Q: Are the payments refundable?
A: No. But you have 2 years to APPLY after you ENROLL; and an additional year to sit for the EXAM.
Q: What are the different CSEP courses?
A: ACM-LERM! (Administration, Coordination, Marketing and Legal, Ethical Risk Management) and Demonstrating the different areas of the Blueprint for the Essay portion of the exam among others. These courses are only offered at industry events such as ISES Eventworld and The Special Event Show.
Q: Are the topics/points for the “Portfolio” the same as the “Blueprint” for the essay portion?
A: No. Refer to your self study guide for specific topics that must be addressed.
Q: What is the difference between Certification and Certificate?
A: As the premier organization for Event Professionals, ISES certifies special event professionals through the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation. Unlike many certificate programs being offered by colleges and private educational opportunities, the CSEP program is practice-based. It is not intended to teach individuals how to effectively become event professionals. Rather, it is designed to measure an individual’s “knowledge-in-use” – the application of knowledge and skills by those with real-life experience in this role.
Q: How much experience do I need to be eligible for the CSEP Exam?
A: While there isn’t a minimum number of years required, most candidates have at least 3-5 years of experience. To find out if you might be eligible, do a quick self assessment using our point sheet. ISES Headquarters recommends enrolling in the pipeline once you have about 20-30 points.