Last month GCG created a survey to poll those members in our network who hold a CMP designation. Our goal was to gain greater insight into who these professionals are and learn about their experiences with becoming a CMP. It’s extraordinary to think that over 63% of the members in our network who are CMPs have held the certification for over 10 years. If you refer back to our blog, Earning Your CMP Certificate; Everything You Need to Know, you’ll see an overview of what is required when preparing for and taking the CMP exam. We can certainly appreciate the resolve in committing to its undertaking, so hooray for our members!
In review of the results of the survey, some of the more important considerations for taking the exam were the time, effort and money that are invested in order to pursue the certificate. When we asked our members if they thought it was all worth it once they had finished the process, 86% of our respondents overwhelmingly agreed that it was. The caveat to understanding why 14% who replied that it wasn’t worth it further explained that although the CMP title assisted them along the way early in their careers, it was the actual hands-on experience they gained later that is what ultimately positioned them in their current level of success.
Understandably, the decision to pursue a CMP certification is a personal one. It’s a big commitment. When asked in our survey to rank the importance of why they decided to enhance their event industry education, career advancement led the pack as the most important factor to consider. Coming in a close second was our respondents’ desire to advance their training and knowledge of the industry. There was also a popular sentiment in the write-in category for this question where members described personal and professional credibility and being a leader among their peers as key motivation.
When asked if earning a CMP had significance in advancing their careers, over 66% of our respondents confirmed that it was a key factor in determining their career path. Perhaps it’s worth noting that the confidence one gains in having passed the exam serves as a noteworthy value-add. One can appreciate the idea that it can serve as a catalyst to expect more of oneself and dream bigger and achieve greater.
My favorite question in our survey was a write-in question. We asked, “If you could offer one piece of advice to an industry peer considering pursuing a CMP certification, what would it be?” Here’s a snapshot of some of the responses we received:
- Go for it! It will distinguish you from your industry peers.
- Be prepared and study, study, study. You can’t assume you know everything from experience alone.
- You will feel a great sense of personal growth and personal satisfaction having achieved it; it will be worth it.
- Be sure to utilize a study group in preparation for taking the exam.
- It will help you learn the correct ways to plan and provide your attendees with the best conference possible.
- A CMP will help you become an expert in the meeting and event industry.
- You will open yourself up to a vast network of industry contacts and experts.
- Show me the money! (Many responders mentioned the increase in earning potential as an incentive.)
- The time, effort and cost will pay for itself over time.
Whether you decide if the time is right for you to pursue your CMP or not, your best course of action is to do your research. For more information about preparing for and taking the CMP exam, visit the EIC website. It will serve as one of your best resources. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me. I’d be happy to connect you with a CMP mentor from within our network who can assist you on this journey.
Be sure to check back here for more CMP insight. We’ve got more tips and tricks up our sleeve to share!
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