthcare subspecialty (CMP-HC) programme was launched in 2014 to address the needs of a growing segment of CMPs who manage the production of meetings in the healthcare industry. The CMP-HC is a subspecialty of the CMP. Those seeking this certification must first pass the CMP exam.
The CMP-HC credential is designed to validate CMPs who have demonstrated a superior understanding and mastery of the specific regulations, laws and best practices that must be followed when conducting a healthcare-focused meeting.
- Industry Association CEO
"Effective events are essential business tools, and you need highly trained professionals to maximize their value. The Events Industry Council as the champion and gatekeeper of the CMP ensures that we are continually pushing the standards of excellence."