Everything you ever wanted to know about the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is covered in this session: its history, its structure and organization, and how the test is drafted. Included will be tips on the application process, studying, and how to survive test day.

1. CMP Information Session Presented by Christina Buck, CMP CMP Program Director Convention Industry Council

2. What is the Convention Industry Council?

3. What is CIC? The Convention Industry Council's 31 member organizations The CIC owns and administers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification.

4. Major CIC Programs Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Hall of Leaders Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) CIC Manual & Publications Economic Impact Study

5. Certified Meeting Professional Program “Governed” and administered by the CIC Not an individual membership, but a professional designation CMP is owned and managed by CIC CIC member organizations provide study groups for CMP preparation Follows best certification practices

6. History of the CMP Designation Began in 1985 by The Convention Liaison Council “Certified Meeting PROFESSIONAL” Began as a response to increase the professionalism of meeting managers Only industry certification endorsed by 31 CIC member organizations

7. CMP Program Goals Establish the level of knowledge and performance required for certification Recognize and raise industry standards, practices, and ethics Stimulate the advancement of the art and science of meeting management Maximize the value received from the products and services provided by CMPs Increase the value of practitioners

8. CMP Program Players CMP Board of Directors CIC Staff Testing Agency – Prometric, Inc. Volunteer CMPs – item writers, assistant proctors, booth coverage, study group leaders, application assessment

9. The CMP Designation Today Global Designation Over 14,000 CMPs have earned the designation worldwide in 36 countries and US territories 64% of CMPs are planners 36% are suppliers All industry professionals welcome

10. Why do you want to become a CMP?

11. CMP Benefits Competitive salary Professional development Personal achievement Competitive advantage & increased credibility Global recognition

12. Need More Reasons? Recognized by peers for their professionalism and expertise Contribute to the development of industry best practices Act as role models to other meeting professionals Participate in ensuring industry standards

13. The CMP Process www.conventionindustry.org

14. Deadlines for Next Available Exams

15. The Application Process

16. Download and READ the Handbook

17. Application Breakdown Section I Professional Experience in the Meeting, Event, Exhibition and Hospitality/Tourism Industry Section II Internship or Continuing Education

18. Application Requirements: Section I Option 1: A minimum of 36 months of work experience in the industry Option 2: Candidates with a degree in meeting, event, exhibition, and hospitality/tourism management can apply after 24 months of work experience Option 3: Full-time instructors at a meeting/hospitality university with 36 months of work experience

19. Section I Information Full time employment Resume Professional Experience must have been completed at the time of application submission Diploma/Transcript (if applicable)

20. Application Requirements: Section II Option 1: An approved internship/apprenticeship in the industry with a minimum of 200 hours Option 2: Twenty-five (25) hours of continuing education within the last 5 years

23. Eligibility Candidates have two years from the time of eligibility to take and pass the exam.

24. The CMP Exam www.conventionindustry.org

25. About the Examination Prometirc administers and scores exams Offered in January and July in North America Offered 2-3 times a year outside North America 3.5-hour exam

26. The CMP Exam Pencil and paper based 165 multiple-choice questions 150 operational questions (scored) 15 pre-test questions (non-graded questions)

27. CMP Exam Questions CMP exam contains questions pertaining to the variety of functions a meeting planner must perform based on the CMP Blueprint Questions selected from the CMP “Item Bank” Exam questions are written and reviewed on a regular basis by current CMPs

28. CMP Exam Questions Only questions that measure competency and skill are included on the exam Four possible answers are provided for each multiple choice question – one of the four is correct No “all of above” and “none of the above” responses No trick questions

29. Study of the Profession A Job Analysis study is conducted to ensure the CMP exam is current Meeting professionals are surveyed to help evaluate the level of knowledge and skills that are expected within the profession. CMP Blueprint is developed from responses form surveyed meeting professionals

30. CMP Exam Blueprint Basis for the exam questions The CMP Blueprint knowledge base is categorized into 5 domain areas, 49 tasks and 230 knowledge topics The five domains identify major content areas which compose the exam

31. CMP Exam Blueprint Five Domain Areas Strategic Event Planning Process 24% Financial and Contract Management20% Facilities and Services 18% Logistics 20% Program 18%

32. Exam Scoring Exam is scored by computer as Pass or Fail You need a total scale score of 55 to pass the examination Scores are determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly to a scale score that ranges from approximately 20 to beyond 55

33. Scale Score A scale score is a transformed raw examination score (the number of exam questions answered correctly) Questions are weighted based on their difficulty *Please note that a scale score is neither the number of questions you answered correctly nor the percentage of questions you answered correctly.

34. What is the Cost?

35. Fees Related to the CMP Program CMP Application Submission Fee $225.00 USD CMP Exam Registration Fee $450.00 USD CMP Exam Cancellation Fee $100.00 USD All fees are subject to change at anytime. The CMP Application Submission Fee is non-refundable and all CMP fees are non-transferable.

36. Study Resources CIC Manual, 8th Edition $ 65.95 USD (July, 2007 Edition) CIC International Manual $ 79.95 USD 1ST Edition PCMA’s Professional Meeting Management $ 79.95 USD 5th Edition APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) Glossary $ 35.00 USD IAEE Exhibit Guidelines $ FREE (download at CIC web)

37. Studying for the CMP Exam

38. Study Groups Independent from CIC Groups can be self-led or professionally facilitated Cost and frequency of meetings depends on the group Some study groups offer a weekend immersion course in place of weekly meetings Study group guidelines are available on CIC website

40. $399 Non-memberswww.pcma.org/cmponline

41. Your Action Plan

42. CMP Action Plan Download the CMP Application and Handbook Complete and submit your application Purchase/borrow current study materials Join a study group Study independently and as part of a class Commit to taking the exam that’s right for you Give it your all!

43. Personal Commitment Determine your own reasons for pursuing the CMP designation Make the experience worthwhile Commit to putting aside regular time to study over several months Do it for yourself !

44. Time Commitment Reading Books 30+ Hours Studying 50 Hours Study Group 22 Hours Total Time Required 100+ Hours

45. Recertification Initial certification is valid for five years Complete a recertification application CMPs who recertify on time, do not have to take another exam to be recertified. Based on continued employment, education, and professional contributions

46. Questions/discussion Thank you for your participation this morning. The best of luck on your journey. Enjoy it! Further Questions? Christina M Buck, CMP Convention Industry Council Professionally managed by Talley Management Group, Inc. 700 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 510 Alexandria, VA 22314 571-527-3116 cichq@conventionindustry.org