Orange County Convention Center
CEM Learning Programme
CEM

CEM Candidate Extension Request Policy

If certification is not expected to be earned within three years of the candidate’s start date, an extension may be requested of the CEM Commission to complete the requirements. To be eligible for an extension, the following criteria must be met:

  1. Candidate must have three or less courses left to complete;
  2. Request for extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date;
  3. Candidate will lose credit for each successfully passed exam at its three-year anniversary date and must re-test on exams passed more than three years from that date;
  4. Request must contain a detailed plan of action;

All requirements – exam re-tests and remaining courses must be completed within the grace period (to be determined by the CEM Commission, usually four to six-month grace period).

CEM Candidate Maternity / Paternity Extension Request Policy

If certification is not expected to be earned within three years of the candidate’s start date due to the candidate or spouse/partner being on maternity leave, an extension may be requested of the CEM Commission to complete the requirements. To be eligible for an extension, the following criteria must be met:

  1. Candidate must have three or less courses left to complete;
  2. Request for extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date;
  3. Candidate will lose credit for each successfully passed exam at its three-year anniversary date and must re-test on exams passed more than three years from that date;
  4. Request must contain a detailed plan of action;

All requirements – exam re-tests and remaining courses must be completed within the grace period (to be determined by the CEM Commission, usually four to six-month grace period).

CEM Candidate Extension Request Policy – Disability

If certification is not expected to be earned within three years of the candidate’s start date due to a disability, an extension may be requested of the CEM Commission to complete the requirements. To be eligible for an extension the following criteria must be met:

  1. Candidate must have three or less courses left to complete;
  2. Request for extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date;
  3. Candidate will lose credit for each successfully passed exam at its three-year anniversary date and must re-test on exams passed more than three years from that date;
  4. Request must contain a detailed plan of action;

All requirements – exam re-tests and remaining courses must be completed within the grace period (to be determined by the CEM Commission, usually four to six-month grace period).

CEM Candidate Extension Request Policy – Extended Leave

If certification is not expected to be earned within three years of the candidate’s start date, due to the candidate taking extended leave to care for an immediate family member, an extension may be requested of the CEM Commission to complete the requirements. To be eligible for an extension the following criteria must be met:

  1. Candidate must have three or less courses left to complete;
  2. Request for extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date;
  3. Candidate will lose credit for each successfully passed exam at its three-year anniversary date and must re-test on exams passed more than three years from that date;
  4. Request must contain a detailed plan of action;

All requirements – exam re-tests and remaining courses must be completed within the grace period (to be determined by the CEM Commission, usually four to six-month grace period).

CEM Recertification Lapse Policy

CEMs who do not recertify by their renewal date, i.e. submit recertification application showing 15 credit hours plus pay the $200 renewal fee, will be required to pay an additional late fee (lapse fee) of $150 and may be required to take an additional number of CEM Learning Program courses to regain active status.

Amount of Time Certification has Lapsed # Courses/Hours Needed to Recertify Time to Complete Courses/Credit Hours Fee
Less than one year Remains at 15 credit hours By 31 December year following original renewal date $350.00 due upon submission of application

(Late fee: $150.00 plus Renewal fee: $200.00)
One year Two CEM courses* One year
Two years Three CEM courses* Two years
Three years Four CEM courses* Two years
Four years Five CEM courses* Three years
Five years Five CEM courses* Three years

*in addition to required 15 credit hours

After five years, the CEM will be required to start the program over.

Emeritus Status Policy

To apply for Emeritus status, the following requirements must be met:

  • CEM must turn 61 years of age or older the year CEM is due to recertify
  • Be an active CEM in good standing
  • Must hold the CEM designation for at least six years

To apply:

  • Submit a short essay on how CEM designation has helped in professional life and why it is important to maintain the CEM designation.
    Essays must be received by 1 November of the year the CEM is due to recertify.
  • Submit proof of age documentation.
  • Submit emeritus fee of $250.

Click here for application.