Today marks a milestone for the global business events community with the official launch of the updated Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam, aligned with the 2025 CMP International Standards (CMP-IS) which provide a future-focused framework that reflects the evolving landscape of the global business events industry.
Recognised worldwide as the gold standard for event professionals, the CMP designation is held by more than 13,000 meeting professionals across 55+ countries. The designation validates expertise in strategic planning, operations, risk management, stakeholder engagement and new domains covering sustainability, technology integration, and outcome evaluation.
“As our sector continues to evolve, adapt and innovate, the CMP programme is evolving to ensure its relevance now and into the future,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “The updated exam reflects the expertise and resilience our industry demands—and the leadership qualities that define today’s top professionals.”
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, EIC Board Chair and CEO of ICCA, further emphasized the milestone. “The updated exam reenforces our commitment to supporting our sector’s workforce and the highest level of professional standards,” he said. “We are deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed to this project.”
A Global Effort to Define the Future of Events
The launch of the new exam is the result of a multi-year, practitioner-led process that engaged more than 1,000 volunteer subject matter experts from across the globe. Through job task analyses, competency mapping, and rigorous content review, this community helped shape the revised CMP International Standards and ensure the credential remains globally relevant and future-focused.
“This update to the CMP International Standards reflects how far our industry has come and where we’re headed,” said Heather Seasholtz, CMP Fellow, Chair of the CMP Governance Commission. “More than 1,000 professionals from diverse markets and disciplines, helped shape this framework, ensuring it’s relevant, practical, and globally informed for the future of events.”
What’s New
The revised CMP-IS, released in January 2025, includes key updates, including:
- A new domain for Sustainability and Social Impact, reinforcing the sector’s role in advancing environmental and societal outcomes. This includes carbon footprint management, materials management, and supporting advancements in inclusive design and wellbeing, ensuring events contribute positively to both the planet and diverse, thriving communities.
- Expanded content on Technology Integration, addressing innovations in virtual and hybrid delivery, data analytics, digital engagement and AI, allowing for evolving knowledge and practice as our world adapts to emerging technologies.
- A sharper focus on Evaluation and ROI, helping professionals quantify impact and communicate value to stakeholders.
- A renewed emphasis on Risk Assessment, enabling more strategic, inclusive, and resilient event design strategies that anticipate challenges and foster adaptability.
- Greater global relevance and alignment with contemporary accepted practices, ensuring applicability across diverse regions and evolving industry approaches.
The updated exam was beta-tested in April and May 2025, with participation from a diverse mix of candidates, and followed by a two-month scoring blackout for statistical validation. As of today, the updated version is live and open to all eligible candidates. Those whose testing windows were affected by the blackout have received automatic extensions through 1 November 2025.
A Trusted Credential, Reimagined
Since its inception in 1985, the CMP designation has been a benchmark for professional performance and integrity in the meetings and events industry. The CMP distinguishes itself by requiring candidates to meet rigorous eligibility criteria and successfully complete a psychometrically sound exam grounded in a globally validated body of knowledge, setting a high standard for professional competency and credibility in the events industry.
The new exam retains its multiple-choice format, and candidates can expect scenario-based questions designed to assess applied knowledge and strategic decision-making. Updated study resources, including a new edition of the EIC Manual, will be released in late 2025/early 2026.
The upcoming EIC Manual will reflect the updated CMP-IS, ensuring candidates are supported with content that mirrors current knowledge and practice. Interim materials are available to guide preparation until the new manual is published. To support a smooth transition, there will be a designated transition period following the release of the new manual, allowing candidates time to prepare using the updated resource with confidence and flexibility.
A Mark of Excellence for a Changing Industry
In an industry increasingly tasked with delivering measurable value, fostering connection, and advancing global priorities, the CMP stands as a symbol of trust and capability. It provides a competitive edge, enhances credibility, and opens doors to leadership.
“The CMP is more than a certification; it represents a commitment to doing the work well and doing it right,” said Seasholtz. “With today’s launch, this update ensures the credential keeps pace with our industry and continues to reflect the skills and leadership we need to move forward.”
To learn more about the CMP programme or to schedule your exam, visit: https://www.eventscouncil.org/CMP
