THE 

EXAM 


S
S
uccessful applicants may take the exam at either of the two next test 
administrations as part of their application fee. The CAETM exam 
is offered twice each year, on the first Friday of May and the first 
Friday in December, in several regional locations. (If you are more than 
180 miles from a scheduled test site, contact ASAE Credentialing staff for 
additional options to take the exam in your area.) 

The CAE exam is a knowledge-based, paper-and-pencil test consisting 
of 200 multiple-choice questions administered in a single four-hour time 
frame. Questions are written based on the CAE Exam Content Outline. 
The passing score for the exam is determined by a criterion-referenced 
methodology similar to setting par in golf. Members of the CAE Exam 
Committee review each question individually and a judgment is made 
as to what percentage of minimally competent association professionals 
would answer the question correctly. This process establishes a minimal 
level of knowledge that would be expected of passing candidates. The 
Committee consensus is subjected to statistical analyses, which yields 
a passing score approved by the panel of experts as well as the CAE 
Commission. Using this methodology, there is no curve and candidates 
do not compete against each other. There is no limit on the number of 
candidates who may pass or fail the test. 

If you do not achieve a test score equal to or above the pass/fail 
standard, you will receive a score report detailing the number of 
questions correct in each domain to help guide future preparation. You 
remain eligible to sit or retake the exam until the third December 31st 
after your original application approval date. While there is no limit 
on the number of times you may apply for and take the test, you may 
only sit for the exam once per calendar year. You may retest at any 
subsequent exam period (subject to a re-examination fee and application 
requirement). 

CERTIFICATION RENEWAL 

You will reach your first certification renewal date by the third 
December 31st following the original date of certification. To 
maintain the certification, you must accumulate 40 CAE credit hours, 
submit a qualifying completed Certification Renewal Form, and pay 
certification renewal fees. CAE credit hours for certification renewal 
may be accumulated in a wide variety of ways, and executives 
involved in the profession should have little difficulty maintaining 
the certification. Qualifying activities for renewal credit include 
continuing education programs as outlined for CAE applicants and 
up to 10 CAE credit hours from leadership, instruction and writing 
activities. 

The CAETM is the 
most respected 
and sought-after 
designation 
in association 
management. 

continued 




CAE ExAmINATION CONTENT OuTLINE 

The composition of the CAE exam is guided by extensive 
research on the job tasks performed and knowledge 
needed by association executives. This research, and the 
exam content outline, is updated approximately every five 
years. During 2003–2004, the CAE Commission oversaw 
a methodical and comprehensive investigation into the 
skills required for successful association management. 
This research included a literature review, interviews with 
key thought leaders, surveys of over 1,500 association 
professionals, extensive statistical analysis and a thorough 
peer review. The research resulted in the identification of 
185 essential association management tasks organized into 
ten knowledge domains. This outline presents the content 
covered on the CAE exam with the amount of the test 
devoted to each area indicated in parentheses. 

Domain 1 

Strategic Management (13–15%) 

