How to Go for It

OK, I'm interested. How do I go for my CAE?
What do I do first?
Immediately contact the American Society of Association Executives and request an instruction booklet and application form or you can go to the ASAE Web site (www.asaenet.org/cae) or phone ASAE at (202) 626-2723.

When can I go for my CAE 
You should be eligible to sit for the exam if :

• You are currently employed (effective June 1st, 2003 - or recent employment within the last seven years) in a trade association, professional society, individual membership organization, philanthropic organization, or association management company.
• You are a chief executive officer and have three years of experience as CEO and a bachelor's degree or higher, or you have five years of experience without a degree.
• You are working at the staff level in association management and have five years of experience and a bachelor's degree or higher, or you have seven years of experience without a degree.
• You must pledge to adhere to the ASAE code of conduct and have no felony convictions.
• You have made the decision to make association management your career, and you are willing to commit yourself to career-long professional development.

Those who are or would be classified as an association professional or staff specialist are eligible for the CAE credential. Those who are or would be classified as a supplier, vendor, or consultant are not eligible for the CAE credential.

What is the general time frame for the CAE process?

• Get brochure and application any time.
• Attend an orientation session conducted by the Association Forum's CAE Working Group.
• Complete the application form.*
• File the application form with ASAE by the first Tuesday in February for the May exam and the first Tuesday in September for the December exam.
• The Forum Foundation offers a scholarship to cover the cost of the application fee, the Forum's Study Group, and the CAE books.
• Register for an Association Forum Study Group (most local CAEs go through the Forum's study group process)  For information about the study groups, contact Julie O'Rourke orourke @associationforum.org
• Order your books from ASAE at www.asaenet.org/bookstore.
• Read your books, attend study groups and prepare for the exam.
• Take the CAE exam!
• Celebrate your accomplishment! Pass or fail, you are richer.

* It takes time to collect all of the information needed to complete the application. Start early!