CMP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many of Joanne’s students pass the CMP Examination on their first try?
Joanne boasts a 92% pass rate.

What differentiates Joanne’s preparation class from other exams?
While other classes may offer test-taking preparation, Joanne’s class is different in that she offers both test taking preparation AND substantive meeting planning study. She goes over the 27 functions of meeting planning as well as test taking tips. Participants share their experiences as part of the learning.

How long has Joanne been teaching the class?
Joanne has taught the class minimally twice yearly since 2000. Joanne passed the exam in 1996 and was re-certified in 2001. She also attended the 2003 CMP Conclave to learn the most up-to-date information about the CMP program.

What are my scheduling options for the class?
Joanne teaches the class twice yearly. Once in the summer to prepare for the Summer (July/August) examination, and once in the winter to prepare for the Winter (January/February) examination. Two options are offered: an intensive weekend option (Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, all day Sunday) or a 3 – Saturday option.

I am not taking the exam for another six months. Should I take the class now?
If you have not filled out an application yet and/or are not scheduled to sit for the exam in the next sitting, there are reasons to consider participating in the class. If you have not filled out your application yet, the class will count as 2.4 contact hours on your application.

Also, Joanne’s policy is that once you have registered and paid for the class, you can retake it as many times as you want with no additional charge. Why could this help you? Some people take the class twice: six months before the exam, and then retake it again right before the exam. There is a lot of material and this gives you double the opportunity to absorb the information.

Believe it or not, there are people that take the class who are not even planning on taking the CMP exam, just to learn the material.

According to people who have attended these classes in the past, one of the best long-term results that comes from being involved in this program is the professional network they build with other people in the sessions. This has led to everything from job opportunities to other resources you can utilize in your profession.

Where is the class held? If I need to stay over, can I get a discounted rate?
The class is usually held in the Central New Jersey area (Somerset, Middlesex, and Morris counties) at a local hotel. A discounted sleeping room rate is usually offered by the host hotel.

Are there any materials/books I need to prepare for the class?
Yes. The prices listed below were current as of Fall 2005.

Study References
All are available through the CIC. Prices do not include shipping and handling.

• The CIC Manual and Glossary, Seventh Edition
  $60.00 plus shipping and handling
   
  
• The Convention Industry Council International Manual
  (This is a new study reference as of the Janaury 2006 exam)
  $79.95 plus shipping and handling
   
• APEX Industry Study Guide
  (This is a new study reference as of the July 2005 exam)
  $35 or it may be downloaded from CIC
  (WARNING—it is hundreds of pages!)
   
• Professional Meeting Management, Fourth Edition
  $69.95 plus shipping and handling