Receiving this designation is recognition that specific professional benchmarks have been achieved. It is the only multi-discipline designation of its kind and is one of the highest achievements in the field of community engagement.

The benchmarks referred to are not easy to attain. Yet, if you have been active in this or related professions for five or more years, you may have already qualified.

1. Earned a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university?
2. Served for five or more years in a paid and/or elected position where community engagement was one of the job responsibilities?
3. Had enough experiences in the community engagement area to total 100 points based upon the chart below?
4. Can you provide the names of three references who can attest to your work in community engagement?

1. What are the benefits of the CEP certification?
   There are many: Peer recognition of a job well done. Personal satisfaction in knowing that you have attained the highest professional achievement in the Community Engagement Profession. Opportunities for career advancement.



2. Why do I need 5 years experience?
   Experience shows that it takes at least a year to understand a position and the cycle of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual activities. Several more years are required in order to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become an expert in any field. Recognition of this and examination of what is required by other professional credentialing programs pointed to 5 years.



3. How long does the application process take?
   One to two hours, depending on how detailed your records are.



4. I have moved in and out of community engagement work creating a gap in my experience history. Will this count against me?
   Absolutely not. The experience portion of the points is a measurement of your total Community Engagement work.



5. Why is such a diverse set of work and education experiences allowed?
   Community engagement transcends the public and private sectors. It can include individuals with various responsibilities outside of direct Community Engagement including those who study and teach the skills the profession requires and those who are elected to determine policies that promote movement. ISCEP has as one of its goals the bringing together of this diverse group in order to enhance the field of Community Engagement and to help grow the profession.



6. Where can I get my application?
   You may download it from this Web site.
   Click here for the CEP application.
   


7. How were the points determined and how many do I need?
   100 points are required for the CEP designation. 50 points are required for re-certification. Points were designed to represent the multi-discipline nature of Community Engagement which is served by diversely experienced and educated individuals working in varied fields. For a complete listing of points click here.



8. I do not have points in every section. Am I still eligible for certification?
   Yes. People involved in Community Engagement sometimes spend their entire career in one very focused area. Other individuals may have experience and training in broader areas still related to Community Engagement. The CEP program recognizes this diversity.



9. What are some examples of community development programs?
   Since community engagement is a multi-discipline field, programs that can be included are many. They include working on a school bond campaign, organizing a capital campaign for a non-profit, producing an event such as a community festival and many more. Just as individuals involved in community engagment must be open minded and creative in reaching stakeholders, you should be open minded and creative when thinking of programs in which you've been involved.



10. What are the fees for certification?
    The fee for ISCEP members is $395.00. This includes a $45.00 non-refundable processing fee. The non-member fee is $695.00. Fees must be paid in advance. If it is determined that an applicant is not currently eligible for certification, the fee, minus the processing charges will be refunded.



11. Is there a re-certification process?
    Yes. Individuals who earn the CEP designation must be re-certified every three years. This is done, in part, to insure that Community Engagement Professionals stay current with developments in the field.



12. If I have other questions, whom should I contact?
    E-mail your questions to info@iscep.org

This application is your first step toward obtaining the Community Engagement Professional (CEP) credential.

Click here for the CEP application.