The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Process

What is CIC?

 The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is a federation of 32 national and international associations representing all aspects of the meeting, convention, and exhibition industry. The CIC owns and administers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification.

Agenda

CMP HistoryThe CMP ProcessApplicationExam PreparationThe CMP ExamThe Role of CIC Member OrganizationsDiscussion/Questions

The CIC Mission

Provide a focal point for the industry to work collectively to exchange informationHelp increase the professionalism of the industryDevelop programs to serve the industry and its professionalsRecognize and raise industry standards

Major CIC Programs

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)Hall of LeadersAccepted Practices Exchange (APEX)CIC Manual/PublicationsEconomic Impact Study

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification Program

“Governed “ and administered by the CICNot an individual membership, but a professional designationCMP is owned and managed by the CIC. CIC member organizations provide study groups for CMP preparationFollows best certification practices

The CMP History

Began in 1985 by The Convention Liaison CouncilAlways “Certified Meeting PROFESSIONAL”, not plannerBegan as a response to increase the professionalism of meeting managersOnly industry certification endorsed by all 32 CIC member organizations

CMP Program Goals

Identify a body of knowledge Establish the level of knowledge and performance required for certificationStimulate the advancement of the art and science of meeting managementProvide unique networking opportunities for those involved in the program

CMP Program Goals Continued…

Increase the value of practitioners Recognize and raise industry standards, practices and ethicsMaximize the value received from the products and services provided by CMPs

CMP Benefits

Authority to use the CMP designation on Letterhead, Business Cards, etc.Global Recognition Professional Development Personal Achievement / Competitive AdvantageNewsletter SubscriptionsNetwork of Fellow CMPs

CMP Program Players

CMP Board of DirectorsCIC StaffTesting Agency – Thomson PrometricPsychometrician – “Test Development Expert”Volunteer CMPs – item writers, assistant proctors, study group leaders, promoters of the program

CMP Board of Directors

Representative of CIC member organizations and CMP stakeholdersEstablish and document the level of competence required for CMPDevelop and Review final exam formsOversee all aspects of the programMarket and promote CMP

CMP Statistics

11,747 worldwide as of July 200632 countries represented478 new CMP’s from the July 2006 examinationMajority (70%) are plannersSuppliers and other industry professionals welcomed

The CMP Process

1. Obtain the CMP Candidate Handbook (includes CMP application) from CIC

2. Complete and submit the application3. Review the CMP blueprint material4. Study/prepare5. Sit for the exam6. Re-certify every five years

Completing the Application

Website: www.conventionindustry.orgFollow the link to order the CMP Candidate Handbook Make a copy of application, do a draftSubmit completed original application to CIC along with required documentation & application fee

Application Requirements

A minimum of three years work experience in meeting managementResponsibility and accountability for the successful completion of meetingsUnemployed individuals may apply within 12 months of the onset of unemployed status

Application Point System

A Minimum of 90 points is requiredExperience: maximum points - 35Management responsibility – 50Education/continuing education – 25Membership – 10Professional contributions in meeting management – 30

Eligibility

Application submission fee valid for two years.Candidates have two years from the time of eligibility to take and pass the exam. This two-year period starts as soon as CIC notifies applicants of their eligibility.

Exam Deadlines

The exam is January 20, 2007. Deadline to submit application is September 12, 2006 The next IMEX/Frankfurt exam is April 16, 2007. Deadline to submit application is January 8, 2007The next exam is July 28, 2007. Deadline to submit application is March 19, 2007

Program Fees – US $

CMP Candidate Handbook = $45 (US) + shipping/handling

Application Submission Fee = $175 (US), non-refundable

Exam Registration Fee = $450 (US)

Study ResourcesCIC Manual, 7th EditionCIC International Manual, 1st EditionAPEX Industry Glossary

Study Groups

Independent from CICGroups can be self-led or professionally facilitatedCost and frequency of meetings depends on the groupStudy group guidelines are available on CIC websiteMany study groups offer a weekend immersion course for study tips guidelines

CMP Blueprint- “Body of Knowledge”

6 topic areas called “Domains”Exam questions are written to assess candidates’ knowledge of meeting management in these particular areasNumbers in brackets = number of questions on CMP exam

CMP Policies & TipsAdhere to the CMP policies and deadlines outlined in the CMP Candidate HandbookStudy the CMP Blueprint areas in the HandbookThe CMP Blueprint is divided into 5 main Domains with a range of 27 to 36 questions from each DomainStudy each and every meeting management topic regardless of number of questions anticipated

Study Tips

Purchase both the CIC Manual , 7th edition and CIC International Manual, 1st edition as the majority of the exam questions are inspired from these publications.CIC does NOT endorse “sample tests” for candidates other than the on-line practice tests available for purchase from CIC website.

Exam Info

Exam items undergo review process - CMP item writers, the CMP Board of Directors Exam Committee & the testing agencyItems measure competency and skillWriting & reviewing questions ongoing process to keep exam current

Exam Info

Each test comprised of a new selection from the CMP “Item Bank”CMP “Item Bank,” is a database of test questions prepared by CMPs at CMP ConclavesExam is designed to measure competency rather than academic excellenceExam is scored as either pass or fail

Test Format and Score

165 multiple choice items (questions)3 1/2 hours *You may comment on itemsFlawed items are discarded from scoring Answer sheet scored by computerTests are screened for cultural nuances

Recertification

Initial certification is valid for three yearsComplete a recertification applicationCMPs who recertify on time, do not have to take another exam to be recertified!Based on continued employment, education and professional contributions

The Role of CIC Member Organizations

Help promote the CMP Program to Chapters of the member organizationHave one person in each Chapter familiar with programWork with CMP International CommitteeHold study groups and recognize those individuals that have received the designation

Questions/discussion

Thank you for your interest and hopefully your participation!