Certifications/Hospitality & Recreation
CredentialHospitality & Recreation

CMP - Certified Meeting Professional

The CMP is an international credential that shows you have the knowledge and experience to plan and manage meetings and events. It is voluntary, so no one in Canada needs it to work, but many planners earn it to stand out.

Official website ↗
Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$1,500 to CA$2,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 3 to 6 months
Renewal
every 5 years
Issued by Events Industry Council

About

The Certified Meeting Professional credential is issued by the Events Industry Council. It is recognized around the world and can be earned and used right here in Canada. It shows employers and clients that you meet a high professional standard in event planning.

The CMP is not a licence. You do not need it to work as an event planner, coordinator or manager in any province or territory. Many people choose it to build credibility, support a job application or ask for a promotion. It can be useful in roles such as event manager, meeting and convention planner, hotel events coordinator, corporate event manager, convention services manager, event venue manager, event marketing manager, esports event manager and event coordinator.

How to get it

  1. Check that you qualify
    You need a mix of work experience in the events field and some related education or training. Review the current eligibility rules on the Events Industry Council site before you apply.
  2. Submit your application
    Fill out the online application and describe your event work and education. The Events Industry Council reviews it and confirms that you can sit the exam.
  3. Pay the fees
    You pay an application fee and an exam fee. Fees are set in another currency, so your cost in Canadian dollars may change a little over time.
  4. Prepare for the exam
    Study the CMP exam outline and use study guides, practice questions or a prep course. Many candidates study for a few months while they keep working.
  5. Pass the exam
    Book your exam and sit the written test at a testing centre or through an approved remote option. Once you pass, you can use the CMP title.
  6. Keep your credential current
    Track your learning and industry activity after you earn the CMP. You will need to show this when it is time to renew.

The exam

The CMP exam is a written, multiple-choice test. It covers the main parts of planning and running events, such as strategic planning, project management, budgets, risk, contracts, marketing and on-site delivery. It tests both what you know and how you apply it in real situations.

Careers that mention it

Keeping it

The CMP does not last forever. You need to renew it on a regular cycle. To do this, you show that you have kept learning and stayed active in the events industry, and you pay a renewal fee. Keep records of your courses, conferences and work as you go, so renewal is easier.

At a glance
Issued byEvents Industry Council
TypeCredential
Where it appliesInternationally, including Canada
Required to workNo
Typical costabout CA$1,500 to CA$2,000
Time to earn itabout 3 to 6 months
Renewalevery 5 years
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-25