Event Planner Certification or Certificate? What’s the difference??

Many novice event planners who desire to advance their careers can easily confuse an event planning certification program with an event planning certificate program.  Event certificate programs are offered by educational institutions (typically colleges and universities).  These certificate programs are primarily intended for educational purposes and do not hold the same level of distinction (or universal recognition) as an official certification.
 
On the other hand, event certification programs are offered by major accredited industry trade organizations including Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and International Special Events Society (ISES).  MPI’s  Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) designation and ISES’ Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) title can enhance your legitimacy in the event business.  Therefore, it is wise for newcomers in the event business to pursue these titles before considering any nuanced or specialized certificate programs in event planning.