Gain recognition, additional career opportunities, and expand your knowledge base through the NACE professional certification program.
NACE encourages the professional development of caterers and event planners through voluntary participation in its certification program. Achievement of the Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) designation demonstrates expertise in catering and events and is earned by taking a comprehensive examination that covers the core competencies of the industry:
- Accounting
- Beverage Management
- Catering Services
- Contracts and Agreements
- Event Management
- Food Production
- Human Resources
- Sales and Marketing
The goals of the CPCE program are to:
- Establish a nationally recognized standard of competence in catering.
- Promote professional commitment to excellence in catering.
- Endorse active participation in educational offerings that support the continued competency of Certified Professional Catering Executives.
- Aid employers in identifying qualified catering personnel.
- Enhance the professional image of the catering executive.
- Provide a sense of personal achievement for the advancement of one’s career.
Purchase The Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Event Industry
Download the CPCE brochure (pdf format)
View the NEW complete catalog of CPCE study tools (pdf format)
CPCE items are available at the NACE Store
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The process to obtain the CPCE has never been easier or more streamlined.
- Apply online or download the CPCE Application Form (Word format) or CPCE Application Form (pdf format).
- Complete the application and return with documentation and application fees to NACE. Typed applications, documentation and fees are due 30 days prior to your desired exam date.
- Upon your application’s approval, you will receive The Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Event Industry.
- Candidates have one year from their application's acceptance to sit for the exam. View future exam dates below.
*The price of the Reference Guide is included in the application fee, however you may purchase the guide separately for $99. All candidates are required to purchase the study guide. In addition to the Reference Guide, candidates must purchase the ServSafe Coursebook, available at the NACE aStore Bookstore.
Need tips on meeting the point requirement? Read: How to get to 60
FUTURE EXAM DATES
Online - at your convenience! Your boss or other qualified professional may serve as the proctor. The time and location is your choice! More info.
February 17, 2012 – San Jose, CA (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, San Jose Hilton; in conjunction with the NACE Leadership Summit)
February 26, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Caesar's Palace, Siena Room; in conjunction with Catersource)
March 14, 2012 – Milwaukee, WI (10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Frontier Airlines Center; in conjunction with the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo)
July 15, 2012 – New Orleans, LA (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm, New Orleans Marriott; in conjunction with Experience! 2012)
Please submit your application, documentation and payment 30 days prior to the exam date.
If you would like to come to NACE Headquarters to take the paper version of the exam or are interested in having a CPCE proctor the paper exam in your area, please email cpce@nace.net.
RECERTIFICATION
Recertification Application (Word Document) or Recertification Application (pdf format)
To maintain CPCE status, recertification is required every five years. For further information regarding the recertification process, please email cpce@nace.net.
Want to hear more about the recertification process? Watch the previously recorded webinar on this topic.
CPCE STUDY TOOLS
NACE is pleased to offer CPCE candidates the Fast Track, a study review program for the CPCE exam, available at the NACE store. These materials should be used as a supplement to the Professional Reference Guide.
The Fast Track materials include the 4 DVD set, Companion Workbook and Flash Cards. The Companion Workbook includes the Fast Track PowerPoint presentation and a full set of sample test questions. Your CPCE application does not have to be approved before you purchase the Fast Track DVD set. Those who purchase the materials as a bundle receive $50 off of the CPCE application fee. Candidates will receive 7 contact hours towards initial certification (see continuing education section of application).
CPCE Flashcards
This compact study tool includes 140 individual flashcards color coded by core competency and are attached by a removable binder ring. Easy to read and printed on durable cardstock for easy memorization.
IN-PERSON FAST TRACK SEMINARS
The Fast Track is available as a live seminar for an in-person learning experience! Seminars are held from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. You do not need to apply for the exam to attend the Fast Track seminar.
Upcoming Dates:
March 13, 2012: Milwaukee, WI at Frontier Airlines Center (Wisconsin Restaurant Expo). Register today!
July 14, 2012: New Orleans, LA at the Marriott New Orleans (Experience! 2012 host hotel). Register today!*
*The New Orleans Fast Track seminar can be purchased in the Optional Items section of registration. If you are not attending Experience! 2012, but would like to attend the Fast Track, you can select the "ticket only" admission item.
Questions? Contact cpce@nace.net or call 410-290-5410
AWARD CPCE CREDIT FOR YOUR CLASS OR SEMINAR
Do you have an upcoming speaking engagement? Add even more value to your hospitality-related class or seminar by offering CPCE contact hours. To be approved to offer contact hours, please send your class description or agenda, including the date, time and location of the class, to Leslie Jones (ljones@nace.net). Approved classes will be eligible to offer attendees one contact hour per hour of education.
EMERITUS STATUS
If you are a CPCE that is interested in permanently maintaining your designation, NACE offers the opportunity to apply for emeritus status. If you are would like to apply, please review the following requirements:
- Applicant must be turning 60 or older in the calendar year that the certification is up for renewal and must also supply documentation of age (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.)
- Applicant must be an active CPCE in good standing for 10 or more years
- Applicant must submit a 300-500 word essay describing how the CPCE designation has helped enhance their professional life and why they believe it is important to retain it
- Fee: $250 (check and credit card payments accepted)
Fax credit card payments to 410-290-5460 or mail materials to NACE Headquarters:
NACE
Attn: CPCE
9891 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 301
Columbia, MD 21046For more information, email cpce@nace.net.
Industry certification has been proven to enhance sales, boost careers and supply the knowledge necessary to become a bona fide expert and leader. For any questions about the CPCE exam, contact NACE Headquarters at 410-290-5410.
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