Certifications

What is a CMP?

The foremost certification of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, the CMP program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP credential increases the proficiency of meeting professionals by:

• Identifying a body of knowledge;
• Establishing a level of knowledge and performance necessary for certification;
• Stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management;
• Increasing the value of practitioners to their employers;
• Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics;
• Maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by Certified Meeting Professionals.

Through the CMP program, individuals who are employed in meeting management pursue continuing education, increase their industry involvement, and gain industry-wide recognition. The requirements for certification are based on professional experience and a written examination. More than 10,000 meeting professionals in 55 countries around the globe hold the CMP designation.

MPI is a proud supporter of the CIC's Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program.

For more information about the CMP designation/exam, please contact the Convention Industry Council at https://www.eventscouncil.org/.

Why Become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)?

Recognition: As the premier industry certification, the CMP distinguishes holders as career professionals who have demonstrated a high level of experience, skill and knowledge.

Competitive Advantage: The designation conveys credibility to a meeting professional's opinions and ideas, both at work and in the greater meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.

Peer Acceptance: CMPs are immediately recognized by other CMPs as fellow professionals committed to the advancement of the profession.

Salary Enhancement: CMPs can use the certification as a competitive advantage when it comes to negotiating salaries and other business.

Personal Achievement: After passing a rigorous application and examination process, CMPs express a profound sense of personal achievement at finally being regarded as the exceptionally skilled professional they are.

Commitment: Successful completion of the certification process conveys that the certified meeting professional is committed and goal-driven in their career.

How to Become a CMP?

The CMP certification program is a two-part process in which you must complete the CMP application to demonstrate your eligibility, and then successfully pass a written examination covering the functions performed in meeting management.

CMP applications are reviewed after each application submission deadline to determine an applicant's eligibility to take the examination. Eligible applicants are notified via email from CIC. Candidates have one (1) year from the time that they are notified of their eligibility to take and pass the examination.

The CMP exam is a computer based exam, administered throughout the year during a 10 day testing period at a secure testing center. Prometric, CIC testing agency offers more than 450 testing centers around the world.

Study Courses - MPI AZ CMP University

CMP University (CMP U) is the dynamic way to prepare for the CMP Examination. CMP U covers all domains and topics contained in the CMP International Standards within a university extension format. With the generosity of our venue sponsor, Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Mesa Gateway, CMP U will be held on select Saturday mornings preceding the CMP examination periods offered in August 2020 and November 2020. This series of regular infusions of knowledge will better prepare you throughout the months leading up to the exam and help you stay on track with your studying.

Also being sensitive to today's economic challenges, the tuition for the entire semester starts at only $150 for MPI members.

Even if you do not plan to take the CMP Examination yet, CMP U is a sound investment and the perfect way to boost your professional power. The curriculum provides the knowledge and skills for continuing education in our industry (and can earn you necessary hours towards taking the CMP exam at a future date.)

Our 2020 MPI CMP University will be held on Saturday mornings between February 8, 2020 and June 13, 2020 at the Courtyard Marriott at Phoenix Mesa Gateway, 6907 E Ray Road in Mesa. For a summary of the program, schedule of events and registration, click here.

If you would like more information about the CMP Certification, exam dates and deadlines, please visit www.eventscouncil.org/.

PCMA CMP Online Prep

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) CMP® Online Prep™ Course has been endorsed by CIC as the only official Online Course for the CMP® Examination. The PCMA CMP Online Prep Course is the most comprehensive and effective online study tool available to CMP Exam takers. In fact, 98% of course participants have passed the CMP Exam on their first attempt. This is a CIC endorsed study course, for information visit - PCMA Online Prep Course.

MPI AZ CMPs

What is the CMM?

The Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) Program delivers one global standard of excellence that will bolster your business management skills and advance your career.

This program is an intensive study program that offers a customized, participatory training program from university professors associated with renowned Darden School of Business from the University of Virginia. These esteemed professors will instruct you on topics critical for managers to master, including risk mitigation, business analytics and compliance, and strategic negotiation, after which you will pursue further learning about either meetings or business travel management.

The CMM study program concludes with a final case study project in which you address a real-life challenge that you face in your current professional role.

For more information about the CMM designation and exam, please visit https://www.mpiweb.org/education/academic-partnerships/certificate-meeting-management

Eligibility

The criteria for participation in the CMM Program align with the Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards (MBECS). Each candidate will be evaluated through a comprehensive application process with documented panel review against the following criteria:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in the meeting and event or business travel industry
• Minimum of 3-5 years of management experience with two years of profit and loss responsibility
• Personal statement and letter of recommendation from professional colleague or supervisor 

MPI AZ CMMs

MaryLynne Christman, CMP, CMM
Cathy Clifton, CMP, CMM
Jamie Cook, CMP, CMM
LoriAnn Harnish, CMP, CMM, CTA
Nancy Nachman, CMP, CMM
Heather Switzer, CMP, CMM
Cara Tracy, CMP, CMM
Patricia Zollman, CMP, CMM