The Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation is the highest and singular credential available exclusively for government meeting professionals. In a world where compliance is everything, the CGMP provides the rigorous, specialized training required to navigate complex federal rules, serving as proof of mastery in compliance, policy, and procurement. Designed for both planners and suppliers operating under strict federal regulations, this designation is far more than a title—it has shifted from a professional advantage to a career necessity.
Recognized across both the hospitality and government sectors, holding a CGMP positions you as an elite industry expert, opens doors to advanced leadership roles, and sets the standard for the entire profession. As government agencies increasingly demand stricter oversight, many federal contracts now explicitly mandate that contract planners hold this specific certification merely to bid on or manage the business. For planners, earning your CGMP ensures advanced execution and safeguard your agency; for suppliers, it delivers an undeniable competitive edge to win and secure major contracts.
Key Benefits of Earning Your CGMP:
Mastery of Federal Rules: Gain deep, specialized expertise in complex federal regulations, ethics, travel policies, and procurement guidelines.
Mandatory Contract Eligibility: Qualify for a growing number of government contracts that explicitly require certified professionals to bid on or manage their events.
Career Advancement and Leadership: Position yourself as an elite industry expert, opening doors to advanced leadership roles and higher-tier career tracks.
Advanced Execution for Planners: Safeguard your agency from compliance risks, budget audits, and procurement violations through solid policy adherence.
Undeniable Edge for Suppliers: Elevate your property or service above the competition by demonstrating a perfect understanding of public sector constraints and buying behaviors.
The Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) course is offered in 3 formats – Live (in person), Virtual Synchronous (via Zoom webinar), and On-Demand.
You may select your preferred format for the course following registration. To earn your CGMP, you must complete ALL required components of your selected format AND the examination.
On Demand Format
The On Demand format is offered continuously throughout the year. Students may sign up at any time via learn.sgmp.org and proceed with course materials at their own pace. Classes are available a-synchronously as recorded video presentations. Handouts, practice exams, and the certification examination are available in the online course. You will have up to 90 days to complete all components of the course and pass the examination; you will have two attempts to pass the examination. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examination within 90 days, you will be required to re-enroll in the course.
Virtual Synchronous Format
The Virtual Synchronous format is offered quarterly. Students will register for the course at learn.sgmp.org and will participate in scheduled, synchronous Zoom webinars with a live instructor. Students must attend all days of instruction to be eligible to take the examination. Handouts, practice exams, and the certification examination will be hosted at learn.sgmp.org and may be taken a-synchronously. You will have up to 90 days to complete all components of the course and pass the examination; you will have two attempts to pass the examination. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examination within 90 days, you will be required to re-enroll in the course.
Live In Person Format
The Live (in person) format is offered 1-2 times each year. Students may sign up for these live offerings via learn.sgmp.org and will participate in scheduled, live (in person) classes. Students must be present for all days of class to be eligible to take the examination. Handouts, practice exams, and the certification examination will be hosted at learn.sgmp.org and may be taken a-synchronously. You will have up to 90 days to complete all components of the course and pass the examination; you will have two attempts to pass the examination. If you are unable to complete the course and pass the examination within 90 days, you will be required to re-enroll in the course.
Upcoming LIVE Classes - Our winter live CGMP class will take place at the Trilogy Hotel Huntsville, Autograph Collection, 707 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL, 35801 on November 30, 2026 - December 2, 2026.
Course Details
You must attend all days of instruction to be eligible to take the examination.
NOTE: Cancellation of your registration within two weeks before the class may result in the forfeit of all or part of the registration fee. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis
In order to take the CGMP Class and exam you must have an active SGMP membership, and at least 12 months full-time experience in the hospitality industry; individuals registering to take the class must have experience in basic meeting and event planning and be familiar with industry terminology. Class participants will need to bring a Wi-Fi enabled laptop to the course.
In order to take the CGMP Class and exam you must have an active SGMP membership, and at least 12 months full-time experience in the hospitality industry. The CGMP Class is an advanced and government specific class; individuals registering to take the class must have experience in basic meeting and event planning.
The CGMP course fee is $649 and includes the course, text, and examination. Learn more about CGMP pricing.
In addition to demonstrating your commitment to enhancing your government expertise and to improving the quality of your meetings, earning your CGMP has numerous benefits for your career and for your employer.
Benefits to Government Meeting Planners
you will earn the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals
you will have a clear and thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that affect government meetings
you will demonstrate to your agency the dedication you have for your craft
you will stand out against your peers without the designation for your knowledge of government meetings
you will bolster your career advancement opportunities within your agency
you will increase the exposure/importance of the government market within the meetings profession
Benefits to Contract Planners
you will earn the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals
you will have a clear and thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that affect government meetings
you will demonstrate to your employer the dedication you have for your craft
you will hold a competitive advantage vs. those without a designation for knowledge of government meetings
you will be better-positioned to build more revenue for your company
you will bolster your career advancement and salary negotiating position within the meetings marketplace
you will increase the exposure/importance of the government market within the meetings profession
Benefits to Suppliers
you will earn the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals
you will have a clear and thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that affect government meetings
you will demonstrate to your employer the dedication you have for your craft
you will hold a competitive advantage vs. those without a designation for knowledge of government meetings
you will be better-positioned to build more revenue for your company
you will bolster your career advancement and salary negotiating position within the meetings market
you will increase the exposure/importance of the government market within the hospitality industry
No matter the format, the CGMP class is administered via SGMP's online learning portal. To access our learning portal, login using your regular SGMP login credentials. You MUST be a member of SGMP to register for the CGMP class, so be sure to join SGMP first!
If you plan to join us at the NEC, you can also register for the CGMP class onsite at the NEC as part of your NEC registration.
Questions about the CGMP certification? Contact us at [email protected].
