The candidate will receive results 8 weeks after taking the exam directly from the testing agency. The exams are graded base on scaled scores, and the test results are given as a Pass/Fail notification.
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If the Candidate passed, they will receive a notification letter letting them know they passed.
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If the Candidate did not pass, the notice will include a test report indicating areas of strength and weakness. Candidates are welcome to re-take the examination, however the testing fee is not waived, the candidate must pay the full examination fee to sit for the exam again.
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Certificates will be mailed to passing candidates 4 to 6 weeks after the receive their exam results.
Q. How do I prepare for the CMP exam?
A.The CMP Examination evaluates the skills and knowledge of meeting professionals. It is not something for which a candidate can study or prepare for at the last minute. Candidates may prepare for the examination with a careful review of the practice of meeting management, either individually or as part of a study group. The CMP International Standards (CMP–IS) should be used as a study guide and provides the number of questions for each domain and skill.
Q. What format is the CMP exam given now?
A. All exams are now computer based.
Q. How can I determine if there is a testing site near me?
A. You may go to www.prometric.com/CIC to determine the closet testing center near you. Prometric has over 450 testing centers in 166 countries.
Q.Has the content of the test changed?
A. The exam content is based on the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS). The CMP-IS is the body of knowledge for the CMP Program and Examination.
Q. Have study materials been updated?
A. No, the current listing of study materials remain required for CMP exam preparation. CIC is in the process of updating the CIC 9th Edition Manual to ensure that they sufficiently support the CMP-IS exam content. The book is scheduled to be released in the 4th Quarter of 2013. Anyone testing in 2013 will use the current materials. Q. How can I find out more information on computer based testing?
A. CIC has provided additional information concerning computer based testing at the following link: http://www.conventionindustry.org/CMP/CMPCBTINFO.aspx which will take you to the section of our website that deals specifically with computer based testing.
Q. I have a new address, how should I inform CIC?
A. Please visit the CIC Directory to update your information.
Application Questions
Q. I realize the deadline to have my application in for the CMP exam has passed, but I have been so busy I just haven’t had time to complete it, can I still send it in?
A. Applications that are received after the deadline will be processed and reviewed for the next examination window.
Q. What is the status of my application?
A. It is against policy to discuss the status applications over the phone. All applicants will be notified of their application results at the same time once all applications have been reviewed. Results will be emailed to the applicants 2-3 weeks after the application deadline. If an applicant has not been notified about their application status 3 weeks after the application deadline, he or she should contact CIC.
Q. What happens if I send in my application with the payment and my application is denied?
A. The $225 fee is a non-refundable fee to cover the cost of processing your application.
Q. I have been out of school for years. How can I prove my education?
A.Please attach a photocopy of your diploma or official transcript.
Q. I am unsure if the classes I have taken count toward continuing education. Can you please help?
A. All applicants must look at each individual session that they have attended and relate the content of each session to the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS). The CMP International Standards is the body of knowledge for the CMP Program and Examination. If your session topic/content is clearly related to the information listed in the CMP-IS, then you may use it on your application.
Q. I attended XZY conference. How can I prove I attended?
A.. Many organizations provide credit forms, or offer to track the courses you attended electronically. Simply complete the form and/or print out the electronic tracking form and submit it with your application. If neither one of those is available, a copy of your registration, along with a conference agenda or schedule at a glance can be accepted, as well.
Q. Do I have to submit my resume with my application?
A. Submitting your resume with detailed job descriptions is required.
Q. What if my work experience for specific positions does not equal whole years?
A. Candidates must use the exact time in each position (mm/yyyy to mm/yyyy). Here are some tips to calculating time in each position:
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When counting months, please note that reviewers count months from the 1st of the month to the 1st of the next month.
- Example: 09/2008 to 10/2008, would be counted as Sept 1, 2008 to Oct 1, 2008, which equals 1 month.
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When counting multiple years in a position, as with months, you must count the 1st to 1st.
