The Convention Industry Council (CIC) announced that 427 individuals have passed the July 28, 2007 CMP examination, making them the newest class of Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs).

This prestigious credential, recognized throughout the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry, demonstrates an individual’s comprehensive knowledge of meeting management.

Currently 12,549 meeting professionals in 35 countries and territories across the globe have earned the CMP designation.

Obtaining the CMP designation is a two-part process consisting of an application and a written examination, administered and monitored by an independent testing agency.

Eligibility to take the examination is based on an extensive review of professional qualifications – candidates must have at least three years of employment in the meetings industry, and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.

The comprehensive written examination tests knowledge of all functions of meeting management. Study materials, study groups, practice exams and many other resources are available to assist candidates in attaining the CMP designation.

The CMP designation, established in 1985, is designed to increase the professionalism of meeting managers in all sectors of the industry; recognize and raise industry standards; and increase the value of these practitioners to their employers and individuals to whom their services are provided.

The demand for the CMP designation has soared, with the number of CMPs almost tripling from the first ten years of the program’s existence to the second ten years.

The next North American CMP examination is scheduled for August 9, 2008; the application deadline for this exam is April 9, 2008.

To view the members of the July 2007CMP Class or to learn more about the CMP program, please see visit the CIC website at www.conventionindustry.org.