2016 CMP Policy Changes

The Convention Industry Council strives to ensure that the CMP program is both relevant and accessible to those holding the CMP designation. We review current policies and procedures constantly, listen to our CMPs and CMP applicants, and compare our program with other professional certification programs. Based on this research, policies and procedures are often updated. Effective January 1, 2016, the following policy changes were made for those who already hold the CMP:

Continuing education requirements for the CMP recertification have been modified: Of the 25 clock hours needed to be eligible for recertification, 50 percent (12.5 hours) may be now be non-industry-specific if the learning objective of the activity relates to one of the 10 domains in the CMP International Standards. If recertifying under Option 2 – Continuing Education and Industry Support Activities – 7.5 hours may be non-industry-specific. See the Continuing Education section of the Recertification Handbook for details.

Defining industry-specific: The term "industry-specific" is defined as any activity that relates to the hospitality, tourism, meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry and can be tied to one of the 10 domains in the CMP International Standards. For instance, if you take a project management or strategic management course that is not specific to meeting management, you may count those hours toward your recertification requirements (up to 50 percent). Personal development activities such as "How to Network," "How to Manage Your Time," or "How to Brand Yourself" will still not be approved for CMP credit.

"Grace" year shortened to three months: In the past, CMPs had an entire year after their certification cycle ended to submit their recertification application. Effective January 1, 2016, this grace period has been shortened to three months. CMPs that have "lapsed" must now submit their recertification applications no later than March 31 of your sixth year. (Your certification status switches to "lapsed" after Dec. 31 of your fifth year.) Those who don't submit their recertification applications by this final deadline will be required to apply for, take and pass the CMP exam to be certified again.

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a
program of the Convention Industry Council

Convention Industry Council
700 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, USA, 22314
Tel: 571-527-3116