Certified Association Executive

A voluntary certification effort founded in 1960, the Certified Association Executive program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of association management. The CAE designation is your key to enhanced professional stature. ASAE estimates the percentage of association executives that have obtained the CAE to be approximately five percent. There are currently over 3,900 CAEs.

Who is Eligible for the CAE?

1. You have been employed by a qualifying nonprofit organization (trade association, professional society, individual membership organization, philanthropic organization) or association management company within the last five years.
2. You have three years of experience as a CEO at a qualifying organization and a bachelor's degree or higher OR you have five years of experience working at the staff level at a qualifying organization and a bachelor's degree or higher.
3. You are committed to upholding the ASAE Standards of Conduct and have no felony convictions related to the practice of association management.
4. You have completed 100 hours of broad-based qualifying professional development within the last five years. Candidates must complete 100 hours of broad-based association management related professional development activities within the five years preceding the application.

How Do I Earn the CAE?

Earning and maintaining the CAE is a three-part process. Candidates must first meet eligibility requirements and submit an application. The next step is to sit for and pass the CAE exam.

Once a candidate has earned the credential they must maintain it by fulfilling certification renewal requirements every three years. For more information, exam dates, and fees, visit the ASAE CAE Information Page.