By Gus Chijioke, EIC Director of Certification
In an ever-evolving events industry, adapting, innovating and creating relevant and engaging experiences is essential for success. EIC’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification, long considered the gold standard for event professionals, is undergoing a significant update to better align with the skills and knowledge required in today’s competitive marketplace.
The update is the culmination of a multi-year competency profile project involving hundreds of CMP volunteer SMEs who have provided insights and support to update the CMP International Standards, which are the foundation for the CMP exam. The new exam will be launched in mid-2025.
“As our sector continues to adapt and innovate, the CMP programme is evolving to ensure its relevance now and into the future. The CMP Competency Profile project is critical to identifying the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for global event professionals to maximise their strategic value to their organisations in support of a relevant, equitable and sustainable industry.”
— Amy Calvert, CEO & EIC President
With new competencies focused on technology, sustainability, accessibility and strategic management, the refreshed CMP certification will ensure that event professionals are equipped to meet the demands of modern clients and stakeholders. This update not only reflects the dynamic nature of the industry but also reinforces the importance of continued professional development in an increasingly complex event landscape.
Celebrating 40 Years
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification was established by EIC in 1985 to elevate the knowledge and professionalism of individuals within the meetings and events sector. Recognising the need for standardised excellence in this rapidly growing field, the CMP certification was created as a benchmark for competency and skill in organising and executing events. Since its inception, the CMP has gained global recognition, offering event professionals throughout the industry a way to validate their expertise and distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace.
The CMP certification is centered around a rigorous examination process that assesses knowledge in key areas such as strategic planning, event design, project management, and risk management. Over the years, the programme has continually evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of the industry, including shifts in technology, sustainability practices, and global standards, ensuring that CMP holders remain at the forefront of industry best practices.
Since its early days, the certification has grown significantly in prestige and influence, with more than 13,000 professionals from more than 55 countries having earned the CMP designation. The CMP community plays a vital role in shaping the future of the meetings and events sector by setting high standards and fostering continuous learning. Today, the CMP remains one of the most sought-after credentials for event professionals, signifying a commitment to excellence and dedication to the advancement of the industry.
Updating the Profile
The intensive project to update the CMP International Standards began in 2023. A task force was formed to help guide the project, and Prometric — the CMP exam administrator and a globally recognised leader in skills assessments and certifications — began conducting a series of regionally diverse focus groups.
In late 2023, EIC launched a global survey of CMPs and other event professionals. More than 1,000 SMEs completed the 30-minute survey, which touched on a wide range of event-related skills.
The survey results, combined with the focus group and task force insights, have been used to update the CMP International Standards and exam. Leveraging best practices from the testing community, including checks for bias, Prometric has led a rigorous set of exercises to ensure the test is valid, reliable and fair. Study materials will also be updated.
“We are grateful for the hundreds of CMP volunteers who have contributed to this important project. Their work will have a positive impact on our industry and workforce for years to come.”
— Amy Calvert, CEO & EIC President
Eye on the Future
Throughout 2024, the CMP programme has seen a significant spike in new certifications and recertifications — a signal of its continued value and prestige throughout the global business events industry.
“The CMP credential continues to represent the highest level of professionalism and expertise in the global events industry, but only because we work to keep it that way.”
— Cornelia Horner, CMP Governance Commission Chair & CMP Fellow
