CWIP® Eligibility Requirements
Certification represents a professional milestone for experienced wedding professionals in mastering a body of knowledge to supplement practical work experience. Applicants must be involved in a professional capacity impacting wedding planning and production and involvement in the industry. Professional roles include planners, designers, suppliers, producers, service providers, food/beverage providers, educators, and thought leaders.
Qualified applicants should have relevant practical experiences within five years from applying to be eligible. Additional eligibility requirements include practical experience, postsecondary education, and continuing education.
As part of the application process, candidacy, and certification, wedding professionals agree to maintain industry-recognized standards of ethics, integrity, and business practices.
Track 1: Three (3) Years Professional Experience
Professional Experience
Professionals actively involved in the weddings or events industries with three (3) years of work experience (within the past five (5) years).
Provide Documentation
Supporting a minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience working full time in the weddings or events industries within the past five (5) years. Experience may encompass non-consecutive roles.
Supporting Information
A current resume, in addition to other supporting documentation, such as employment verification from employer/supervisor or a business license plus proof of business ownership. W-2 or 1040 forms alone are not considered as adequate evidence.
Track 2: Two (2) Years Professional Experience and Postsecondary Education
Professional Experience
Professionals actively involved in the weddings or events industries with two (2) years of work experience (within the past five (5) years and experience may encompass non-consecutive roles) AND a degree in hospitality or business or related field or a diploma in wedding or event management from an accredited institution.
Provide Documentation
Supporting a minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience working full time in the weddings or events industries within the past five (5) years. Experience may encompass non-consecutive roles. Supporting information: A current resume, in addition to other supporting documentation, such as employment verification from employer/supervisor or a business license plus proof of business ownership. W-2 or 1040 forms alone are not considered adequate evidence.
Supporting Information
Supporting a degree in hospitality or business or relevant field or a diploma in wedding or event management from an accredited institution. Supporting information: a copy of diploma or transcript.
Track 3: Academic Teaching
Professional Experience
Hospitality education professionals actively teaching wedding or event hospitality-related topics, with three (3) years of academic teaching (within the past five (5) years).
Provide Documentation
Supporting a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a full-time or lead instructor for a hospitality program of an accredited educational institution teaching at least two (2) semesters per year in wedding or event, within the past five (5) years.
Supporting Information
A current resume, in addition to other supporting documentation, such as employment verification from employer/supervisor. W-2 or 1040 forms alone are not considered as adequate evidence.
Continuing education equaling twenty-five (25) contact hours of wedding or event-related education that aligns with the domains of the certification, completed in the past five (5) years is required. Types of accepted education include those offered by: company sponsored continuing education or training and in-class or online certificate programs and seminars.
Only the Following Types of Continuing Education Qualify:
| ASSOCIATION CHAPTER MEETINGS | SEMINARS/WEBINARS/CERTIFICATES |
|
Will receive 1 hour (0.1 CEU) per meeting as networking time is not considered continuing education Upload meeting registration or similar documentation |
Upload registration email or similar documentation |
| HOSPITALITY CLIMB® ONLINE CLASSES | ATTENDANCE AT INDUSTRY CONFERENCES |
| 1-hour (0.1 CEU) pre class Learn More |
Upload registration email or similar documentation |
1. Create an Account Online
2. Determine Your Eligibility Track
Track 1: 3 Years Professional Experience
Track 2: 2 Years Professional Experience + Education
Track 3: Academic Teaching
3. Complete Initial Application Online
A. Personal Data
B. Professional Data
C. Eligibility Track
D. Continuing Education – 25 Hours
E. Attestation
F. Application Fee – Pay $300
G. Final Review of Application
4. Prepare for the Exam
Available prep materials:
5. Schedule / Pay Exam Fee
Within one year of application approval, you must take the exam.
Exam fee: $250
6. Take Exam Online
Congratulations!
LEARNING RESOURCES |
The Official CWIP® Certification ManualThe Professional’s Guide to the Wedding Industry CWIP® Online Certification Review CourseAccess to a self-paced, asynchronous online certification review course for the CWIP program with practice questions. Earn 2.5 CEUs (25 hours) towards the CWIP continuing education requirement |
| CERTIFICATION EXAM |
| The certification exam must be taken within one year of initial application. The exam, consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions that reflect industry standards, can be taken online or at scheduled events. Once registered, candidates will receive a link to access the exam within 72 hours. The online exam is proctored online, requires a web camera, and must be completed in one sitting, averaging 120 minutes. The passing score is 70%; retakes are permitted without a waiting period with a fee, but all attempts must be completed within one year. |
| RECERTIFICATION |
| Recertification, with a fee, is required (no further exam is required) five years after earning the certification. |
APPLICATION FEE |
EXAM FEE |
ADDITIONAL PRINTED CERTIFICATE |
| $300 | $250 | $25 |
TIME ALLOWED |
THE HANDBOOK |
|
Initial application: 90 days From application to exam completion: 1 year |
For more details and procedures, please read the official Handbook. |