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.
Applications Now Open
Become a CAE
December 2026 Exam Application Now Open
Renew Your CAE
Renewal Application Now Open
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.
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.
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.
4: Take the exam.
The four-hour examination includes 200 multiple-choice questions.
5: Get recognized.
When you earn your CAE, plan to be celebrated at the next ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition.
6: Keep your CAE current.
CAEs are required to renew their certification every three years.
Questions?
Contact:
Browse CAE Content
Showing 1 – 20 of 25 pages in the CAE Certification section
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CAE Annual Report Stats
An annual look at how many candidates sit for and pass the CAE exam, and how many renew.
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CAE Application Fees
Information on fees for the CAE exam, including member and nonmember rates, and time allowances.
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CAE Candidate Demographics
From our CAE Candidate Surveys.
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CAE Certificant Demographics
From our survey of current CAEs.
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CAE Core Resources
A list of core resources compiled by the CAE Commission in alignment with the CAE Exam Content Outline.
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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.
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CAE Digital Recognition
You’ve worked hard to get your CAE certification—now it’s time to show it off.
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CAE Eligibility Requirements
Details on the requirements to be eligible to apply for the CAE exam.
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CAE Ethics Courses
Beginning with certificants due to renew in 2020, of the 40 credits required, one credit must be focused on ethics.
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CAE Exam Content Outline
The CAE Exam Content Outline is updated every five years.
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CAE Exam Dates and Information
Application deadlines for upcoming CAE exam dates.
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CAE FAQs
Common questions about the CAE.
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CAE Letter Request Form
You earned the CAE. Now get the recognition you deserve.
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CAE Recertification Requirements
CAEs are required to renew their certification every three years.
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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…
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CAE Retired Status
Current CAEs in good standing who retire from association management may apply for the "CAE (Ret.)" designation.
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CAE Rules, Policies, and Reports
The CAE Program has standing rules and policies set by the CAE Commission.
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Certified Association Executives Roster
Meet the current, active roster of professionals who have earned their CAE certification.
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Completing Your Exam Application
The new CAE Exam application is now available on the CAE Portal.
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Getting Your CAE
Earning and maintaining the CAE is a three-part process.
Showing 1 – 20 of 25 pages in the CAE Certification section