How is Certification Assessed?

CEM (STD)
CEM (RPK)

For CEM Certification each applicant is individually assessed by a PCOA Certification Assessor to ensure they meet the levels expected of a PCOA Certified Professional.

The CEM program has two entry points:-

Criteria for the Recognition of Prior Knowledge (RPK) entry point

The RPK entry point will apply only to those experienced event managers who satisfy the following criteria:

  • the applicant must have held a position as an event manager or conference manager for a minimum period of 5 years immediately prior to their application. A letter is required from your current employer confirming your position, length of employment in position and employers endorsement of your application and that you meet all the required criteria . Directors/owners of PCO companies must provide company profile and current biography
  • written testimonials are required from 5 clients providing evidence of the successful completion of events covering the 5 years immediately prior to application
  • written testimonials are required from 5 venues/suppliers covering the 5 years immediately prior to application
  • testimonials for in-house PCOs may be provided by either their director or department head and one testimonial may cover multiple years
  • testimonials for PCO Educators may be provided by their department head and may be by way of a declaration of 5 years experience as a Tertiary Lecturer or similar position.

A guideline for referees is available on the PCOA website. Please ensure referees include contact details.

Tertiary qualifications are not essential for this entry point.

Referees have the option of forwarding written testimonials directly to the PCOA.

Applicants must be current members of the PCOA.

Application Fee:
Certified Event Manager – RPK Entry AUD$295.00 (inc GST).
The application fee of AUD$295 (inc GST) must be forwarded with the application.

Criteria for the Standard Entry point

Certification as a CEM can be achieved through accumulating the required number of points in total (minimum points required is 72) in the following 4 criteria:

  • education / qualifications (8-12 points base weighting)
  • industry qualifications (15-30 points base weighting)
  • event experience (24 points base weighting)
  • quality of delivery (24 points base weighting).

1. Education / Qualifications

Courses which are outside of the event management area of specialisation will be allotted points based on the following schedule:

  • certificate – 8 points
  • diploma – 10 points
  • degree – 12 points.

2. Industry Qualifications Compulsory

Qualifications Breakdown

  • Certificate in Event Management – 15 points
  • Diploma in Event Management – 24 points
  • Advanced Diploma in Event Management – 28 points
  • Degree in Event Management – 30 points
  • Masters in Event Management – 30 points

Partial Qualification Breakdown

If the applicant is in the process of completing a formal industry qualification, the applicant can claim 2 points per module completed. Please attach evidence of any completed modules.

3. Event Experience Compulsory

The applicant must have held a position as an event manager or conference manager for a minimum period of 3 years immediately prior to this application. A letter is to be provided from your current employer confirming your position, length of employment in position and employers endorsement of your application and that you meet all the required criteria . Directors/owners of PCO companies must provide company profile and current biography.

Total points applicable to this section:  24

4. Quality of Delivery Compulsory

4.1     Written testimonials are required from 3 clients, providing evidence of the successful completion of events covering the 3 years immediately prior to this application.

4.2     Written testimonials are required from 3 venues/suppliers covering the 3 years immediately prior to this application. [

Testimonials for in-house PCOs may be provided by either their director or department head and one testimonial may cover multiple years.

Testimonials for PCO Educators may be provided by their department head and may be by way of a declaration of 3 years’ experience as a tertiary lecturer or similar position.

A Guideline for Referees is available below. Please ensure referees include contact details.

Total points applicable to this section: 24

Total points claimed for this application: (Minimum points required = 72)

Copies of qualifications and/or copies of certificates of attainment for course modules and the appropriate application fee must be forwarded with this application. Referees have the option of forwarding written testimonials directly to the PCOA.

Applicants must be current members of the PCOA.

Application Fee: Certified Event Manager – Standard Entry AUD$220.00 (inc GST). The application fee of AU$220 (inc GST) must be forwarded with the application.

CEM Certification (RPK and Standard Entry)

Once an application form has been completed, please send along with the required supporting documentation and application fee to the PCOA.

The PCOA Certification Assessor will review the applications and communicate with the necessary referees for verification of the information provided by the applicant.

If successful, the applicant’s details will be added to the CEM section of the website.

If unsuccessful, the applicant will be informed as to why their application was unsuccessful and will have an opportunity to provide additional information (within a 30 day time limit), so their application assessment can be continued.

If declined, an unsuccessful applicant will have the right to appeal to the Dispute Resolution Team (DRT).

Client Referee Form
Supplier Referee Form
CEM (RPK)  – $295
CEM (Standard Entry) – $220
CEM Renewal (every 3 years) – $220
CEC – $525 (includes Auditor fees)
CEC renewal (every 3 years) – $525 (includes Auditor fees)

Payment Details

Option 1:
Payment online by Mastercard or Visa – please note a 2% processing fee will apply.

Option 2:
EFT to the account of:

Bank: National Australia Bank
Account name: PCO Association
BSB:  082-902
Account: 39-680-6827

Please send remittance advice to membership@pco.asn.au clearing stating the applicants name.

RENEWAL OF CEM CERTIFICATION