The Event Industry Council has launched the latest version of its CMP exam to ensure today’s meeting professionals can meet today’s, and tomorrow’s, challenges.
First came the Event Industry Council’s revised 2025 CMP International Standards (CMP-IS). Now the EIC has launched a revamped version of its Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam to align with the CMP-IS — and the skills and knowledge planners need to tackle the challenges of planning meetings now and into the future.
First established back in 1985, the CMP exam has evolved with the times over the years, though the focus has always been on assuring those holding the designation have the proven skills and experience to successfully manage events. Now held by more than 13,000 meeting professionals across more than 55 countries, this latest iteration introduces significant changes to its content and structure, reflecting advancements in the events industry and new global standards. Among the notable updates are three new exam domains: Sustainability & Social Impact, and Technology Integration and Evaluation Process — none of which were previously tested as standalone domains, and each of which now account for 5% of the total.
The new version of the CMP exam also has adjusted other areas of domain weighting. The Event Design was reduced from 34% to 25%, Site Management from 14% to 10%, and Financial Management from 11% to 7%. The new exam put more emphasis on other areas, such as Risk Management, which increases from 5% to 7% as risks event organizers face continue to grow in both perception and reality.
The EIC made these changes to ensure CMPs are equipped to lead in a changing environment, including having demonstrated competency in technology and sustainability. The idea is to ensure the CMP remains a relevant and respected credential globally, and that those who hold the designation hold the highest standards of event professionalism. To decide what needed updating, the EIC conducted a comprehensive review involving more than 1,000 subject matter experts, as well as incorporating global surveys and focus groups to ensure the content reflects the industry’s current and emerging best practices. The exam was beta tested in April and May this year and released in final form in August. There was a blackout period for testing in June and July; those affected by the blackout received automatic extensions for their eligibility windows through November 1, 2025.
“This update to the CMP International Standards reflects how far our industry has come and where we’re headed,” said Heather Seasholtz, CMP Fellow, Chair of the CMP Governance Commission. “More than 1,000 professionals from diverse markets and disciplines, helped shape this framework, ensuring it’s relevant, practical, and globally informed for the future of events.”
“As our sector continues to evolve, adapt and innovate, the CMP program is evolving to ensure its relevance now and into the future,” said Amy Calvert, president and CEO of the EIC. “The updated exam reflects the expertise and resilience our industry demands – and the leadership qualities that define today’s top professionals.”
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 EIC Manual, will be released in late 2025/early 2026.
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