A. General Management 
1. Identify and define the association’s core competencies and 
ensure that association operations and activities support and 
capitalize on these competencies. 
2. Identify and implement, when appropriate, other corporate 
entities to further the association’s mission (e.g., foundations, 
service corporations). 
3. Develop and analyze internal (operational) and external 
(leadership and membership) performance metrics for 
association operations and activities. 
4. Work with board to develop a staff leadership succession plan. 
5. Apply management theories for effective management of the 
association. 
6. Develop and implement strategies to encourage best practices 
and introduce and manage change and innovation. 
7. Utilize quantitative and qualitative tools and project 
management skills to achieve management goals. 
8. Apply logical steps in the project management process, 
including needs analysis, planning, prioritizing, program 
development, implementation, management, and evaluation. 
9. Plan and ensure that quality control procedures are 
implemented. 
10. Establish and utilize a strong peer network to maintain 
knowledge of current association management practices. 
B. Marketing/Branding 
1. Define the scope of the market and identify target segments 
and key stakeholder groups in building membership and 
customers. 
2. Identify the association’s unique value proposition, preferred 
positioning and distinctive brand. 
3. Conduct environmental scans. 
4. Research and identify strategies and tactics for increasing 
member return on investment (ROI). 
5. Develop and implement a marketing plan to support the 
association’s positioning and branding, enhance membership 
recruitment and retention efforts, and promote programs, 
products, and services. 
C. Financial Management 
1. Identify, retain, and/or manage accounting services. 
2. Develop, recommend, implement, review and manage budgets. 
3. Develop systems, metrics and tools (e.g., allocation of all-cost 
programs, budgeting by program) for monitoring and managing 
financial performance. 
4. Determine oversight responsibilities related to subsidiary 
corporations (e.g., financial operations, business operations, 
consistency with mission). 
5. Establish a financial reporting system that provides clear, 
accurate, and complete reports for the board, staff, and 
members. 
6. Ensure that finances are independently reviewed and audited on 
a periodic basis. 
7. Recommend, implement, and manage investment policies 
and activities and identify and retain investment management 
services. 
8. Recommend, implement, and manage reserve policy. 
9. Evaluate the impact of economic and budget factors on financial 
planning, investment policies, and financial performance. 
10. Develop and establish policies and procedures to ensure strong 
internal financial controls. 
11. Monitor and maintain adequate cash flow to meet the 
organization’s disbursement needs. 
12. Implement an antifraud policy. 
Domain 2 

Planning And Research (7–9%) 

A. Strategic Planning/Strategic Thinking 
1. Establish and implement a strategic planning process that 
advances the association’s mission and vision and is based on 
sound methodological principles. 
2. Ensure that the association has a focused and well-articulated 
mission and vision that is communicated to members, staff, and 
the public. 
3. Assist the board in setting and implementing short- and long-term 
association priorities based on a strategic planning process. 
4. Align the association’s annual business plan with the strategic 
plan to focus resource allocation. 
5. Ensure that association activities, operations, and business plans 
support the strategic goals of the organization. 
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic plan on an ongoing 
basis and revise as necessary. 
7. Evaluate the need for, and feasibility of, working with other 
organizations through mergers, partnerships, acquisitions and 
consolidations. 
B. Business Planning 
1. Identify business goals and objectives and strategies and tactics 
for achieving these goals. 
2. Evaluate data from a variety of sources (e.g., needs assessment, 
trend monitoring, benchmarking, evaluations) and utilize these 
data to develop business plans. 
3. Prepare business plans (including financial projections, break-
even points and total costs) for new and existing programs, 
products and services. 
4. Develop long-range funding and needs plans. 
5. Develop strategies to incorporate fund-raising vehicles into 
revenue planning, as appropriate. 
6. Develop a business continuity plan. 
C. Research, Evaluation and Statistics 
1. Develop a research agenda that benefits the internal operations 
of the association, advances the profession or industry and 
provides needed information for members and other stakeholders 
(e.g., needs assessment surveys, market analyses, benchmarking 
studies, best practices studies, compensation surveys). 

2. Identify and utilize appropriate research methodologies (e.g., 
interview, focus group, survey) and data collection methods (fax, 
E-mail, Internet based). 
3. Implement statistical and quality control procedures to ensure 
accuracy of research results and manage research conducted 
by contracted research consultants. 
4. Prepare and deliver customized research reports tailored to the 
needs and interests of stakeholders (e.g., members, government 
agencies, partners). 
5. Design and implement a data reporting system that is flexible 
and customizable. 
Domain 3 

Leadership (11–13%) 

