How to Become a Certified Event Planner

Event planners coordinate meetings, weddings, and corporate events to ensure that production is executed seamlessly. Most of these individuals work for corporations, private event planning firms or hotels. Currently event planners hold about 50,000 jobs nationwide. Growth for these professionals is expected to grow faster then average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an additional 20% by 2016. But those interested in this occupation need to gain experience through internships and apply to become a certified event planner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get experience in event management. This is the first criteria to earn your event planner accreditation through the Convention Industry Council. There are two ways you can gain this experience; working for an event planning company or in a corporate office planning events. If you don't have any experience in the industry, apply for internships to get your foot in the door.

2. Gain management responsibilities. When submitting your application for certification, they will review your management responsibilities. To gain this experience, ask your manager for increasing responsibility. Request to be the project manager or the point person for a few major events to prove your abilities.

3. Join professional organizations. Your application for certification must show that you belong to professional industry organizations. Check out organizations such as the Event Planner's Association, which also offers continuing education opportunities for members. There are also local event planning organizations, such as the Association of Caters and Event Professionals, which serves the Pacific Northwest. To find associations in your area, check with your Chamber of Commerce.

4. Make professional contributions to the field. Your application for professional certification must show professional contributions to the event planning industry. Accomplish this requirement by volunteering on the planning committee of your professional organization or coming up with new education opportunities for event professionals.

5. Apply for your Certified Meeting Professional Credentials. When filling you're your application, focus on criteria for approval including: Professional contributions to the event industry, your memberships to professional organizations, management experience, and proven experience in event planning.

6. Take your certification exam. The exam contains 150 questions about strategic event planning, financial event management, logistics and facility preparation. The Convention Industry Council provides a study guide to focus your preparation efforts; contact 571-527-3116 to request a guide be mailed to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek continuing education. The Convention Industry Council wants to see that applicants are continuing to expand their knowledge of the event planning industry. Make sure to take advantage of seminars that your professional organizations offer, which will make your application for certification more attractive.
• Don't forget to re-certify every 5 years. Although you won't need to take another exam, a re-certification application will need to be completed.

Resources

• Convention Industry Council
• Event Planner's Association
• Association of Caters and Event Professionals

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