CGMP Course Outline

The Certified Government Meeting Professional designation ("CGMP") is designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the rules and regulations of the federal government. Individuals who have earned their CGMP have obtained the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals. While the curriculum is written from Federal rules, regulations, and laws, state and local government employees will benefit from this information.

Register for the CGMP Class

The Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) course was started in 2005, as a joint program between the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) and the Graduate School at USDA. In 2010, SGMP took the CGMP program over from the Graduate School and is now solely responsible for the content, the classes, and the examination.

The CGMP handbook was updated and revised in 2017 and again in 2023 to reflect the changing nature of government meetings. Sections of the handbook are reviewed regularly and updated as required.

The content for this program assumes that you have worked in the meetings management industry for at least one year and have a basic knowledge of industry terminology and acronyms. The course teaches recognized industry practices cited in the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Manual.

Included in the course material are seven sections with specific and thorough instruction in ethics, Federal budget and appropriations, acquisition and contracting, Federal travel regulations, RFPs, risk management and protocol.

  • About SGMP
  • About the CGMP certification
  • Meeting planning basics
  • Funding
  • Traveling
  • Contracts
  • Procurement
  • Ethics
  • ADA
  • RFP
  • Fed Biz Opps
  • Negotiations
  • Budget
  • Sustainable Meetings
  • Venues
  • Site Selection
  • Pre and Post Con Meetings
  • Exhibits
  • Risk Management
  • Registration
  • Reservations
  • Transportation
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Speakers and Press
  • Program Materials
  • Food and Beverage
  • Technology
  • Protocol and VIPs
  • Spouse and Guest Programs


All of the certification material will be presented through the manual and instruction during the course.  Participation in group study sessions has correlated with higher exam scores and is encouraged for all course registrants.

The CGMP Exam is 100 multiple choice questions and a passing score requires at least 85 correct answers.

You will earn 21 contact hours upon successful completion of the CGMP exam. 

The updated edition of the CGMP Training Manual is included in the class registration fee of $649. The manual — a critical resource and a key part of your continuing professional development — includes specific and thorough instruction in government rules and regulations, recognized industry practices, plus an appendix of important documents. 

For more information about the CGMP course, contact us at [email protected].