The CSEP designation is awarded by the International Special Events Society (ISES). Candidates who earn the CSEP designation will be required to be recertified every five (5) years to maintain the designation. Recertification will occur via the point system determined by the ISES Certification Committee.

• Professional Special Event Planning Industry Experience 
• Special Events Industry Membership  
• Special Events Industry Leadership  
• Education  
• Professional Development and Continuing Education  
• Professional Industry Contributions (Including grading at least 3 CSEP essays)  
• Volunteer Activities 
• Industry Awards and Professional Designations 

1. Complete recertification applications must be received by ISES Headquarters on or before November 30th ofthe fifth CSEP exam anniversary date and accompanied by the $200 USD recertification fee.
2. Applications received December 1st - December 31st of the CSEPs expiring year require an additional late fee of $50 (US), total fee $250 (US).
3. CSEPs who fail to recertify by the December 31st deadline lose their CSEP status, are removed from the ISES CSEP directory, and will cease and desist all usage of the CSEP designation.
4. Expired CSEPs must re-apply and pass the written examination again in order to regain legal use of the CSEP Designation.
5. All CSEPs who are approved for recertification will receive written notification and a new certificate.
6. The Certification Committee will consider making exceptions to the policies in place for recertification for CSEPs who have been unable to recertify due to one or more of the acceptable reasons listed below:
   1. Serious illness of self or an immediate family member
   2. Short and/or long-term disability
   3. Job loss
   4. Family leave
   5. Military duty call-up
7. CSEPs reaching retirement age may apply to receive an EMERITUS STATUS.                   Requirements Include:
   1. Be at least 60 years of age
   2. Must have held an active CSEP designation in "good-standing" for a period no less than 10 years 
8. To apply for Emeritus status:
   A CSEP requesting EMERITUS STATUS must submit a brief essay (300-500 words) responding to the following:
   1. Describe how the CSEP Designation has helped you in your professional life
   2. Why you believe it is important to retain the CSEP Designation.

Essays must be submitted to Headquarters by November 1st of the individuals recertification year to the attention of the CSEP Committee.

Payment of $300 USD and age requirement documentation must accompany the essay

Upon approval of EMERITUS STATUS, a CSEP will receive a new CSEP Certificate with no assigned expiration date.

Download the Recertification Application