A. General Leadership 
1. Utilize qualitative and quantitative data in decision-making. 
2. Take actions based on decisions made in the best interests of 
the association and, when appropriate, take risks. 
3. Practice and demonstrate collaborative leadership. 
4. Promote an organizational culture that is sensitive and 
responsive to the needs, interests, and values of the entire 
membership. 
5. Integrate the interests and goals of stakeholders to achieve 
success for the association. 
6. Support and reinforce the board’s stewardship responsibilities. 
B. Ethics 
1. Lead by example through maintaining the highest degree of 
personal integrity and professional ethics and identify/resolve 
ethical dilemmas. 
2. Adhere to the American Society of Association Executive’s 
Standards of Conduct. 
3. Establish and implement conflict of interest policies. 
C. Diversity 
1. Ensure that association communications, programs, 
products, and services reflect sensitivity to diversity (e.g., 
race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, 
nationality, disability, appearance, geographic location, 
professional level). 
2. Create a climate of inclusiveness that promotes understanding 
and respect for diversity. 
D. Interpersonal Relationships and Dynamics and Group Facilitation 
1. Support individuals’ professional and personal development 
(e.g., mentoring, career counseling and advancement, 
leadership development). 
2. Coach and mentor staff, board, and members and model 
appropriate skills in interactions with these groups. 
3. Provide opportunities to develop interpersonal skills and cross-
cultural competence. 
4. Promote and facilitate individual participation, contributions, 
and ownership toward group efforts and decisions. 
5. Provide informed consultation to the board to facilitate board 
activities, process, and objectives. 
E. Negotiating 
1. Practice and ensure the use of effective and ethical negotiation 
skills for self and others (e.g., to resolve conflict, to achieve 
consensus). 
2. Coach and model the use of negotiation skills in contract 
negotiations and other interactions. 
3. Utilize mediation to resolve conflicts, where appropriate. 
Domain 4 

Administration (12 - 14%) 

A. Human Resources 
1. Maintain a work environment that fosters staff teamwork, 
communications, efficiency, and effectiveness. 
2. Ensure clear delineation of accountability and organizational 
responsibilities within the office. 
3. Promote work/life balance for staff. 
4. Develop, implement, and evaluate personnel policies and 
procedures. 
5. Recruit, hire and train association staff. 
6. Supervise and coach staff and provide job descriptions based 
on essential competencies needed to perform effectively. 
7. Provide formal performance review process. 
8. Discipline and/or terminate association staff. 
9. Develop, implement, and manage compensation administration 
program. 
10. Comply with municipal, state, and federal laws related to 
employment (e.g., ADA, Family Medical Leave Act). 
11. Evaluate association work procedures and systems and 
implement improvements, as necessary. 
B. Technology 
1. Identify and contract for technology consultation and technical 
support services. 
2. Determine the appropriate information technology system (i.e., 
information systems, databases, communication technologies, 
web technologies) needed to support association goals and 
activities. 
3. Oversee the selection, purchase, installation, maintenance, and 
upgrading of information technology. 
4. Conduct ongoing analysis to confirm that information technology 
system is performing in line with staff and member needs and 
expectations. 
5. Develop and implement policies and procedures to maintain 
system security and integrity. 
6. Identify areas in which new technology tools can improve 
design, development, and delivery of products and services. 
C. Legal 
1. Identify, retain, and effectively manage legal counsel. 
2. Review and ensure proper use and execution of contracts, 
including employment contracts. 
3. Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with 
local, state, and federal laws. 
4. Monitor association actions and activities to protect not-for-profit 
status and compliance with antitrust laws. 
5. Maintain required documents (e.g., articles of incorporation, 
bylaws, minutes, and contracts). 
6. Maintain appropriate insurance coverage to protect the 
fiduciary interests of the association, members, and staff. 
7. Ensure that the association’s intellectual property is protected. 
D. Facilities Management 
1. Develop and implement an organization-wide continuity plan to 
protect human and physical assets of the organization in case of 
a disaster. 
2. Maintain proper security for the workplace and develop and 
implement crisis prevention and safety programs. 
3. Evaluate the benefits of owning and leasing options for 
association facilities and equipment. 
4. Ensure an accessible work environment that is compliant with 
ergonomic and ADA guidelines. 

