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 - The Winter 2026 CGMP Class will be held Wednesday, January 28 through Friday, January 30 at the Sonesta ES Suites at 11002 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, California.

Course Dates
Wed, January 28, 2026 at 9:00am-5:00pm
Thur, January 29, 2026 at 9:00am-5:00pm
Friday, January 30, 2026 at 9:00am-5:00pm
There will be breaks during the day, including time for lunch.

Join us for a post-class reception at 4:30-6:30pm on Friday, January 30. Click here to RSVP.

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.

Register for the Winter 2026 CGMP Class

Book your Room in San Diego

 

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

• 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.