The CPCE is now the Certified Professional in Catering and Events designation!

The CPCE designation is the catering and events industry’s most prestigious professional certification. NACE is continuously developing the certification to meet the needs of our dynamic industry.

We are proud to announce that the Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) designation is now the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation!

Read our press release.

Read the FAQs about the name change.

NACE encourages the professional development of catering and events industry professionals through voluntary participation in its certification program. Achievement of the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (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

Download the CPCE exam content outline.

The goals of the CPCE program are to:

• Establish a nationally recognized standard of competence in catering and events
• Promote professional commitment to excellence in catering and events.
• Endorse active participation in educational offerings that support the continued competency of Certified Professionals in Catering and Events.
• Aid employers in identifying qualified catering and events personnel.
• Enhance the professional image of the catering and events industry professionals.
• Provide a sense of personal achievement for the advancement of one’s career

 The process to obtain the CPCE has never been more streamlined.

1. Apply online or download the CPCE Application Form (Word format) or CPCE Application Form (pdf format).
2. 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. Tip! Document your continuing education with our contact hour form.
3. Upon your application’s approval, you will receive The Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Event Industry*. 
4. For the Food Production portion of the exam, we recommend that candidates purchase Food Safety Management Principles. Enter code NACE at check-out to receive a discount!
5. Candidates have one year from their application's approval 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 Reference Guide.  In addition to the Reference Guide, we suggest that candidates purchase the Food Safety Management Principles book to study for the food production portion of the CPCE exam.

Need tips on meeting the point requirement? Read: Steps to Become Certified and How to get to 60

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

View our webinar CPCE Secrets Revealed!

FUTURE EXAM DATES

Online - you pick the date! Your boss, a current CPCE or another qualified professional may serve as the proctor. The date, time and location is your choice! More info.

July 14, 2013 – Chicago, IL (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile; in conjunction with Experience! 2013 Conference and Expo)

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.

Download CPCE Sample Questions (PDF).

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Contact Kristen Reilly (kreilly@nace.net), Manager, Education and Certification, for information about group discounts for the CPCE exam!

CPCE STUDY GROUPS

The Spring 2013 Online CPCE Study Group registration is in session! The Fall 2013 Online CPCE Study Group starts on October 2! Registration coming soon - visit the Events page!

NACE is excited to offer our online study group program. This platform allows caterers and event planners dedicated to becoming CPCEs to connect with trainers and fellow participants for guided CPCE virtual training. This is the most in-depth and convenient option NACE has ever offered for exam preparation.

Questions? Contact cpce@nace.net.

CPCE FAST TRACK PROGRAM

Fast Track Toolkit NACE is pleased to offer CPCE candidates the Fast Track Toolkit, a self-paced 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 a DVD set, Companion Workbook and Flash Cards. The Companion Workbook includes the Fast Track PowerPoint slides and a full set of sample test questions.  You do not need to apply for the exam to purchase these materials. Those who purchase the materials as a bundle receive $50 off of the CPCE application fee. Candidates will also receive 8 contact hours toward the initial application (see continuing education section).

Live Fast Track Seminars

Upcoming Dates:

July 13, 2013 - Chicago, IL (9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile; in conjunction with Experience! 2013 Conference and Expo). Register via the conference web site.

You do not need to apply for the exam to attend the Fast Track seminar.

Questions? Contact cpce@nace.net or call 410-290-5410

CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER (CFSM) PROGRAM

Food Safety Management Principles teaches all the fundamentals of food safety in an easy-to-read workbook style. NACE recommends this book for candidates preparing for the food production section of the CPCE exam.

Preparing for the CPCE exam?
Purchase the book to study for the food production portion of the CPCE exam. Enter code NACE at check-out for a special discount!

Preparing to become a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM)?
Purchase the package that includes the book and an exam voucher. Enter code NACE at check-out for a special discount! The voucher can be used with the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals exam at more than 1,500 Pearson VUE Testing Center locations across the United States. Locations can be found by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/nrfsp.

An official certificate and wallet card will be mailed to people who pass the exam within 5 business days. 

Food Safety Training

Prepare for National Registry of Food Safety Professional's nationally accredited and accepted Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) exam with a live seminar.

This training and exam is great for industry professionals interested in obtaining an official food safety certification!

Future CPCEs and those recertifying: gain 8 contact hours with the CFSM Training!

Upcoming Dates

NACE is offering the training and exam in July 2013 in Chicago, IL. 

Sign up by May 31, 2013 at the Experience! 2013 Conference and Expo Web site*!

CFSM Training: July 13, 2013, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
CFSM Exam: July 14, 2013, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Fee: $160 (Food Safety Management Principles, training and exam included!)

Read more and register

Note to professionals working in Illinois: the state requires a 15 hours training course. This course will not be sufficient to satisfy the classroom time required by Illinois.

Note to professionals working in NYC: each borough has specialized training in food safety management. This course will not be sufficient to satisfy the classroom time required by New York.

First Principles for Food Handlers

Food Safety First Principles for Food Handlers certificate program provides food handlers with the knowledge and skills they need to safely handle foods for human consumption. The First Principles Program is based on the principles and recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code and is recommended for people involved in the preparation, handling, serving and displaying of food. Industry professionals who should consider this program include wait staff, chefs, cooks,  bartenders, hosts and hostesses and supervisory personnel, such as the general manager or managers.

First Principles online training/assessment for food handlers typically takes one to two hours to complete. Successful candidates can print a temporary Certificate of Completion immediately after the assessment. The official Certificate of Completion and wallet card will be mailed within 5 business days.

Click here to complete the program and assessment today for just $12.95! As an accredited certificate program under the state of California guidelines, the First Principles for Food Handlers is accepted nationwide.

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 submit the contact hour approval application to cpce@nace.net  Approved classes will be eligible to offer attendees one contact hour per hour of education.

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.

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)

Send credit card payments via email to cpce@nace.net, fax to 410-290-5460 or mail to NACE Headquarters:

NACE
Attn: CPCE
9891 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 301
Columbia, MD 21046

For more information, email cpce@nace.net.

Why should you become a CPCE? Catering and Events Professionals: enhance your sales, boost your career and elevate your position as an expert and leader. For any questions about the CPCE exam, contact NACE Headquarters at 410-290-5410.

Read the benefits of the CPCE designation for candidates and employers

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Frequently Asked Questions