Earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential isn’t just another line on a resume—it’s a badge of honor in the association management world. Offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the CAE is the gold standard, signaling expertise, commitment, and a deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful association. It elevates professional standards, enhances performance, and solidifies credibility in the nonprofit sector.
For me, obtaining my CAE was about more than just adding letters after my name. It was about recognizing the depth of experience I had already gathered and giving it a formal, industry-respected stamp of approval. The journey to certification provided a structured way to assess my strengths, identify areas for growth, and ultimately refine my skills. It broadened my perspective, sharpened my strategic thinking, and gave me the confidence to ask smarter questions in areas beyond my direct experience.
One of the greatest benefits of earning the CAE is the ability to collaborate more effectively with subject matter experts across the field. It has strengthened my decision-making, improved my communication, and given me fresh insights that I apply daily in my work.
For professionals considering the CAE, my advice is simple: take stock of your experience—you might be closer to certification than you think. Start studying early, use ASAE’s resources, and stay engaged by reading about best practices in association management. While a formal prep course can be helpful for networking and structured review, don’t underestimate the knowledge you’ve already gained through experience. Personally, I found that casually reading industry articles over my morning coffee was one of the best ways to absorb key concepts.
Earning the CAE has been an empowering milestone, refining my skills, expanding my network, and providing a clearer path for my career. For anyone looking to deepen their expertise and make a lasting impact in the association world, the CAE is well worth the effort.
Contributor: Phylicia Ross, CAE
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CAE Quick Facts
- The CAE exam is offered twice a year, in May and December
- The four-hour examination includes 200 multiple-choice questions
- ASAE offers a variety of resources to help you build your subject-matter knowledge so you’re ready to take the exam
- CAEs are required to renew their certification every three years.
For more information about the exam visit: https://www.asaecenter.org/programs/cae-certification