Gain recognition, additional career opportunities, and expand your knowledge base through the NACE professional certification program.
CPCE Frequently Asked Questions
Q: In the past candidates were required to purchase multiple books to prepare for the exam. Is that still a requirement? Answer
A: Candidates are required to purchase the NACE Professional Reference Guide and the ServSafe® Coursebook. The Reference Guide cost is included as a part of your application fee. The ServSafe® Coursebook must be purchased separately and can be found at the NACE aStore Bookstore.
Q: I am already ServSafe® certified and own the book. Do I still need to purchase the book to sit for the exam? Answer
A: No. Candidates who already own the ServSafe® Coursebook should review the material in chapters 2-14 to prepare for the exam.
Q: Can our chapter purchase an individual copy of the Professional Reference Guide for chapter use? Answer
A: Yes, chapters may purchase a copy of the Professional Reference Guide for $99. Even though a candidate may use the chapter's copy of the Professional Reference Guide to study for the exam, they will still be required to purchase the guide as a part of their application fee.
Q. I can’t make it to any of the upcoming scheduled exams. Can I still submit my application and sit for the exam at another time? Answer
A: Yes, candidates will have up to one year to sit for the exam from the time of your application's approval. You can take the exam online at your convenience! Visit www.naceuniversity.org to apply. Your boss or qualified professional may serve as your proctor. NACE Headquarters can also make arrangements for the paper version of the exam to be proctored in your area.
Q. How many questions are on the exam and how long is the exam? Answer
A: There are 175 questions. Everyone has three hours to complete the paper version of the exam and 2.5 hours to complete the online version. Most people complete the exam in about two hours.
Q. What grade is required to pass the exam? What if I do not pass the exam? Answer
A: A score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass the exam. If you do not pass the exam, you can retake the exam a maximum of one time in a one year period. To retake the exam, complete the Exam Retake Form and submit it to NACE Headquarters, along with the exam retake fee ($145 for members / $195 for non-members). If exam is not retaken within one year of original exam date, you will be required to re-apply.
Q. What serves as appropriate documentation? Answer
A: Guidelines for documentation are included in the application. Documentation is required to receive points in any section.
Q. Who should take the exam? How do I know if I am qualified? Answer
A: Any caterer or event planner that wants to advance their position in the industry should take the exam. In general, a certain level of experience is required to be able to reach the point minimum. It is difficult to give an exact answer about the amount of experience required since everyone has a different background. We recommend that individuals review the application and then contact NACE Headquarters at cpce@nace.net or call 410-290-5410 with questions.
Q. Why should I take the CPCE exam? Answer
A: The CPCE designation is the catering and event industry’s most prestigious professional certification. Earning the CPCE designation communicates professionalism and strengthens your earning power.
Q. When do I need to submit a completed application and documentation in order to register for an upcoming exam? Answer
A: Your completed, typed application, documentation and payment must be submitted online, postmarked, emailed (cpce@nace.net) or faxed (410-290-5460) no later than 30 days prior to the desired exam date. If submitting online, your documentation will need to be emailed to cpce@nace.net.
Q. How long does the certification remain active? Answer
A: The certification remains active for five years. All CPCEs must recertify before the certification expires in order to continue using the designation.
Q. What is involved with recertification? Answer
A: To recertify, CPCEs should complete a recertification application, which is similar to the application for initial certification, and submit it with documentation and payment for the recertification fee ($195 for members/$295 for non-member) before their certification expiration date.
Q. I taught a course/seminar on an industry related topic. Can I receive credit toward my CPCE application? Answer
Candidates may receive points per seminar or course taught related to the catering or event planning industry. Two points are given per course/seminar, except in the case that the candidate spoke on a panel, in which case one point is given. The course must have been taught within the last 10 years for the initial exam application, or the last five years for the recertification application. Documentation must be included (e.g., a letter from the sponsoring organization on official letterhead, an agenda from the event that highlights your course, etc).