E. Vendor/Supplier Management 
1. Determine the benefits, implications, feasibility, and advisability 
of outsourcing association functions. 
2. Establish procedures for the appropriate utilization and 
evaluation of requests for proposals (RFPs). 
3. Establish procedures and criteria for reviewing the performance 
of vendors, suppliers, and consultants. 
Domain 5 

Knowledge Management (5–7%) 

A. Knowledge Management System 
1. Identify the diverse information needs and preferences of the 
association’s membership and other stakeholders. 
2. Develop, implement, and manage a knowledge 
management (KM) program to advance association goals 
and objectives and serve stakeholder information needs 
through the dissemination of intellectual and knowledge-
based assets. 
3. Utilize the knowledge management system to share leading 
edge profession or industry learning, insight, and best 
practices and deliver high-quality products and services with 
speed, efficiency, and effective customer service. 
4. Assemble, review and repackage information in a timely fashion 
for customized responses to requests for information. 
5. Conduct ongoing evaluation of KM services based on 
quantitative and qualitative data to assess and manage 
knowledge assets and support continuous improvement. 
B. Professional Development Programs and Delivery Systems 
1. Evaluate and plan the use of multiple methods and delivery 
systems (e.g., face-to-face seminars, distance learning, self-
directed learning, web-based courses). 
2. Develop and enhance the content of professional development 
products and integrate various delivery systems. 
3. Incorporate an understanding of the conditions necessary for 
successful adult learning into the planning and development of 
professional development offerings. 
4. Plan and implement procedures and preventive education to 
help members maintain compliance with laws and regulations 
(e.g., in-service training for members). 
Domain 6 

Governance and Structure (10–12%) 

A. Volunteer Structure 
1. Establish, integrate, and maintain an effective and representative 
governance system (e.g., officers, board of directors, executive 
committee, nominating committee, house of delegates) to guide 
the mission of the association. 
2. Establish and maintain an effective system of organizational units 
(e.g., committees, task forces, sections, special interest groups) 
to develop and/or implement the mission of the association. 
3. Work with board to develop a volunteer leadership succession 
plan. 
4. Serve as liaison with the board and executive committee to 
achieve the association’s goals. 
5. Conduct on-going review of governance documents (e.g., 
association constitution, bylaws) to ensure that they reflect 
current practice in association management. 
6. Identify and propose effective and flexible ways for 
communicating and conducting meetings (using technology, 
where appropriate) to facilitate the activities of the 
association’s board of directors, committees, task forces, and 
special interest groups. 
7. Establish and maintain an appropriate volunteer recruitment, 
training, recognition, and accountability system. 
8. Educate and orient board members, volunteers, and staff 
regarding their respective roles and responsibilities. 
B. Chapters, Divisions, Interest Groups, and Communities of Practice 
1. Determine policies and criteria regarding the formation of 
association chapters, divisions, interest groups, and communities 
of practice. 
2. Develop and implement effective relationships, delineating, 
where appropriate, lines of authority and responsibility vis a vis 
association chapters, divisions, interest groups, and communities 
of practice. 
3. Identify and determine the best methods for responding to the 
needs and interests of association chapters, divisions, interest 
groups, and communities of practice. 
4. Identify strategies for tailoring products and services to the 
unique needs of association chapters, divisions, interest groups, 
and communities of practice. 
5. Provide relevant and timely research to support the success and 
activities of association chapters, divisions, interest groups, and 
communities of practice. 
6. Utilize a variety of communication channels to facilitate regular 
and accurate exchange of information between the association 
and its chapters, divisions, interest groups, and communities of 
practice. 
Domain 7 

Public Policy and Government and External Relations (7–9%) 

