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

Application Window: March 16 – June 16
Decision Notification: By June 30

Application Window: June 17 – August 31
Decision Notification: By September 14

Application Window: September 15 – November 15
Decision Notification: By November 30

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.

Yes. A PDF preview of the application is available for reference so you can review the questions in advance. You can view that here.

Please note that the PDF is for preview only and cannot be used for submission. All applications must be submitted through the online application form.

Application Review: Your application will be evaluated by the BES Application Review Committee, consisting of 15 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 three committee members using a standardized scoring rubric, ensuring consistent and thorough evaluation. Applications are accepted until the published deadline, and all applicants will receive their acceptance decision on the same date following the committee's review period.

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 Review Committee decision timeline.

Application Window: March 16 - June 16, 2026

• Notified by: June 30, 2026
• If accepted, Capstone Assessment Deadline: October 1, 2026

Application Window: June 17 - August 31, 2026

• Notified by: September 14, 2026
• If accepted, Capstone Assessment Deadline: December 15, 2026

Application Window: September 15 - November 15, 2026

• Notified by: November 30, 2026
• If accepted, Capstone Assessment Deadline: March 1, 2027

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].