CGMP

Certified Government Meeting Professional

The Certified Government Meeting Professional designation ("CGMP") is designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the rules and regulations of the federal government. Individuals who have earned their CGMP have obtained the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals.    

The CGMP is recognized in the hospitality industry; many government contracts now require planners working on the contract have their government certification.

Explore Online, On-Demand, and In-Person Learning Options

NOTE: The CGMP course will re-open for registration in late April 2024. We will announce the launch of the new 3-format course when it is available for registration. If you would like to register as a beta-tester (and receive your certification), please contact us at [email protected] to sign up. 

The Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) course is offered in 3 formats – Live (in person), Virtual Synchronous (via Zoom webinar), and On-Demand. 

You may select your preferred format for the course following registration. To earn your CGMP, you must complete ALL required components of your selected format AND the examination. 

CGMP

On Demand Format

The On Demand format is offered continuously throughout the year. Students may sign up at any time via learn.sgmp.org and proceed with course materials at their own pace. Classes are available a-synchronously as recorded video presentations. Handouts, practice exams, and the certification examination are available in the online course. You will have up to 90 days to complete all components of the course and pass the examination; you will have two attempts to pass the examination. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examination within 90 days, you will be required to re-enroll in the course.

Virtual Synchronous Format

The Virtual Synchronous format is offered quarterly. Students will register for the course at learn.sgmp.org and will participate in scheduled, synchronous Zoom webinars with a live instructor. Students must be present for all three days of class to be eligible to take the examination. Handouts, practice exams, and the certification examination will be hosted at learn.sgmp.org and may be taken a-synchronously. You will have up to 90 days to complete all components of the course and pass the examination; you will have two attempts to pass the examination. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examination within 90 days, you will be required to re-enroll in the course.

Live In Person Format

The Live (in person) format is offered 1-2 times each year. Students may sign up for these live offerings via learn.sgmp.org and will participate in scheduled, live (in person) classes. Students must be present for all days of class to be eligible to take the examination. Handouts, practice exams, and the certification examination will be hosted at learn.sgmp.org and may be taken a-synchronously.  You will have up to 90 days to complete all components of the course and pass the examination; you will have two attempts to pass the examination. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examination within 90 days, you will be required to re-enroll in the course.


 

May 2024 - In Person Class

The May 2024 CGMP class will take place prior to the National Education Conference at the Hilton Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. You do NOT need to sign up for the conference to register for the course, however you may also register for the conference & course simultaneously. If you would like to register for BOTH, please fill out the NEC registration form. 

Course Dates

Saturday, May 4 - 1:00pm-5:00pm
Sunday, May 5 - 9:00am-6:00pm
Monday, May 6 - 9:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday, May 7 - 9:00am-10:00am (review) 10:00am-12:00pm (Exam)

Your registration fee includes the course, examination, and textbook. It does not include travel, lodging, or meals. You will need to bring a laptop for this in-person class. 

Register Online

 

Requirements

In order to take the CGMP Class and exam you must have an active SGMP membership, and at least 12 months full-time experience in the hospitality industry.  The CGMP Class is an advanced and government specific class; individuals registering to take the class must have experience in basic meeting and event planning.

The CGMP course fee is $649 and includes the course, text, and examination. Learn more about CGMP pricing

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to enhancing your government expertise and to improving the quality of your meetings, earning your CGMP has numerous benefits for your career and for your employer.

Benefits to Government Meeting Planners

  • you will earn the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals
  • you will have a clear and thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that affect government meetings
  • you will demonstrate to your agency the dedication you have for your craft
  • you will stand out against your peers without the designation for your knowledge of government meetings
  • you will bolster your career advancement opportunities within your agency
  • you will increase the exposure/importance of the government market within the meetings profession

Benefits to Contract Planners

  • you will earn the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals
  • you will have a clear and thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that affect government meetings
  • you will demonstrate to your employer the dedication you have for your craft
  • you will hold a competitive advantage vs. those without a designation for knowledge of government meetings
  • you will be better-positioned to build more revenue for your company
  • you will bolster your career advancement and salary negotiating position within the meetings marketplace
  • you will increase the exposure/importance of the government market within the meetings profession

Benefits to Suppliers

  • you will earn the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals
  • you will have a clear and thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that affect government meetings
  • you will demonstrate to your employer the dedication you have for your craft
  • you will hold a competitive advantage vs. those without a designation for knowledge of government meetings
  • you will be better-positioned to build more revenue for your company
  • you will bolster your career advancement and salary negotiating position within the meetings market
  • you will increase the exposure/importance of the government market within the hospitality industry


Questions about the CGMP certification? Contact us at [email protected].