Candidates for the CSEP Exam may qualify via three Eligibility Pathways:
Pathway 1
Minimum 5 years of proven full-time practical experience in the events industry
- Acceptable forms of practical experience documentation include but are not limited to: statement of employment verification from personnel or human resources official, copy of business statements or forms, letters of incorporation, or business license plus proof of business ownership/leadership (please be sure to redact any sensitive identifiers, such as a Social Security Number). Resumes are not an acceptable form of verification, however they are a GREAT document to include in addition to your verification for reviewers to see everything in one place.
CSEP Exam Applications are now being accepted. Apply today!
Pathway 2
Minimum 3 years of proven full-time practical experience in the events industry with a letter of recommendation from a current and active CSEP clearly stating the candidate’s suitability for the CSEP program.
- Acceptable forms of practical experience documentation include but are not limited to: statement of employment verification from personnel or human resources official, copy of business statements or forms, letters of incorporation, or business license plus proof of business ownership/leadership (please be sure to redact any sensitive identifiers, such as a Social Security Number). Resumes are not an acceptable form of verification, however they are a GREAT document to include in addition to your verification for reviewers to see everything in one place.
CSEP Exam Applications are now being accepted. Apply today!
Pathway 3
Minimum of 3 years of proven full-time practical experience in the events industry with a 1-2 year certificate/diploma from a recognized hospitality/events industry program.
- Acceptable forms of practical experience documentation include but are not limited to: statement of employment verification from personnel or human resources official, copy of business statements or forms, letters of incorporation, or business license plus proof of business ownership/leadership (please be sure to redact any sensitive identifiers, such as a Social Security Number). Resumes are not an acceptable form of verification, however they are a GREAT document to include in addition to your verification for reviewers to see everything in one place.
- Acceptable forms of education verification include: Transcripts, Copy of Degree/Diploma/Certificate, Signed letter from faculty certifying the completion of the program on official letterhead.
CSEP Exam Applications are now being accepted. Apply today!
Ideal Candidate Characteristics:
A Certified Special Event Professional has an established career supporting the live events industry. They have invested time and energy in gaining a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the various event elements and have proven they can apply their experience and critical thinking to all facets of a live event, regardless of the role they play. They are not required to be a subject matter expert in all areas, but should understand the event process well enough that, if needed, they would be able to assemble a team of event professionals, articulate a clear vision and manage that team to execute a successful event. If the candidate is not an event planner or producer, but rather a supplier or partner in the industry, the candidate should still be able to speak to all elements within an event with knowledge and understanding.
- Vested interest in maintaining a set of core competencies across the industry.
- Broad breadth of knowledge and understanding of the event elements required to produce a successful live event.
- Able to assemble and manage an event team.
- Able to lead strategic conversations internally and externally with a general project and event management skill set and understanding of risk management best practices.
- Uphold ILEA’s Standards of Professional Conduct and Ethics.
- Sound understanding of the skills required to have strategic conversations at the management level and apply critical thinking to the full event process.