The Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) certification exam is designed for those involved in events that require specialized knowledge and experience in a given field. Individuals who earn the certification are expected to have taken at least 500 hours of continuing education, pass a background check, and have completed relevant courses and related exams. Those who pass the exam are then accepted into a program that will provide them with a set of specific certifications to prove their knowledge. These certifications are offered by three organizations: Commission On Accreditation of Special Events and Education (COASEP), the National Conference for Certifying Agencies (NC ACLE) and the Specialty Training Council (STC). Candidates wishing to earn the CSEP certification must be sponsored by an employer who is requiring the person to complete the exam or by a third-party organization that is accredited by the participating colleges and employers. The exam is available online in several versions and can be downloaded free of charge from designated websites.

The main advantage of taking the COASEP exam is that it is shorter in duration than most other exams. It does, however, include supplementary study time that could help with a more thorough learning experience. Many times, programs offering the exam offer mock tests as a part of their courses. Candidates who successfully complete the test and its prerequisites earn their C SEP certificates.

The NC ACLE exam is administered by the Specialty Training Council and is designed to cover a wider range of topics than those covered by the C SEP. Candidates who successfully pass the program must also complete a five-credit course, which includes one credit hour from the Special Event Management Professional Association (SEMATA) course, and two hours from the Commission on Accreditation of Special Events and Education (CAOSEA) course. A Special Event Professional (SEP) certification program review will show that these requirements are designed to test a candidate’s knowledge in areas beyond the scope of the typical C SEP certification. Employers looking for special event employees should always review an applicant’s credentials and consider this as part of their decision.

Becoming a Special Event Professional is not a simple process. Anyone with hopes of becoming a SEMA certified professional needs to take the necessary steps to prepare. Taking the time to learn about the Certification Board and the various certifications available through the Special Event Management Association (SEMA) is important. Doing the research before stepping into the arena of event management can help prospective candidates get a foot in the door. Employers who are looking to hire a special event professional need to know that the person has the necessary training and experience to be able to effectively manage a special event.

Applicants who have successfully completed the proper courses can start to develop their credentials. If the Special Event Professional program offered by the Special Event Management Association is recognized by the American Society of Event Planning Professionals (SEMPA), there is only one other thing to do. Applicants may still need to take additional qualifying exams. However, this exam does not usually involve a series of tests, rather a short written test covering all of the areas that are addressed in the courses. There are no entrance requirements to the special event courses, and most clubs and companies will accept the certification of completion.

The Special Event Professional Certificate (SEM) is awarded after the successful completion of a three-credit course. These courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and information they need to effectively conduct and lead professional workshops and special events. Students then go through the process of achieving certification. To qualify, members must complete a minimum of two SEM courses.

Applicants must be aware that passing the certification exam does not guarantee employment. To be considered for certification, candidates must not only meet the requirements of the examination, but they must also pass a written final examination. Holding a Special Event Management Certification credential will also make it easier to find gainful employment. Most companies who offer job opportunities in the field require certification in addition to a valid license. In order to become certified, it is necessary for a member to take a minimum of two classes each year. Continuing education is required for those who choose to maintain their certification.

Special event professional certification programs are typically held at local colleges or technical schools. The programs often cover a wide variety of topics, including communications and public relations, which allow students to develop the skills they need to manage corporate functions and clients. Many of these seminars provide hands-on learning of the latest technology and methods of event marketing. By participating in these specialized programs, those seeking certification in special event management can demonstrate their passion and expertise by successfully completing a specialized course in an environment designed to train and support professionals in the event management industry.