CSEP Recertification

As a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP®), you have demonstrated your support of excellence in the live events field. Recertification demonstrates your continued dedication to maintaining a comprehensive, standardized body of practitioner knowledge in a rapidly changing profession.

Looking for the application to become a CSEP? Click here or visit https://members.ileahub.com/certification-programs.

What’s new?

Beginning 1 June 2020, a revised policy and application for the CSEP program will be used. You may now download the new CSEP Recertification Application and the updated Recertification and Reinstatement Policy. Each section of the CSEP Recertification Application should be labeled and verification documentation attached. Notable highlights are:

Grading of exams is no longer required, however exam gradings you have done within your current CSEP certification period can be used towards recertification. For existing CSEPs that last recertified prior to 2020, CSEP Sustainability points may take the place of exam grading points. ILEA will offer at least one opportunity each year for CSEPs to earn sustainability points.
As part of our commitment to maintaining current with industry standards and changes, a minimum of 20 Continuing Education points are now required. CSEPs who are ILEA members can utilize the ILEA Education Portal to access a variety of on-demand classes that are aligned with ILEA’s Core Curriculum. Other continuing education options are also welcome as long as they meet the guidelines outlined in the Recertification Application.
Life doesn’t always go as planned. While the CSEP program maintains its commitment to recognizing individuals that are active in the live events industry, sometimes work, health, family or other situations require CSEPs to be flexible with their employment. The requirement for full-time employment in the live events industry has been reduced to a required minimum of three (3) years.
Some categories and point allocations have shifted - please review carefully.

How often do I need to recertify?

Once a CSEP, the designee is required to recertify every three (3) years through continuing education, industry experience and service to the industry. A candidate for recertification must accumulate points during those three (3) years before the recertification application may be submitted.

Plan ahead! The recertification application only takes a couple minutes!

Please note: if you earned your CSEP before 2021, your first renewal will be after 5 years, as indicated on your certificate - we are not changing any already issued expiration dates. Click here to check when you are due for renewal). Following that first renewal, anyone earning their CSEP prior to 2021 will need to renew every 3 years.

When is my recertification application due?

Recertification applications must be paid and submitted on or before 30 November every three (3) years beginning with the year of the third exam anniversary date. All information requested on the application must be verifiable in the event of an audit, however documentation will not be required during the application process. Electronic submission of documentation is preferred by providing a link to a shared online folder during the recertification process, which is optional but highly recommended.

Do I still need to grade exams?

As of 1 April 2020, the grading of exams is no longer required for recertification, however points earned by grading of exams prior to 1 April 2020 are still eligible toward recertification points for CSEPs expiring through 2024. For existing CSEPs that last recertified prior to 2020, CSEP Sustainability points may take the place of exam grading points. ILEA will offer at least one opportunity each year for CSEPs to earn sustainability points. .

Are there extensions for extenuating circumstances?

Extenuating circumstances surrounding late recertification submissions will be reviewed for time extensions. Requests for time extensions due to extenuating circumstances must be received by ILEA Headquarters in writing by 31 December. Examples include, but are not limited to serious illness of self or an immediate family member, short- and/or long-term disability, job loss, family leave, and military duty. If not received by 31 December, follow the steps outlined in the Recertification and Reinstatement Policy.

PLEASE NOTE: We now allow recertification via Exam for those who have fallen short on points. A request to recertify via exam must be sent in writing to csep@ileahub.com.

When will I know if my recertification application was approved?

All approved CSEP recertification candidates will receive immediate written confirmation of their submission. Notification of additional required information needed or approval will be sent as your application proceeds through the review process. Please review to our Recertification and Reinstatement Policy for details.

PLEASE NOTE: We are processing recertifications as they come in, however you will be sent new certificates and resources via email in early December, once the deadline for regular recertification has passed.

CSEP Emeritus Status Policy

As of 1 January 2020, new applications for CSEP Emeritus Status have been suspended. Instead, a simplified recertification process has been introduced to make maintaining your CSEP easier than ever!