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.
Professional Experience Requirements
Track 1: Three (3) Years Professional Experience
Track 2: Two (2) Years Professional Experience and Postsecondary Education
Track 3: Academic Teaching
Continuing Education Requirements
Required for all Tracks:
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
Will receive 1 hour (0.1 CEU) per meeting as networking time is not considered continuing education
Upload meeting registration or similar documentation
Seminars / Webinar / Certificates
Upload registration email or similar documentation
Attendance at Industry Conferences
Upload registration email or similar documentation
Steps to Get Certified
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!
Details
Learning Resources
The Official CWIP® Certification Manual
The Professional’s Guide to the Wedding Industry
CWIP® Online Certification Review Course
Access 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 exams required) five years after earning the certification.
Application Fee
$300
Exam Fee
$250
Additional Printed Certificate
$25
Time Allowed
Initial application: 90 days
From application to exam completion: 1 year
The Handbook
For more details and procedures, please read the official Handbook.
Apply Now
Seize the strategic advantage that certification provides, propelling you to thrive in a competitive market. This is your opportunity to elevate your professional status, refine your skills, and lead with distinction. Click the button button below to start your journey.