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Becoming a Certified Meeting Professional

CMP Candidate Tips

Adhere to the CMP policies and deadlines outlined in your CMP Candidate Handbook. Always refer to this publication - do not rely on any source other than CIC for CMP program details.

Candidates must be mindful about the importance of CMP deadlines. Candidates are responsible for adhering to all deadlines, policies and documentation requirements outlined in the Handbook.

Candidates should deal directly with CIC regarding eligibility, policy and exam inquiries. Do not have anyone contact the CIC office on your behalf.

Study the CMP Blueprint areas featured in the CMP Candidate Handbook. Concentrate on those areas with 8-10 questions on the exam, but study each meeting management function topic.

Purchase the CIC Manual and PCMA's Professional Meeting Management. Review each thoroughly. The majority of the CMP examination items (questions) are inspired from these publications.

Both your professional experience, review of material and general industry knowledge will assist in preparing you for the challenging questions. You will be required to select the best answer to each.

Advantages of study group participation include networking, continuing education, and a support group during an intense time.

A study group leader's dedication to the program, knowledge of current CIC policies and understanding of CMP procedures is paramount to a credible study group.

The best study group leaders have attended one or more CMP Item Writing Conclaves.

CIC offers the only Practice Examination for candidates. Use caution when purchasing study guides or paying for review courses from any other source that may claim to address actual examination questions.

CIC policy states that CMP test questions are not to be discussed outside of the examination. Any infraction of this is considered to be a violation of a candidate's ethical responsibilities. It is also a violation of copyright law and test security.

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STEP 1: Qualifying to sit for the CMP Examination:

Prior to pursuing the CMP designation all candidates must meet the following requirements:

Candidate must have a minimum of three years experience in meeting management;

Candidate must have current, full-time employment in a meeting management capacity (CIC will accept applications from applicants who have been unemployed for a period less than twelve (12) months from the date his or her application is submitted); and

Candidate must be responsible and accountable for the successful completion of meetings

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STEP 2: Purchase the CMP Candidate Handbook and Application Kit ($45):

The CMP Candidate Handbook and Application Kit may be purchased through the Convention Industry Council’s Shopping Cart.

NOTE: After receiving the CMP Candidate Handbook carefully read through all policies and procedures.

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STEP 3: Complete the Official Application:

Make sure to attach any documentation needed.

NOTE: Applications without proper documentation will be denied.

Before submitting application, make sure to review the CMP Application Checklist to ensure all steps have been taken and materials enclosed.

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STEP 4: Submit Application:

Application must be submitted, along with a $175 US non-refundable application submission fee, to the Convention Industry Council by the application deadline noted on the schedule of examination dates, deadlines and locations outlined in the Candidate Handbook.

NOTE: Applications must be in the CIC office by the application deadline.

NOTE: Applications received within one week after the published deadline must include a $75 USD late fee (a total submission of $250 US). It is the responsibility of the applicant to meet all scheduled deadlines associated with the program.

NOTE: Applicants may pay the application submission fee on-line with a credit card and receive 7 (seven) additional calendar days (from the initial application submission deadline) to mail the completed application and all required documentation without incurring a late fee. If an applicant neglects to complete the process by submitting the actual application by mail or does not qualify to sit for the examination, the fee paid on-line will NOT be refunded.

Applicants will be notified by e-mail (or by letter if specified by the applicant) as to the results of the application review approximately 4-6 weeks after the deadline date.

NOTE: Following each application deadline, all applications are submitted to the CMP Board of Directors for review and verification of points indicated. CIC will not begin evaluating applications until the deadline date.

NOTE: Applicants must submit all appeals to application results in writing within 14 days of notification of application results. Appeals should be directed to the CMP Board of Directors at the Convention Industry Council mailing address.

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STEP 5: Register for the exam:

Upon receiving notification of eligibility, register for the CMP examination and submit the registration fee ($375 US for the North American examination or $450 US for the International examination) by the deadline noted on the schedule of examination dates, deadlines and locations outlined in the Candidate Handbook.

NOTE: Accepted applicants will receive information and instructions on how to properly register to take the exam via email unless otherwise specified on the CMP application.

NOTE: Applicants will indicate their choice of test sites at this time.

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STEP 6: Study/Prepare:

If study materials have not been purchased prior to this point visit the Convention Industry Council’s Shopping Cart to purchase the Convention Industry Council Manual, 7th Edition. Professional Meeting Management, 4th Edition may also be helpful in studying for the CMP examination.

Click here for additional information on CIC publications and prices.

Click here for more detailed information on suggested preparation techniques.

NOTE: Approximately three weeks before the examination date applicants will be sent written confirmation of the final exam arrangements including site, room, location and time of exam. This confirmation will come from the CIC testing agency The Chancey Group NOT FROM CIC.

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STEP 7: Complete the CMP Examination:

Approximately three weeks before the exam date applicants will be sent written confirmation of the final exam arrangements including site, room location, and time of exam.

Click here for more detailed information on the CMP Examination.

If the candidate feels that any of the examination questions were problematic please make note at the end of the examination prior to leaving the testing location.

Within 60 days after the exam, candidates will be notified of their exam results by the CMP Testing Agency, the Chauncey Group International. The notice includes a test report indicating areas of strength and weakness.

Test results appeals must be submitted in writing by the candidate within 30 days of notification of exam results. Appeals should be directed to the CMP Board at the Convention Industry Council address.

Following notice of successful completion of the exam, the CMP Certificate will be awarded to the new certificant.

If a candidate fails an examination, he/she is permitted to re-take the exam without submitting a new application. To re-test, the candidate must still be within their two year window of eligiblity to take the exam. Eligibility begins as soon as notification is received that an application is accepted. Eligible candidates must register for a future exam by the corresponding exam registration deadline and pay the $375 US exam fee.

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STEP 8: Recertify Every Five Years:

To maintain CMP status, meeting professionals must recertify every five years. The recertification supports on-going meeting management work experience and professional development. Recertification does not require passing an examination again.

Recertification forms are mailed during the first quarter of the year in which current certification expires