A. Public Policy 
1. Identify and analyze the need for public policy development 
activities. 
2. Identify and foster advocacy sources that support the profession 
or industry and implement association-sponsored advocacy 
programs. 
3. Recommend and implement public policy programs. 
4. Plan, implement, and evaluate government relations programs 
consistent with board-approved policies. 
5. Monitor city, state, and national legislation and regulations. 
6. Report to membership and other interested parties on the current 
political environment, the actions of relevant regulatory bodies, 
and the impact of proposed and enacted legislation to their 
bottom line and operations. 
7. Manage association lobbying activities, including the 
identification and retention of registered lobbyists. 
8. Determine the advisability of, establish, and manage political 
action committees (PACs). 
9. Determine the need for, and feasibility of, grass roots activities 
and implement and evaluate such activities. 
B. Coalition Building 
1. Identify and bring together groups with a common interest to 
develop a plan to reach mutual goals. 
2. Communicate mutually advantageous goals and objectives to 
appeal to new allies. 
3. Form short- and long-term coalitions to address single, time-
limited or long-term issues of common interest. 
4. Develop a coalition-building model that is responsive and 
flexible and which may include partnerships, alliances, and/or 
informal and formal relationships. 

 Domain 8 

Membership (10–12%) 

A. Member Relations 
1. Strategically position members in relation to the media, 
government, and public affairs. 
2. Integrate the context and cultural norms of potential members, 
partners, and other stakeholders into outreach efforts. 
3. Create a variety of opportunities for member contribution to 
association activities and advancement (e.g., focused, short-
term volunteer opportunities; committee participation, leadership 
roles). 
4. Develop communication strategies to keep members engaged 
and informed. 
5. Ensure compliance with the association’s privacy policy. 
B. Membership Recruitment and Retention 
1. Conduct needs analysis to determine current members’ needs in 
the context of the association’s mission and objectives. 
2. Plan and implement membership recruitment and retention 
program (e.g., resources, logistics, audiences, design and 
content, pilot testing, integration with other programs and 
services, legality) based on the strategic plan and results of the 
needs analysis. 
3. Utilize market segmentation and targeting to develop 
appropriate strategies, messages, and delivery vehicles for 
current and potential members. 
4. Communicate the value and relevance of the association to 
diverse populations of members and potential members. 
5. Evaluate member recruitment and retention utilizing a variety of 
measures, including customer satisfaction and new member and 
renewal volume and revenue. 
C. Globalization 
1. Analyze the impact of global, social, cultural, and economic 
trends on the association. 
2. Investigate applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, 
and cultural and language differences in countries in which the 
association is planning to, or currently conducting, business. 
3. Consider the implications and feasibility of expanding 
association membership beyond current national borders, 
including the development of international partnerships, 
alliances, and relationships. 
Domain 9 

Programs, Products and Services (12–13%) 

