Prove you operate as a Business Event Strategist

The application fee of $350 is non-refundable, payable at time of application submission.

Upon acceptance into the program, the Capstone Project fee will be $525, with a $250 resubmission fee if additional review is necessary. 

3-year recertification fee will be $195.

The BES goes beyond event execution and recognizes strategic leadership and enterprise impact.

When we review applications, we’ll be looking at several factors, including years of experience, senior roles, volunteerism that demonstrates strategic direction, commitment to continuing education, thought leadership, and industry recognition of contributions. 

Applicants are reviewed according to the application window in which they apply. All applicants within a given window will receive a decision by the notification date listed below.

2026 BES Notification Timelines

An applied project—such as redesigning an event portfolio or creating an ROI framework—that demonstrates measurable impact. 

Please review the Capstone Project Overview PDF and Capstone Examples PDF to understand project requirements.

Absolutely! Before diving in, you can review all the application questions in our workbook. Just look for the "Before you begin" section at the very top of the application page.

Application Review: Your application will be evaluated by the BES Certification Review Committee, consisting of senior-level executives from across the business events industry. Committee members include current and former C-suite leaders, VPs, and department heads representing diverse market segments including corporate, association, independent, and supplier organizations, with both national and international representation. These industry leaders volunteer their expertise to maintain the prestigious standards that position BES as the premier strategic credential for mid-to-senior level professionals.

Each application is reviewed by multiple members of the BES Certification Review Committee against a standardized rubric. The average score determines the overall application score.

Capstone Project Review: Your capstone project will be evaluated by professional assessment specialists contracted through a specialized credentialing services company. These evaluators are trained in applying standardized rubrics and maintain consistent scoring practices across all capstone submissions. The evaluation process follows rigorous psychometric standards developed in collaboration with Alpine Testing Solutions to ensure objective, reliable assessment of strategic impact and business outcomes.

Quality Assurance: Both application and capstone reviews include calibration processes and quality checks to maintain consistent standards across all evaluations. All reviewers complete training on the scoring rubrics and participate in regular calibration exercises to ensure fair and consistent evaluation of all candidates.

Confidentiality: All review committee members and contracted evaluators sign confidentiality agreements and treat all application materials and capstone projects as privileged information.

Applicants have up to 12 weeks to complete Capstone Assessment based on application submission and BES Certification Review Committee decision timeline.

Recertification occurs every three years, starting from the date you earn your BES Certification.

PCMA is committed to providing an accessible certification experience. Candidates who require reasonable accommodations due to a disability, language translation needs or medical condition may request them during the application process or prior to the assessment. All requests will be reviewed individually, and appropriate accommodations will be provided where possible while maintaining the integrity of the certification program. For questions or to submit a request, please contact [email protected].