CMP-IS Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the CMP Blueprint changing?
For any profession the skills, abilities and competencies required change over time. In keeping with policy and industry best practices, CIC conducts a review of the CMP program’s body of knowledge every five years. This review insures that the program remains relevant, up-to-date and credible.
Why’s it being called the CMP International Standards?
The change in name reflects the many updates and enhancements that have been made, such as:
- Updating the existing body of knowledge
- Enhancing the level of detail used when describing and categorizing tasks and skills
- Clarifying the body of knowledge and test specification into separate documents
- Insuring relevance and applicability to meeting professionals worldwide
- Aligning the body of knowledge with other international standards
- Recognizing that the CMP body of knowledge represents a credible standard of competency
What’s the difference between the old CMP Blueprint and the new CMP International Standards?
For many years the CMP program has used the CMP Blueprint as the both a body of knowledge and a test specification. Best practices suggest that these should be individual documents, and CIC used the current review cycle to separate the documents.
A body of knowledge defines and categorizes the skills, competencies and abilities required by an individual in order to be successful in a given profession. The CMP International Standards are the body of knowledge for the Certified Meeting Professional program.
A test specification presents an outline for the makeup of examinations that test on a body of knowledge. The major function of the CMP Blueprint was as a test specification. Test specifications summarize the various domains in a body of knowledge, and their percentage representation on any given examination.
When does this take effect?
The CMP International Standards will go into effect in 2012. For candidates planning to sit for the exam, the CMP International Standards will go into effect after the January 2012 exam.
How do the changes affect current candidates studying for the examination?
Generally speaking, candidates will not see sweeping changes in the body of knowledge. The majority of differences will be in where skills and competencies appear, and the level of detail used.
More specifically, for candidates preparing for the examination:
For examinations through 2011 and up to and including January of 2012, the guiding document will be the CMP Blueprint.
For examinations beginning July of 2012, the guiding document will be the CMP International Standards
Will the CIC Manual be revised?
After each review of the CMP body of knowledge CIC reviews its publications for revision. In this instance a new edition is planned. The publication date is not available at this time. More details will be posted on the CIC web site, www.conventionindustry.org as they become available.
When does Computer Based Testing begin?
Computer based testing will begin after the first quarter of 2012. More details will be posted to the CIC web site, www.conventionindustry.org as they become available.
How does this affect the CMP application?
The CMP application will only be affected as pertains to associating your continuing education to the body of knowledge. Specifically: For application submission periods through 2011 continuing education must be associated back to the CMP Blueprint. For application submission periods in 2012 and beyond continuing education must be associated back to the CMP International Standards.
Will the application eligibility length change with CBT?
Beginning October 1, 2011 any applications submitted to CIC will have one (1) year from the time they are eligible sit for the examination.
How does this affect CMP recertification?
CMP recertification will only be affected as pertains to associating your continuing education to the body of knowledge. Specifically:
CMP recertification applications received in 2011 must associate continuing education back to the CMP Blueprint.
CMP recertification applications received in 2012 and beyond must associate continuing education back to the CMP International Standards.