Certified Venue Professional (CVP)
The intersection of experience & ambition
Proven leadership
The Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation is a distinguished credential that recognizes an individual who has demonstrated operational competence and a deep commitment to the advancement of the venue management industry. Positioned at the intersection of experience and ambition, CVPs are proven leaders in middle to senior-level management roles across a diverse range of venues.
Increased Marketability
CVPs are recognized professional in middle to senior level management positions of public assembly venues.
Growth
Attaining your CVP will require you to obtain and maintain competency in all areas of venue management.
Confidence
A CVP title assures clients in our very competitive industry that they can be confident you and your team are well prepared to consistently deliver exceptional events.
How do I become a CVP?
Our online checklist is a great starting place for young professionals to assess the progress toward the 100 points needed from accumulative industry professional development, service and experience. Preparation for the CVP typically requires 3 – 5 years’ industry experience and involvement in the association.
CVP Info Packet
You may also review the CVP Information packet to determine professional development and activities that will count toward your 100 points. Once you have determined that you have the necessary points to apply for the CVP, there are two steps to complete.
2 Steps to CVP Certification
Apply
Prerequisite for applying: The applicant must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the mid-level to senior level of management at a public assembly venue or an industry-related supplier of products or services.
- Submit the following items through your IAVM Dashboard (click CVP/CVE on the left panel)
- Completed application
- Letter of Confirmation form filled out by the executive(s) you report to
- Application fee of US$125 (US$250 for non-member of IAVM). This fee is non-refundable.
- Agree to the IAVM Code of Ethics
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Written Exam
Once the application has been reviewed and approved, candidates are invited to sit for the examination.
- Examination fee of US$400 (US$550 for non-members of IAVM) is due at least 14 days prior to the exam date.
- The multiple-choice examination is comprised of 150 questions that cover basic knowledge of the operations of public assembly venues (e.g., arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts venues, etc.).
- Examinations may be administered/proctored by the candidate’s venue’s HR department, by any current CVE, by a testing facility, or at VenueConnect, subject to IAVM staff availability.
- Candidates need to submit their preferred examination date to the Certification Manager at least 30 days prior to the exam.
- Once examinations have been administered, the candidate will be notified by IAVM of the final score within 10 days. All new CVPs will be recognized annually during IAVM’s VenueConnect.
- Candidates who fail the examination are allowed to retake the examination within 12-months of receipt of their scores by submitting a written request to IAVM Headquarters forty-five (45) days prior.
- Candidates who fail the examination two (2) times will be required to submit a new application, fees, and meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of the application.
CVP Candidates are allowed two (2) years from application submission date to complete the CVP process. If candidate is unable to complete within two (2) years, the candidate must submit a new application, fees, and meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application.
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FAQs
Do I have to be an IAVM member to apply for the CVP?
While membership is not required to apply, we do encourage anyone considering obtaining the certification to also consider becoming an IAVM member.
How do I submit my letter of confirmation?
The letter of confirmation is available here. The letter should be completed by executive(s) to whom you report, attesting to the applicant’s position in mid-level to senior level management within a public assembly venue’s management structure or an industry-related supplier of products or services. Please attach the letter of confirmation to your application and submit together, or request that your executive(s) submit directly to certification@iavm.org. Your application is not complete until the letter of confirmation is received.
What fees will I have to pay?
The application fee is US$125 (members) or US$250 (non-members). The fee for the exam is US$400 (members) or US$550 (non-members).
When are my fees due?
The application fee is due upon the submission of your application. The exam fee must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the selected testing date.
What study materials are available?
Candidates for the written exam can purchase the following study materials on their IAVM Dashboard:
- Our digital file: CVP Exam Study Materials, including the IAVM Glossary of Terms, sample study questions, & additional supplemental materials (US$100.00).
- The textbook: Public Assembly Venue Management: Sports, Entertainment, Meeting, and Convention Venues, 2025, by Kimberly Mahoney, PhD, Lee Esckilsen, CVE, Sporty Jeralds, CVE, Steve Camp, CVE. (Available from IAVM to IAVM members for US$130)
Where can I take the exam?
You have a few options for taking your exam. The exam is online and exactly the same no matter how/where you take it. The exam must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to your selected testing date.
- You may use someone from your venue’s HR department as exam proctor.
- You may use a local CVE as exam proctor.
- You may request to take the exam at IAVM VenueConnect
- You may use a local testing facility (these facilities will usually charge a fee)
What can I expect on the CVP exam?
The exam is online and contains 150 multiple choice questions that test your knowledge and competency in the area of public assembly venue management. You will be allowed a maximum of 3 hours to complete the exam.
In the event that I do not pass the CVP test, when can I test again?
Candidates who fail the examination are allowed to retaking the exam within 12-months of receipt of their exam scores by submitting a written request to IAVM Headquarters forty-five (45) days prior.
How long do I have to complete the process?
CVP candidates are allowed two (2) years from application submission date to complete the CVP process. If a candidate is unable to complete within two (2) years, the candidate must submit a new application, fees, and meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application.
I have already applied. Can I pause in the process?
Yes. You have up to two years from the submission of your application to complete the process without incurring more fees or restarting the process.
If I obtain the certification, will you provide a press release template?
Yes, we are happy to provide you with a press release template that announces your accomplishment that you can share with your local media.
When will I have to renew my certification?
The CVP designation must be renewed every 3 years.
How do I renew my certification?
IAVM will provide a renewal application that will take into account any continuing education and professional development as well as community & industry involvement over the past three years. For more information please go to Renewal.
For more information, please contact the IAVM Certification Manager at (972) 538-1007 or email certification@iavm.org.
