The Events Industry Council (EIC) has recently updated the CMP International Standards and the CMP Exam to ensure meeting professionals stay resilient and knowledgeable in our evolving industry. Learn more here about the CMP exam update here:  EIC’s CMP Exam FAQs

Studying for the updated CMP Exam

The EIC has announced that the 10th edition of the EIC Manual will be released later in 2025 or early 2026. However, there is no need to wait to sit for the exam, candidates can confidently prepare for the updated CMP Exam using the current resources. The EIC has confirmed that the new edition will enhance, not completely overhaul, the content found in the 9th edition. The following resources remain relevant and effective for exam preparation:

• CMP International Standards
• Events Industry Council Manual, 9th edition
• Events Industry Council Glossary, 2019 Edition
• EIC Event Risk Management Guidebook 2021
• EIC Digital and Hybrid Events Guidebook
• SEPC and Foundations Guidebook

Gain a clear understanding of the CMP application process, exam structure, and what to expect on exam day with the resources below:

Path to Earning Your CMP: FAQs

CMP Exam Structure:

Taking the Exam: Candidates for the CMP have the option to take the exam from their homes via remote proctoring. In-person testing at a testing center will remain available as well. 

• Exam Day – In-person
• Exam Day – Remote

MPI will host the next CMP Prep Course in early January 2026. Check back soon for confirmed dates and registration details.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? The MPI Potomac CMP Prep Course is designed to help you achieve your goal of earning the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.

With recent updates to the CMP certification by the Events Industry Council (EIC), MPI has revamped its CMP Prep Course to align with the latest CMP International Standards – the foundation of the CMP exam.

MPI Potomac’s CMP Prep Course, led by experienced CMPs, provides a robust set of resources to support your exam preparation, including:

• On-Demand Learning: Access videos, handouts, and practice quizzes on the course website throughout the program and for six months after completion.
• Live & Interactive Sessions: Participate in 8 weeks of live discussions covering exam content and domains, complemented by asynchronous learning materials.
• Comprehensive Review: Gain insights into what to expect before and on exam day.
• Practice Questions: Test your knowledge with 200+ practice questions designed to reinforce key concepts.
• Community & Support: Engage with facilitators and peers during live Q&A sessions for guidance and encouragement.

Take the first step toward CMP certification with MPI Potomac’s Prep Course.

CMP Community, we need you! Your expertise can make a significant impact on the future of aspiring CMPs in our chapter. We're thrilled to offer you a unique volunteer opportunity: help reshape the CMP Prep Course based on the EIC’s updated CMP International Standards. It's a flexible way to give back and support our community.

Ways to Participate:

• Take on a Domain: Create a video reviewing one of the 12 domains, along with accompanying slides and a 10-question quiz on the material.
• Facilitate a Live Session: As a facilitator, you'll play a vital role by hosting a live Q&A session to review the weekly material.
• Offer a Testimonial: If you are recently certified, offer a testimonial of encouragement to prep course participants during one of the live sessions. We all remember how daunting studying for the CMP can be, so your support will be invaluable.

Your involvement will not only assist future CMPs but also connect you with a network of seasoned professionals within the MPI Chapter. Contact info@mpipotomac.org today to express your interest in participating. 

Sarah Edinger, CMP
Stryker

As someone who put off taking my CMP for far to long, I appreciated the quick review, call outs and quizzes provided in this course. It helped me focus my attention in critical areas!

Krystal Heard, CMP
ACC

Obtaining my CMP has been a goal  of mine since I entered the event industry. I knew it would be a challenging journey, and when I initially looked into the exam, I felt completely overwhelmed. Then I discovered that the MPI Potomac Chapter offered a course specifically designed for the CMP exam, and I didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity. The course was straightforward and easy to navigate, and the virtual sessions were absolutely amazing. The opportunity to learn from my peers and hear their thought processes on key topics provided invaluable insights. As the exam date approached, my nervousness returned in full force, so I decided to attend the CMP Last Chance Review Sessions. This extra push was exactly what I needed to cross the finish line successfully, as it highlighted critical areas I had overlooked during my preparation. I highly recommend both prep courses MPI Potomac Chapter offers.

Amy Belchatovski, CMP
OPTAVIA

I can't recommend the MPI Potomac Chapter's CMP Prep Course enough! As someone who has always struggled with test taking, I was feeling overwhelmed about preparing for the CMP exam. However, this course made all the difference! The way the domain chapters were broken down made learning the material concise and easy to follow. The instructors were knowledgeable and took the time to answer our questions. I appreciated the structured approach and the practice questions that helped me feel more confident heading into the exam. Thanks to this course, I not only passed the CMP exam, but I also felt much more prepared than I expected. If you're someone who is not a natural test taker, this course will give you the tools and support you need to pass the CMP exam.

Noah Zaken, CMP
IntraFi

MPI Potomac's CMP Prep Course was invaluable in helping me pass the exam. The materials it provides really set me up for success in making sure I focused on the most important information.

Visit Detroit CMP Prep Course Scholarship

Thanks to Visit Detroit, a full scholarship to participate in the Prep Course may be available. Please contact info@mpipotomac.org if you’re interested.

Timothy S Y Lam Foundation

The Timothy S Y Lam Foundation has recently established the Certified Meeting Professional Scholarship, the first-ever scholarship program of its kind. The CMP Scholarship is an extension of the Lam Foundation’s commitment to supporting individuals in the hospitality industry wanting to advance their careers through certification. For more information on the scholarship requirements, submission schedule and to download an application, visit the Timothy S Y Lam Foundation website.