Becoming a CAE Registered Provider reflects your organization’s commitment to providing education that helps individuals earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential. Your organization will be included in a list of CAE Registered Providers on the ASAE website and will receive a link to your CAE-applicable course page. CAEs and CAE candidates will be encouraged to look for CAE Registered Providers when selecting courses. Only CAE Registered Providers can publicize that their programs are approved for CAE credit.

How do I Apply for CAE Registered Provider Status?

Complete the online application to become or renew your organization’s CAE Registered Provider status. The system will guide you step-by-step through the process, from entering your organization’s contact information to paying the applicable fees.

Access instructions for the online application process here:

• CAE Registered Provider Application (PDF)

(This application is intended for providers who have not been previously approved as a CAE provider.)

• Renew CAE Registered Provider status (PDF)

(This application is intended for providers whose CAE provider status has expired.)

What are the application fees?

There is an annual application fee of $295 for local and regional Societies of Association Executives (SAE) members and $695 for non-SAE members.

What are the next steps after the application is submitted?

Upon submission, your organization will receive an email confirmation within 30 days, indicating whether your application has been approved.

If approved, what will be the start date of our CAE Registered Provider status?

Once your organization’s application is reviewed and approved, your CAE Registered Provider status will become effective from the application date submission and will remain valid for one year.

How does my organization submit a course or conference for review to be eligible for CAE credit?

Only current, approved CAE Registered Providers may submit courses or conferences for CAE credit review.

To be eligible for CAE credit, courses must be directly related to association or nonprofit management topics as defined by the CAE Exam Content Outline. 

Learn more about course eligibility here.

Course submission should include the following:

• Category: Live (In person or Virtual) or Asynchronous (Self-paced)
• Activity: Conference or Webinar, workshop, seminar, or class
• Title of Program
• Program Start and End Date
• CAE Credits: Total number requested, Eligibility for CAE ethics credit
• Applicable CAE Domains: Identify one or more domains relevant to the program
• Learning Objectives
• Official Course Description
• Detailed Time Agenda (Optional)
• Course Lookup Code (Optional): Helps applicants locate the course
• Publicly Accessible Registration Link (Optional)

Programs must be submitted for approval in advance. The CAE Program recommends submitting programs at least 30 days before the program date to allow sufficient time for the approval process.

Access the instructions for submitting courses for review here:

• Submit Professional Development for Review (PDF) 

What are the course submission fees?

Below is the list of the associated fee(s) for live (non-conference) and asynchronous programs that are offered for CAE credit by non-SAE members. 

Number of CAE-eligible Courses	Fee
1 to 5 CAE-eligible courses	$195
6 to 10 CAE-eligible courses	$395
11 to 20 CAE-eligible courses	$595
21 to 50 CAE-eligible courses	$995
50+ CAE-eligible courses	$1,995

Below is the list of the associated fee(s) for conferences that are offered for CAE credit by non-SAE members.

Number of CAE-eligible Conferences	Fee
1 to 5 CAE-eligible conferences	$595
6+ CAE-eligible conferences	$995

 

What is considered a course and what is considered a conference?

The professional development that your organization offers can come in the form of synchronous/live learning, asynchronous (self-paced) learning, or a combination of both.

A course generally covers one specific topic/concept. A course may be led by one or more instructors. Types of courses include but are not limited to, a webinar, seminar, workshop, class, instructor-led training, etc.

A conference is a large multi-day formal meeting of people or members who come together to debate issues, learn from other’s experiences, and network with others who share their passions. A conference will feature a series of speakers, often with a keynote speaker, who give presentations on a variety of subjects related to the conference’s focus.

How are CAE credits calculated?

Live courses, workshops, seminars, or classes (including face-to-face, audio/videoconference, and online) earn CAE credit for actual clock time of qualifying education, including partial credits, up to a maximum of 8 CAE credits per day. (For example, 45 minutes of qualifying education equals .75 CAE credits. 50 minutes of qualifying education equals .83 CAE credits)

Asynchronous courses earn CAE credit for contact hours of participation in organized continuing education classes and/or training conducted by a qualified instructor. A contact hour is equivalent to one 60-minute interaction between an instructor and the participant. Partial credit may be given for partial contact hours.

Conferences earn CAE credit for the actual clock time of qualifying education. Breaks between education sessions, lunches, and expo hours do not qualify for CAE credit. Your organization will need to list each education session separately that will earn CAE credits on the CAE Registered Provider Course reporting form.

Is it necessary for my organization to have all programs finalized when submitting courses for CAE credit?

No, it is not required to have all programs finalized at the time of your application. You should submit only those courses or conferences that currently meet the course submission criteria. As additional events qualify, you may submit them for review. If the number of approved courses subsequently reaches the next pricing tier, an invoice reflecting the price difference will be emailed to the point of contact within your organization.

What information on programs and attendance do we need to maintain?

The Registered Provider should keep a list of attendees, the presenters, the program date, the description, and the number of CAE credits. This information should be kept for five years, as exam applicants may include education taken within a five-year period. Providers should be able to provide participants with a certificate of attendance or a letter confirming participation. 

Does my organization have to submit each professional development course that we offer?

No, your organization will only submit courses that are being offered and/or promoted for CAE credit. Once approved, your organization will receive a Registered Provider digital seal that you will use to notate each course that has been approved for CAE credit.

Who will review the professional development that is submitted for CAE credit?

The CAE Registered Provider Committee, which is comprised of volunteers, will review the professional development that is submitted for review.

Are Registered Providers monitored by the CAE Registered Provider Committee?

The CAE Registered Provider Committee has a responsibility to maintain the integrity and quality of programs offered by registered providers. Therefore, the CAE Registered Provider Committee reserves the right to:

• monitor registered courses and operations as part of periodic random samplings of registered providers.
• terminate the use of the CAE Registered Provider designation when there is ample evidence that a provider is not upholding CAE education criteria and commitments to follow CAE Registered Provider guidelines.

CAE Registered Provider recognition is withdrawn for failure to comply with the criteria and conditions of qualification. Registered providers are notified in writing of any failure to comply and have a probationary period of 60 days to demonstrate compliance. If registered providers fail to comply with conditions for acceptance by the end of that period, registration is withdrawn, and providers are removed from the CAE Registered Provider program. Organizations that have had Registered Provider status withdrawn may apply for reinstatement beginning one year after the date of withdrawal.

Can participants still earn CAE credit for my course(s) even if I am not a Registered provider?

Yes. Any continuing professional education offered by any professional entity may be accepted toward the professional development requirement as long as it is directly related to either association or nonprofit management as defined by the CAE exam content outline. Only CAE Registered Providers can publicize that their programs are approved for CAE credit.

Whom do I contact for assistance?

Please contact Credentialing staff at 202-626-2759 or email at caedept@asaecenter.org for questions and assistance.