Certified Association Executive (CAE)

DVSAE is committed to assisting our members attain the CAE designation. Information about the CAE designation can be found below or at the ASAE Website. DVSAE holds an annual CAE Study Group to prepare to successfully take the CAE Exam.

To help you prepare for the examination, DVSAE is sponsoring a series of CAE study group sessions. Study Groups are crucial to a candidate's success in taking the exam. Each session is two hours in length. This schedule includes an introductory session, one week for each domain (10), alternate weeks for reading/studying and a final week for review. Please contact DVSAE headquarters for further information.

What's the CAE program?

A voluntary certification effort founded in 1960, the CAE program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of association management.

Join a distinguished group of peers worldwide who have chosen to attain this high level of excellence. The CAE designation is your key to enhanced professional stature.

The facts:

  • 21.5 percent of all eligible ASAE members hold the CAE designation
  • More than 2,800 association executives are CAEs
  • 56 percent of all CAEs are chief executive officers

The benefits:

If you have made a commitment to make association management your career, you should consider obtaining your CAE. You'll enjoy these important benefits:

  • Expanded knowledge. Gain in-depth insights into every aspect of association management.
  • National professional recognition. Peers, staff, and volunteer leaders all value the CAE designation.
  • Extensive peer-level communication. Increase networking opportunities as a result of participating in study groups and CAE events.

CAE Eligibility Requirements

If the following statements describe you, then you should definitely make attaining the Certified Association Executive designation your goal.

  • You are a chief executive officer and have three years of experience as CEO and a bachelor's degree or higher, or you have five years of experience without a degree.
  • You are working at the staff level in association management and have five years of experience and a bachelor's degree or higher, or you have seven years of experience without a degree.
  • You are currently employed in a trade association, professional society, individual membership organization, philanthropic organization, or association management company.
  • You must pledge to adhere to the ASAE code of conduct and have no felony convictions.
  • You have made the decision to make association management your career, and you are willing to commit yourself to career-long professional development.

Those who are or would be classified as an association executive or staff specialist are eligible for the CAE credential. Those who are or would be classified as a supplier, vendor, or consultant are not eligible for the CAE credential.

For more details on the CAE Exam, please vist the ASAE web site.