Certified Meeting Professional Exam Updated and Launched

The Events Industry Council recently launched an updated Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam to align with 2025 CMP International Standards, which provide a future-focused framework that reflects the evolving landscape of the global business events industry. Recognized worldwide as the standard for event professionals, the CMP designation is held by more than 13,000 meeting professionals across over 55 countries. The designation validates expertise in strategic planning, operations, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and new domains covering sustainability, technology integration and outcome evaluation. “As our sector continues to evolve, adapt and innovate, the CMP program is evolving to ensure its relevance now and into the future,” explains Amy Calvert, president and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “The updated exam reflects the expertise and resilience our industry demands — and the leadership qualities that define today’s top professionals.”

A Global Effort to Define the Future of Events

The launch of the new exam is the result of a multi-year, practitioner-led process that engaged more than 1,000 volunteer subject matter experts from across the globe. Through job task analyses, competency mapping and rigorous content review, this community helped shape the revised CMP International Standards, and ensure the credential remains globally relevant and future-focused. “This update to the CMP International Standards reflects how far our industry has come and where we’re headed,” says Heather Seasholtz, CMP Fellow and chair of the CMP Governance Commission. The revised CMP International Standards, released in January 2025, includes key updates, including:

• A new domain for sustainability and social impact, reinforcing the sector’s role in advancing environmental and societal outcomes. This includes carbon footprint management, materials management, and supporting advancements in inclusive design and wellbeing, ensuring events contribute positively to both the planet and diverse, thriving communities.
• Expanded content on technology integration, addressing innovations in virtual and hybrid delivery, data analytics, digital engagement and artificial intelligence (AI), allowing for evolving knowledge and practice as our world adapts to emerging technologies.
• A sharper focus on evaluation and return on investment (ROI), helping professionals quantify impact and communicate value to stakeholders.
• A renewed emphasis on risk assessment, enabling more strategic, inclusive, and resilient event design strategies that anticipate challenges and foster adaptability.
• Greater global relevance and alignment with contemporary accepted practices, ensuring applicability across diverse regions and evolving industry approaches.

The updated exam was beta-tested in April and May 2025, with participation from a diverse mix of candidates, and followed by a two-month scoring blackout for statistical validation. The updated version is now live and open to all eligible candidates.

A Trusted Credential, Reimagined

Since its inception in 1985, the CMP designation has been a benchmark for professional performance and integrity in the meetings and events industry. The CMP distinguishes itself by requiring candidates to meet rigorous eligibility criteria and successfully complete a psychometrically sound exam grounded in a globally validated body of knowledge, setting a high standard for professional competency and credibility in the events industry. The new exam retains its multiple-choice format, and candidates can expect scenario-based questions designed to assess applied knowledge and strategic decision-making. Updated study resources, including a new edition of the Events Industry Council Manual, will be released in late 2025/early 2026. The upcoming manual will also reflect the updated CMP-IS, ensuring candidates are supported with content that mirrors current knowledge and practice. Interim materials are available to guide preparation until the new manual is published. To support a smooth transition, there will be a designated transition period following the release of the new manual, allowing candidates time to prepare using the updated resource with confidence and flexibility. To learn more about the CMP program or to schedule your exam, please visit eventscouncil.org/CMP.