---
title: "CAE Core Resources"
id: "3566"
type: "page"
slug: "cae-core-resources"
published_at: "2026-05-26T16:15:35+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-11-03T16:36:23+00:00"
url: "https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-core-resources/"
markdown_url: "https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/cae-core-resources.md"
excerpt: "A list of core resources compiled by the CAE Commission in alignment with the CAE Exam Content Outline."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Career Development"
---

[Home](https://www.asaecenter.org/)
 » [Career Development](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/)
 » [CAE Certification](https://www.asaecenter.org/career-development/cae-certification/)
 » CAE Core Resources# CAE Core Resources

This list of core resources has been compiled by the CAE Commission to reflect a sample of literature that is aligned with the [CAE Exam Content Outline](https://www.asaecenter.org/professional-development/cae-certification/cae-exam-content-outline/)
 and would be useful in preparing to be a chief staff executive or preparing to earn the CAE. The list is reviewed and recent references may be added periodically.

[Go to The CAE Certification Portal (opens in a new tab)](https://cae.asaecenter.org/)

## Core Resource List

While these resources are not required reading and should not be interpreted as constituting the sole source of all CAE exam questions, candidates may find them useful when preparing for the exam. Each candidate should develop his or her own personal reading list and study plan based on individual needs and knowledge.

### Professional Practices in Association Management

4th Edition

[Print (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/professional-practices-in-association-management-4th-ed/)
 / [Digital (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/professional-practices-in-assn-mngmt-4th-ed-bookshelf/)

### Association Law Handbook

7th Edition

[Print (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/association-law-handbook-7th-edition/)
 / [Digital (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/association-law-handbook-7th-ed-ebook/)

### Membership Essentials

#### Recruitment, Retention, Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources

2nd Edition

[Print (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/membership-essentials-recruitment-retention-roles-responsibilities-and-resources-2nd-edition/)
 / [Digital (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/membership-essentials-2nd-ed-bookshelf/)

### ASAE ForesightWorks User’s Guide

[Digital (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/asae-foresightworks-users-guide-ebook/)

### How to Read Nonprofit Financial Statements

3rd Edition

[Digital (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/how-to-read-nonprofit-financial-statements-third-ed-ebook/)

### The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management

4th Edition

[Digital (opens in a new tab)](https://my.asaecenter.org/product/the-jossey-bass-handbook-of-nonprofit-leadership-and-management-4th-ed-ebook/)

In addition to the core resources, CAE exam items can be referenced to any ASAE-curated knowledge—defined as information published or disseminated by ASAE, such as books sold in the bookstore or articles published in *[Associations Now (opens in a new tab)](https://www.associationsnow.com)* or newsletters.

## Questions?

Contact:

- **Elizabeth Twitchell**, CAE Director, Credentialing [Phone](#) [Email](#)
- **Collette Spell**, AAiP Manager, Credentialing [Phone](#) [Email](#)