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 attend all days of instruction 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.

Upcoming Virtual Classes - The next CGMP Virtual Class will be held July 23-25, 2025 via Zoom. Go here to register. Virtual classes will also be held in the fall and winter of 2025.

Upcoming Live Classes - The Spring 2025 CGMP class will take place on May 3-6, 2025 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.

Course Dates
Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 9:00am-5:00pm
Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – Study session 9:00am-10:00am, Exam 10:00am-12:00pm
There will be breaks during the day, including time for lunch.

Course Details

• You must attend all days of instruction to be eligible to take the examination.
• NOTE:  Cancellation of your registration within two weeks before the class may result in the forfeit of all or part of the registration fee.  This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

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; individuals registering to take the class must have experience in basic meeting and event planning and be familiar with industry terminology. Class participants will need to bring a Wi-Fi enabled laptop to the course.

There are two ways to register for the Spring 2025 CGMP Class.

1. If you intend to participate in the National Education Conference from May 6-8, 2025, please add the CGMP registration to your conference registration. Our administrative staff will add you to the course in our learning portal and will send you instructions on how to access your course materials. Register for the conference and CGMP course here: https://sgmp.memberclicks.net/national-education-conference.
2. If you do NOT intend to participate in the National Education Conference, and wish to attend ONLY the CGMP class, you may register for the course at https://learn.sgmp.org/p/CGMPCertification.

 

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

• 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

No matter the format, the CGMP class is administered via SGMP's online learning portal. To access our learning portal, login using your regular SGMP login credentials. You MUST be a member of SGMP to register for the CGMP class, so be sure to join SGMP first!

If you plan to join us at the NEC, you can also register for the CGMP class onsite at the NEC as part of your NEC registration.