What is the CMP for Meeting Planners?

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC), 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.

The CMP is not mandatory, but it is the most widely recognized certification for meeting planners, and one that senior planners hold in high regard. It is also the only certification verified by a third party. As of 2024, more than 13,000 meeting planners hold this certification.

The CMP healthcare subspecialty (CMP-HC) program was launched in 2014 to address the needs of a growing segment of CMPs in the healthcare industry. Those seeking this certification must first pass the CMP exam. There are only 46 individuals with their CMP-HC certifications. 

Before You Get Started: Qualifications for the CMP

To take the CMP exam, you must have two things:

1. Work experience — 36 months of full-time experience in the meetings industry, or 24 months with a relevant degree. Both the experience and degree must have taken place within the past five years.
   
2. Continuing education — 25 clock hours of continuing education, which can comprise industry-related classes, workshops, or professional events within the past five years, up to 12.5 of which may be non-industry-specific activities if the subject matter aligns with one of the 12 domains in the CMP-International Standards (CMP-IS). 

Individuals must also pledge to follow the CMP Code of Ethics, a set of basic standards of values and conduct. .

Exam Details

Before you begin your studying regimen, the EIC suggests that you review the CMP-International Standards (CMP-IS) to decide which of the nine domains you have the least experience with, then concentrate your efforts on that area. In addition to the Standards, the CMP Handbook and Addendum are required reading. 

Answers to the exam will be based on a combination of real-world experience and the required education.

CMP testing is offered year-round at one of Prometric’s global testing centres or remotely. The exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions. The EIC web site offers a variety of resources, from prep materials to sample exams. 

The CMP application submission fee is $350 (nonrefundable), and the exam fee is $525 (nonrefundable).