--- title: "CAE Certification" id: "3103" type: "page" slug: "cae-certification" published_at: "2026-05-19T21:06:31+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-03T16:36:22+00:00" url: "https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/" markdown_url: "https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification.md" excerpt: "The marker of a committed association professional. Begin - or continue - your CAE journey." taxonomy_category: - "Career Development" --- [Home](https://www.asaecenter.org/) » [Career Development](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/) » CAE Certification# CAE Certification The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is the marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated the wide range of knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment. [Go to The CAE Certification Portal (opens in a new tab)](https://cae.asaecenter.org/) ## Applications Now Open ### Become a CAE **December 2026 Exam Application Now Open** [Apply Now! (opens in a new tab)](https://cae.asaecenter.org/) ### Renew Your CAE **Renewal Application Now Open** [Apply Now! (opens in a new tab)](https://cae.asaecenter.org/) Renew by 10/31/2026 for the Early Bird pricing. Deadline to renew is 12/31/2026. CAE Inactive and Retired applications are also available. ## Follow These Steps on Your CAE Journey ### 1: Determine your eligibility. You may apply for the CAE when you have completed each of the eligibility requirements, including work experience and professional development criteria. [Eligibility Requirements](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-eligibility-requirements/) [Exam FAQs](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-exam-eligibility-faqs/) [Getting Your CAE](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/getting-your-cae/) ### 2: Apply for the exam. The CAE exam is offered twice a year, in May and December. Choose a date that fits well with your schedule and allows you time to prepare. [Exam Dates and Application Deadlines](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-exam-dates-and-information/) [Complete the Application (opens in a new tab)](https://cae.asaecenter.org/) [Completing Your Exam Application](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/completing-your-exam-application/) [Exam FAQs](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-faqs/) ### 3: Prepare for the exam. ASAE offers a variety of resources to help you build your subject-matter knowledge so you’re ready to take the exam. [Exam Content](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-exam-content-outline/) [Independent Study Tools](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/independent-cae-study-tools/) [CAE Core Resources](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-core-resources/) ### 4: Take the exam. The four-hour examination includes 200 multiple-choice questions. [Exam Day](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/what-to-expect-on-cae-exam-day/) ### 5: Get recognized. When you earn your CAE, plan to be celebrated at the next [ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition](https://www.asaecenter.org/events/signature-experiences/annual-meeting/) . [Share Your Accomplishment](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-letter-request-form/) [CAE Merchandise (opens in a new tab)](https://www.jimcolemanstore.com/cae/) [Digital Recognition](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-digital-recognition/) [CAE Roster](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/certified-association-executives/) ### 6: Keep your CAE current. CAEs are required to renew their certification every three years. [CAE Renewal](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-recertification-requirements/) [CAE Renewal FAQs](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-faqs/) ## Questions? Contact: - **Elizabeth Twitchell**, CAE Director, Credentialing [Phone](#) [Email](#) - **Collette Spell**, AAiP Manager, Credentialing [Phone](#) [Email](#) ## Browse CAE Content Showing 1 – 20 of 25 pages in the **CAE Certification** section Title [▲](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/?asae_hub_sort=asc#asae-hub-browse-3103) [▼](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/?asae_hub_sort=desc#asae-hub-browse-3103) - ### [CAE Annual Report Stats](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-annual-report-stats/) An annual look at how many candidates sit for and pass the CAE exam, and how many renew. - ### [CAE Application Fees](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-application-fees/) Information on fees for the CAE exam, including member and nonmember rates, and time allowances. - ### [CAE Candidate Demographics](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-candidate-demographics/) From our CAE Candidate Surveys. - ### [CAE Certificant Demographics](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-certificant-demographics/) From our survey of current CAEs. - ### [CAE Core Resources](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-core-resources/) A list of core resources compiled by the CAE Commission in alignment with the CAE Exam Content Outline. - ### [CAE Credit Eligibility Criteria for Registered Providers](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-credit-eligibility-criteria-for-registered-providers/) If your organization offers professional development activities and you would like to promote them for CAE credit, you must become a CAE Registered Provider. - ### [CAE Digital Recognition](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-digital-recognition/) You’ve worked hard to get your CAE certification—now it’s time to show it off. - ### [CAE Eligibility Requirements](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-eligibility-requirements/) Details on the requirements to be eligible to apply for the CAE exam. - ### [CAE Ethics Courses](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-ethics-courses/) Beginning with certificants due to renew in 2020, of the 40 credits required, one credit must be focused on ethics. - ### [CAE Exam Content Outline](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-exam-content-outline/) The CAE Exam Content Outline is updated every five years. - ### [CAE Exam Dates and Information](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-exam-dates-and-information/) Application deadlines for upcoming CAE exam dates. - ### [CAE FAQs](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-faqs/) Common questions about the CAE. - ### [CAE Letter Request Form](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-letter-request-form/) You earned the CAE. Now get the recognition you deserve. - ### [CAE Recertification Requirements](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-recertification-requirements/) CAEs are required to renew their certification every three years. - ### [CAE Registered Provider Program](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-registered-provider-program/) A CAE Registered Provider is an organization that has formally registered with the CAE Program and is committed to providing education that meets the… - ### [CAE Retired Status](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-retired-status/) Current CAEs in good standing who retire from association management may apply for the "CAE (Ret.)" designation. - ### [CAE Rules, Policies, and Reports](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-rules-policies-and-reports/) The CAE Program has standing rules and policies set by the CAE Commission. - ### [Certified Association Executives Roster](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/certified-association-executives-roster/) Meet the current, active roster of professionals who have earned their CAE certification. - ### [Completing Your Exam Application](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/completing-your-exam-application/) The new CAE Exam application is now available on the CAE Portal. - ### [Getting Your CAE](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/getting-your-cae/) Earning and maintaining the CAE is a three-part process. Showing 1 – 20 of 25 pages in the **CAE Certification** section