Tips and Tricks for event professionals preparing to sit for their Certified Meeting Professional Designation.
With the registration deadline for the CMP exam coming up in May, study groups are well on their way preparing attendees for the next step in the career of a meeting or events professional. The CMP program was established in 1985 for those that have reached the industries highest standard of professionalism. The certification is received by accumulating points through various factors. The application process is divided into five sections, experience in meeting management, management responsibility, education and continuing education, as well as professional contributions to the industry. Applicants must then pass a written examination covering all aspects of the meetings and conventions industry, from room sets to audio visual information. There are currently just over 13,000 individuals in 35 countries that have received their CMP designation.
Joining a study group could be the most important study tip
There are many ways to prepare for the application process as well as the exam, but what will work for you really all depend on your learning style. The first tip many CMP’s will give is to join a local study group. A study group is not a course, although there are various presenters that assist with covering the most important aspects of the materials. The study group is a place to ask questions and to receive insight from others that are also preparing for the exam. Many of the materials that you receive in the program make for fantastic study tools and resources. Be sure to interact with others in your group, you may learn things from them that you can use when you are doing your individual study sessions. As an adult learner this is a great way to retain information. For your study group come prepared with the newest addition to the CIC Manual as well as the CIC International Manual. You can learn more about joining a study group on the Convention Industry Council Website at www.conventionindustry.org
CMP Blueprint acts as exam outline
The CMP blueprint is also a great tool to use to keep you organized as you cover the material. The blueprint outlines the subject matter such as the average number of questions on each topic and what percentage of the exam each topic will cover. The blueprint also gives textbook page number references to the CMP Manual for easy follow up reading.
APEX (Accepted Practices Echange) is a great resource for industry terms and practices
Another huge aspect of the study process is learning and retaining industry terms that will be used throughout the exam. The Apex Glossary (Accepted Practices Exchange) is a compilation of industry terms and definitions organized by category that are accepted industry language.
Practice exams can be found through study groups as well as online
The CMP online study guide is just another resource for your use, as well as the online practice exam. The study guide was created in partnership with Arizona State University to help organize and break down the studying process.
