CSEP - Certified Special Event Professional
The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the live events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics.
One of our ILEA members, Darren Dreger, CSEP, is spearheading this initiative as ILEA Vancouver's CSEP Champion. If you are interested in learning more about the designation, find Darren at one of our upcoming events.
What is the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation?
The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the live events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics. The CSEP designation is awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and its Certification Committee. ILEA is the only international umbrella organization representing professionals in all disciplines of the live events industry. Education and a commitment to professionalism are cornerstones of ILEA.
Why should I be certified?
The live events industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past several years and is changing at an even faster pace. Today, live events are more challenging and require a level of professionalism equal to none. Become a recipient of the CSEP designation and set yourself apart from the competition.
How do I apply, where can I take the test and how do I qualify (and other important questions) ?
Our CSEP Champion, Darren Dreger, CSEP is a great resource for any questions you may have about the Certification and testing and application process (he’ll even help you setup a study group). Testing happens four times a year in various locations. Get all pertinent information here and connect with Darren at our next ILEA event for more information.
Here's what Vancouver CSEP's are saying about the designation:
“Being relatively new to the event industry I wanted to make a strong presence in the industry that I was going to call my career. After becoming a member of ILEA and attending several international conferences I kept hearing about a designation for event professionals and thought to myself this is will defiantly help you in your career and allow you to stand amongst the best in the world. After studying hard for months I was super nervous about writing the exam…even just waiting for the results was nail biting! When I got the results I realized that I knew a bit more about this crazy cool industry then I gave myself credit for. For me it was a personal challenge that I faced head on and am super proud to stand amongst the numerous CSEP’s!”
- Christopher Jodoin, CSEP, Christopher J Design
“After almost twenty years in the event industry, I was looking for a new challenge to spark my excitement, energy and passion. That’s when I reconnected with friends at ILEA and got re-acquainted with the CSEP designation.
After a few short months of meeting fellow ILEA members and studying the CSEP Content Outline, I was ready to write the exam. After six long weeks I got my letter confirming I passed the exam and now was a CSEP! I was ecstatic and this reignited my interest in the industry and helped to spark my creativity.
I’m now re-energized and the CSEP designation has helped me in numerous ways with clients, colleagues and suppliers and my mom is proud! I wish I did this year’s ago!”
- Darren Dreger, CSEP, BC Event Management
“I have been in the special event business for twenty years. Having my CSEP states that I am an expert in my field and that I can be trusted with your event. My clients know that I understand all aspects of their event and trust that I am looking at the big picture for them, how to make their event the best and most successful. Successfully completing the CSEP test and being in a select group of designates reaffirms my knowledge and expertise in this vast industry.”
- Shelley Johnson, CSEP, NASCO Staffing Solutions
“Attaining my CSEP designation has validated for me that I am an respected event professional and that I have a full understanding of event planning, production, and execution. It has proven that my years of hard work in the industry has actually translated into valuable skills and knowledge are measurable through industry accreditation, and also shows my colleagues and clients that I am not only a tree and plant expert, but I am an event expert! My CSEP designation has also made me younger, more beautiful, and more successful. Well, at least it has brought me more business and made me more successful!”
- Corinne Kessel, CSEP, Greenscape Design and Decor