- Example: 06/2005 to 01/2008, would be:
- June 1, 2005 to June 1, 2006 = 12 months
- June 1, 2006 to June 1, 2007 = 12 month
- June 1, 2006 to Jan 1, 2008 = 19 months
- Total = 43 months
Q. Does participating in a webinar count for counting education?
A. Yes. As long as the subject of the webinar matches to one of the topics in the CMP International Standards it can count on the application.
Q. My membership organization holds a monthly breakfast/luncheon with a speaker. Does this qualify for continuing education?
A. Yes, however, you may only claim 1 hour for each monthly chapter meeting if there is an education component to the meeting. In addition, holiday parties and networking events do not qualify as continuing education.
Q. I completed an event management certificate program. Do those courses count towards continuing education?
A. Yes. However you will need to submit transcripts, or a detailed syllabus from the program to substantiate these points. In addition, CIC has found that there are projects/practicum, that are part of their certificate programs. These are not currently eligible for points.
Study Groups
Q.I am looking for a study group. Can you help me find the one closest to me?
A. Please look on our website under study groups and find the one nearest you. This list can be found on the Study Group Leaders page.
Q. Do I pay for Study Groups? If yes, how much?
A. Usually yes, however the prices will vary, and are determined by the individuals or organizations.
Q.How long will the Study Groups last? How long per session and how many sessions?
A. Again, this varies with each Study Group. Our suggestion is that a Candidate poll the Study Group options to determine what will fit their needs. Most Study Groups meet on a weekly basis (same time, same night each week) for an average of 2-3 hours ranging from 10 weeks to 16 weeks.
Q. What happens if I can't make all the meetings for the Study Group process?
A. Still continue. Each week or session there will be handouts that will allow you to study and prepare on your own. Possibly work with a partner that you can share the information and do additional studying.
Exam Questions
Q. I am preparing for the exam. Which books do I need?
A. All of the study materials listed below are necessary thoroughly preparing one's self for the exam! Do not rely on the information from a single text to be successful on the exam.
- CIC Manual 8th Edition
- CIC International Manual
- APEX Glossary
- Professional Meeting Management 5th Edition
- IAEE Guidelines (available for free download from CIC site)
Q. I have been told that practice exams are helpful in preparing for the exam.
A. CIC provides caution when preparing for the exam using "practice or sample questions". These questions are typically inaccurate, outdated, and do not have valid references. CIC offers the only official practice exam. The practice questions are retired CMP exam questions. Your practice exam score does not guarantee a similar outcome on the CMP Exam.
Q. I failed the last exam. How can I register for the next exam?
A. CIC will email all eligible candidates when registration opens. If you are unsure if CIC has your contact information, please login to the CIC website using your email address that was on your application and verify your contact information.
Q. If I failed do I have to pay the $450 fee again? If so, why?
A. Yes, regardless of how many times you take the exam the fee never changes for CIC with the testing agency.
Q. I have to cancel the exam. Will I receive a refund?
A. Candidates may cancel their registration if written notification is received by CIC and the testing agency, Prometric, 30 calendar days prior to the day of the exam. The cancellation processing fee is $125 USD. The remainder of the examination fee will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 30 calendar days prior to the exam (including no-shows on the day of the exam) will forfeit their entire $450.00 USD examination fee. Candidates must cancel their registration with both CIC AND Prometric in order to receive the appropriate refund. Those candidates who do not cancel their registration with both CIC and Prometric will forfeit the entire $450 exam fee.
Q. When will I receive my results? How will I be notified?
A. Candidates taking the exam will receive preliminary results given to them at the completion of the exam in the form of a score report.
Q. Do Prometric Testing Centers have metal detectors?
A. Yes, metal detector wands are in use in all Prometric testing centers, and wanding is a requirement for testing. You will be scanned prior to each entry into the testing room to ensure that you do not have any prohibited electronic devices. If you refuse wanding, you will not be admitted to the testing room unless you have a medical exception.