A. Development of Programs/Products/Services 
1. Identify and prioritize the need for programs/products/ 
services based on the association’s goals and the needs and 
interests of members and stakeholders. 
2. Conduct needs assessment/market research to evaluate 
the feasibility of introducing, modifying, or discontinuing 
programs/products/services. 
3. Create a program/product/service development and 
implementation plan (e.g., resources, logistics, audiences, 
design and content, pilot testing, integration with other 
programs and services, legality). 
4. Develop marketing plans for programs/products/services. 
5. Conduct periodic review and evaluation of programs/ 
products/services and make recommendations regarding 
maintenance, improvement, or discontinuation. 
6. Identify, develop, and monitor revenue sources (e.g., 
membership dues, sales, programs, grants). 
B. Fundraising/Development Programs 
1. Identify qualitative and quantitative data and motivating factors 
associated with giving, and incorporate these factors into 
development strategies, including determination of appropriate 
fundraising vehicles. 
2. Develop a management plan specific to fundraising (e.g., 
target groups, fundraising vehicles, volunteers needed, impact, 
costs, risks, recognition, legal aspects). 
3. Develop criteria for establishing foundations and endowments 
within the not-for-profit legal structure and the philosophy and 
strategies of the association and ensure that funds are spent in 
accordance with the donors’ intent. 
C. Meeting and Event Planning 
1. Determine meeting/event program, format, and speakers 
based on meeting/event purpose, content and audience; 
develop contracts; and use standard planning tools (e.g., 
meeting/event profile and specifications report, meeting 
timetable, convention resume, sleeping room pick-up report, 
function sheets). 
2. Evaluate options for site selection, taking into consideration 
food and beverage, hotel accommodations, security, 
insurance, etc. and contract with facility for rates, date, space 
and services. 
3. Employ strategies to enhance revenue generated by the 
meeting/event and minimize attrition. 
4. Develop Internet-based tools and resources to provide the 
association with data for decision-making and assist attendees 
in accessing information about the meeting/event. 
5. Provide on-site management for meeting/event operations 
(e.g., registration, information desk, food and beverage setups, 
scheduled speakers, events). 
6. Conduct post-meeting/event evaluation, including a survey 
of attendees, vendors, and exhibitors and a review of the 
financial results. 
D. Technical Journals and Publications 
1. Identify the need for technical journals and publications in 
specific areas of association interests. 
2. Develop a publication management system with appropriate 
editorial and peer review structure. 
3. Determine the most effective and feasible publication format 
(e.g., print, electronic) based on the type of information, the 
time sensitivity, and intended audience. 
4. Periodically review and assess publication quality, usefulness, 
and relevance, and implement changes as appropriate to meet 
revised publication goals and objectives. 
E. Ethics/Self Regulation Programs 
1. Implement and manage an association ethics and discipline 
program. 
2. Foster an environment in which members are encouraged to 
identify and adhere to high standards of ethical behavior. 
3. Plan and implement procedures and preventive education 
to help members maintain compliance with the association’s 
ethical standards. 
4. Monitor and evaluate the impact of professional and industry 
practices on the public good. 
F. Standard-Setting Programs 
1. Investigate the legal implications and liabilities associated with 
standard-setting activities. 
2. Develop, implement, and manage voluntary standards 
program. 

3. Maintain currency of the standards program by periodic 
review and monitoring. 
G. Industry Awards and Member Recognition Programs 
1. Identify and analyze need for industry awards and member 
recognition programs. 
2. Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate industry awards 
and member recognition programs. 
H. Credentialing (Certification, Accreditation, and Licensure) 
1. Investigate and evaluate the legal implications and liabilities 
associated with credentialing programs. 
2. Develop, implement, and manage credentialing programs, 
including credential renewal and revocation procedures, 
and maintenance of records of credential status. 
3. Ensure that credentialing programs meet technical standards 
(e.g., tests are psychometrically sound). 
I. 
Affinity Programs (e.g., Endorsements, Joint Ventures, 
Sponsorship) 
1. Determine policies and criteria for selecting, sponsoring, and 
continuing affinity programs. 
2. Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate affinity 
programs. 
Domain 10 

Public Relations and External Communications (6–7%) 

A. Public Relations Programs 
1. Identify the target groups and individuals that must be positively 
influenced to achieve the goals of the association. 
2. Plan, implement, and evaluate a credible public relations 
education and information program to positively influence 
groups and individuals and enhance public trust. 
3. Develop a crisis communications and management plan. 
4. Manage and execute appropriate responses to media inquiries. 
B. Non-Technical Publications and Other Media 
1. Evaluate consumer and trade media outlets (e.g., television, 
radio, print, web-based) and develop and implement media 
approaches to advance the association’s goals. 
2. Integrate the publications program to achieve the editorial 
mission and develop a variety of publications, media programs 
and delivery systems to meet the diverse needs and interests of 
members and stakeholders. 
3. Manage or outsource publications and other media and 
determine the most effective and feasible publication format 
(e.g., print, electronic) based on the type of information, time 
sensitivity, and intended audience. 
4. Plan, implement, and monitor the strategy and applications 
associated with association website development and 
maintenance.