How to Become a Certified Corporate Event Planner
As you’re building a career producing events, gaining experience with different projects, there are a couple of priorities you should set for yourself to help you get established. You have to build your team, you need to network and build up a client base and you should seriously consider getting certified as well. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand how to become a corporate event planner professional and why you should do it.
Why Get Certified
A corporate event planning certification is an investment that will pay off throughout your career. It may seem unnecessary if you already have a reasonable amount of practical experience, but don’t underestimate the knowledge you could gain through the testing process. Learning is a life-long journey and a successful career is built on continuing education and development. And, of course, the benefits of certification go far beyond the knowledge involved.
With your certification, you don’t need to convince new clients of your expertise because you should have immediate credibility as a certified event producing professional. It sets you apart as a professional, a level above casual event planners who might not have the same degree of experience or professionalism.
Getting certified also gives you the opportunity to connect into a greater network of event professionals around the world. Networking isn’t a luxury but a requirement for serious event planners building a client base, putting together a team and gaining expertise.
Choose Your Path
Getting certified as an event planner means investing in and committing to this career path. Therefore, the first step in the process of how to become a corporate event planner should be making sure that this is the right track for you. Once you’re sure, you need to choose which certification you’re going to test for.
There are several different certifications available to event professionals, so be sure to do your research and choose carefully. The most recognized certificates are the Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) and the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). The CSEP is administered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA), which is another valuable organization to be a part of.
Prepare for Certification
Planning for your corporate event planning certification gives you the chance to plan out the next two to four years of your career ahead of time. Once you choose your path to certification, you’ll want to join the organization that offers the certification and begin working on meeting the requirements. Each certification comes with its own specific requirements, but most will require some number of years of professional experience, potential completion of a formal training program and passing certification exams.
To be eligible for the CSEP, all you need are three years of full-time employment working in the event planning industry and the knowledge and experience base required to pass the exam. Most of your time preparing will be spent studying the testing materials you can get from the organizations offering the certifications and continuing your normal work. The CSEP exam is based on experience, so learning more about the industry and working with more and varied events will help you prepare as well.
Are you interested in becoming a corporate event planner? Read from the experts at Sullivan Group to learn the steps that you need to take to get you your dream job!