The restart of the events industry bears the mark of International Event Certification (IEC), the new certification expressly conceived for meeting professionals and wedding planners, the only one certified by the AJA Europe Group and valid all over the world, as well as unique in specifically addressing both the wedding and the meeting industries. Suppliers and even major venues may get certified too. IEC aims at internationally acknowledging professionals’ quality, thus creating a community of networking, apprenticeships, and growth. Twenty-four countries are represented by 17 international professionals of undisputed fame, enrolled as Country Partner Examiners, plus another 100 leading international partners for post-exam apprenticeship programs.
The certification is obtained after an examination – a written and oral test currently scheduled only face-to-face by international professional examiners and validated both by AJA Europe and the country’s partner examiner. Conflicts of interest are not tolerated, and proven experience in the examination field is strictly required. The country partners have all had great authority in their countries, in the sense that they set de-facto standards, previously validated by the AJA Group, to which the entire industry levels up. The examination takes place with uniform open tests, country by country, and gets assessed by a homogeneous rating.
To be admitted, one must create a portfolio by following a checklist issued at the time of registration. One can apply for a single certification or multiple certifications while adhering to the checklist. Admission is finalised by the country’s partner, who checks and verifies the checklist. Each exam involves a full day of written and oral tests. It is about creating an event from A to Z with solutions and plans as if it were a real event with the client sitting in front of the candidate. The mark is expressed in hundredths. The exam is passed with a minimum grade of 65/100. Three levels, depending on the grade:
65-84/100: professional
85-9/100: élite
100/100: master
