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Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What is the CMP program and why should I obtain the CMP designation?
A. For more than fifteen years, CIC has defined new levels of professionalism through its Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program. CIC certifies individuals through an internationally recognized certification program that evaluates the competency of meeting professionals. The CMP designation represents the standard of excellence in today's meeting and exposition industry.
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Q. What do I need to do to become a CMP? What is the process?
A.

  • Visit the CIC website, www.conventionindustry.org.
  • In order to fill out the CMP Application Form you must have 3 years experience in the meeting industry.
  • Applicants receive the official application provided by CIC, upon order and payment of $45. The purchase record enables CIC to notify potential applicants of subsequent changes in eligibility requirements .
  • The completed application form and $175 Application Submission Fee is submitted to the CIC office by the deadlines noted on the CMP Application Deadlines & Examination Dates.
  • Following each application deadline, completed applications are submitted to the CMP Board for review and verification of points indicated.
  • You will receive an e-mail within 4 to 6 weeks after the application submission deadline to inform you of application review results. If your application has been approved you will receive exam registration materials for the next exam. Register and pay the $375 North American examination fee or $450 International examination fee by the deadline indicated in your materials and/or on the CMP Application Deadlines & Examination Dates.
  • You have two years in which to take and pass the exam. If your application was not approved, we will send you a new blank application stamped "PAID" to reapply.
  • Approximately four weeks before the examination date, candidates who registered will be sent written confirmation of the final examination arrangements, including site, room location and time of exam.
  • After taking the exam, it will take approximately 6 - 8 weeks to receive your results by mail from the testing agency. The notice will include a test report indicating areas of strength and weakness.
  • If you have passed, a certificate will be sent to you 4 to 6 weeks after you receive your notification letter.
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Q. How do I prepare for the CMP exam?
A. Many organizations sponsor study groups, but they are all independent of CIC. In the CMP Candidate Handbook, information is provided to help you prepare for the exam. We have a list of recommended publications, an examination blueprint, and a few sample exam questions. Candidates may choose to join a study group or study independently to prepare for the examination. Participation in a formal study group is not required. Candidates should also take the official CMP on-line practice examination.
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Q.  What do I need to do to qualify as an applicant?
A.  Eligibility to be seated for the CMP exam is based on a system whereby the applicant accrues points derived from actual experience in several aspects of meeting management. To qualify as an applicant, an individual must acquire a minimum of 90 out of 150 possible points. Points are assigned as indicated below within five specific areas of meeting management:

  • Experience in Meeting Management - 35 points allowed
  • Management Responsibility - 50 points allowed
  • Education & Continuing Education - 25 points allowed
  • Membership in Professional Organizations - 10 points allowed
  • Professional Contribution to the Field - 30 points allowed

Applicants are not required to score points in all areas of the application. Specific information for determining and reporting earned points in each area is included in the application form.
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Q. How do I purchase a CMP Candidate Handbook?
A. You may order a CMP Candidate Handbook online from the CIC website. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. All orders must be prepaid before they can be filled. It will take approximately five to ten business days to receive your order when ordering on-line, longer if mailing in an order or payment by check. Click here to order or here for additional information regarding the application.
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Q. I would like to receive information about joining the CIC.
A. CIC is composed of 31 organizations from the meetings and conventions industry. Individuals cannot join the CIC. CIC administers the Certified Meeting Professional Program (CMP).
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Q. A colleague of mine recently purchased a CMP application, how come I can't just make a photocopy of theirs and send it in?
A. The reason that we require everyone to purchase their own application is that the Candidate Handbook containing the application provides important policies and details that help candidates prepare for the exam. There is alot of information "out there" that is not always correct, the Handbook is the candidate's resource to reliable and accurate program information.
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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. It takes several weeks to process applications and we have many people call after the deadline asking for an exception. There is a one-week extension to submit applications after the published deadline. A $75 late fee applies.
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Q. Several people in my department including myself sent in applications to be reviewed. All of my colleagues have heard back but I haven't. Can you tell me over the phone if I have been approved?
A. This information is confidential and it is against policy to give the results out over the phone. Applications are sent to the CMP Board Members for review. The CIC office will send results in writing in plenty of time for the exam registration, approx. 4-6 weeks following the application submission deadline.
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Q. What happens if I send in my application with $175 and my application is denied?
A. The $175 fee is valid for two years following the application submission, a non-refundable fee to cover the cost of processing your application. If you are denied you will be informed of exactly which sections you lost points in and we will send you a new blank application stamped "PAID" for you to re-apply. We highly encourage you to apply for the next exam series.
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Q. What happens if I take the CMP exam and fail?
A. Keep in mind that your application is good for two years. You may register for subsequent exams during those two years; the $375 North American exam fee or $450 International exam fee (which ever is applicable to the situation) is required every time a candidate tests, since it covers the cost of the exam administration. It is in the candidates best interest to test as soon as possible to avoid having to re-apply in the event that the candidates eligibility expires.
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Q. For the next exam, I see that you don't have my city listed as a site, is there any way I can get a city added?
A. If there are at least 20 candidates requesting that a certain city be added as an exam location, we may establish it as an additional site. We do ask that if your city is added, you assist us with lining up an exam site. It is imperative that candidates notify CIC before registration opens that interest exists in their area.
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Q. Can I cancel my CMP exam after I have already signed up?
A. Yes, candidates may cancel their registration with a $100 US cancellation fee if written notification is received by CIC at least 30 calendar days prior to the day of the exam. The remainder of the examination fee will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 30 calendar days prior to the exam and no-shows on the day of the exam will forfeit their entire $375.00 US North American examination fee or $450.00 US International examination fee, which ever is applicable to the situation.
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Q. I'm a CMP and it's not time for me to recertify yet, but I want to know what is involved in recertification.
A. Every five years CMPs are required to recertify to maintain the CMP designation by documenting ongoing involvement in the meetings industry and continued employment and education. To be recertified, CMPs must complete a recertification application. Recertification requirements are consistent with those for the original application, but does not include an examination. Typically, the first recertification notifications are mailed to CMPs during the first quarter of the expiring year. The recertification fee is $200.00 US; a $50.00 US fee is applied for applications received after the October 15 recertification deadline.
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Q. I'm currently a CMP and I want to serve as a proctor for the next exam, what do I need to do?
A. Send the request in writing to the CIC office.  Specify what areas and exam dates you are interested in along with your request. Proctors are selected 6 - 8 weeks before the exams.
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Q. I have a new address, how should I inform CIC?
A. You may submit your new address via the CIC Website, http://www.conventionindustry.org/cmp/cmp_directories.htm

 

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