Process for Earning the CCE Designation

Certified Chamber Executive (CCE)

In This Section:

Overview • Eligibility Requirements - CCE • Process for Earning Your CCE • Body of Knowledge - CCE • Timeline for Applicants • Frequently Asked Questions • CCE Commission • CCE Directory

Process for Earning the CCE Designation

4 Steps To Excellence

Earning the CCE is a four-step process. Candidates are required to successfully complete each step with a minimum score in each category to earn the designation. Candidates will be informed of their status after each step and counseled regarding the results. All information is confidential.

Step #1: Application

CCE Sample Application
CCE Points Worksheet     Excel
(A current history of your involvement in ACCE can be found by logging into acce.org on the main page.  In the upper right hand side of the page you will see a box of items, including "Your ACCE Activity Report".)

Participants must complete and submit an application by December 5, 2008 to be considered for certification the following year. You are required to have a minimum of 175 points to apply. The application requires that you submit documentation of professional activities. It is recommended that the applicant complete the program within one year. Participants not completing the program within three years will be required to re-apply.

Upon ACCE's receipt of the application, the applicant will be subject to a reference check. The reference check is intended to assure that the applicant is highly regarded by the chamber(s) he/she has served. References will only be notified that the applicant plans to pursue the designation within a three-year period. They will not be informed as to the examination date or final results.

Application and Notebook Instructions

• All supporting documents must be placed in a 3-ring binder with your completed application.
• You must submit 5 identical copies of your complete notebook to ACCE by December 5, 2008.
• Please label each section with tabs using the “Notebook Sections” listed below, then place all tabs in that same order
• Your name and chamber must be printed somewhere on the outside of each notebook.
• You are welcome to decorate your notebook, but it is not a requirement.

Notebook Sections

   1. Application
        • The printout of your completed application
   2. Audited Financial Statements
        • Two most recent statements for two consecutive years.
        • Both statements must be completed prior to the interview.
   3. Chamber Strategic Plan
        • Current year
        • Past year
   4. Chamber Annual Business Plan or Program of Work
        • Current year
        • Past year
   5. Chamber Annual Reports
        • Current year
        • Past year
   6. Your Position Description
        • The description of your duties at your current chamber
   7. Chamber Organization Chart
        • A current chart of your chamber’s organization structure
   8. Personnel Manual
        • The most current version of this manual
   9. Annual Budget
        • Current year
        • Last year
   10. Resume
        • Your resume including your present job experience
   11. Reference
        • You must provide 5 references and they should consist of one chamber executive from your state, two community leaders, and two volunteer chairmen or presidents within the last four years. We only need each person's name, title, organization, address, phone number, and email address. Do not exceed 5 references.

Step #2: Essay

Upon successfully passing the application process, participants are required to write an essay based on one of the core chamber management areas: – management, planning and development, membership and communications, and operations.

Step #3: Oral Presentation/Interview

A panel composed of three members of the Certification Commission evaluates the oral presentation/interview. The purpose of this step is to assess the candidate’s communication and leadership skills, as well as to clarify any information submitted in the application.

Step #4: Examination Process

CCE Exam

Applicants who have successfully completed all of the previous steps will be eligible to take the examination. The examination consists of questions related to key areas of chamber management and takes approximately four to six hours to complete. The date and location will be provided only to those candidates eligible to take the examination. Applicants who score at least 80% on the examination will be considered for certification.

Candidates approved for certification by ACCE's board of directors will receive the certification award at the ACCE Annual Conference.

Fees

Candidates should submit with their notebook a non-refundable application fee of $400 for ACCE members; $600 for non-members.

CCE Application Payment Form

Once the Certification Commission & ACCE approves the award to a candidate, the final processing fee of $200 for ACCE members; $300 for non-members will be invoiced to the new CCE.

CCE signifies the highest quality of performance in chamber management. So, take the next step to earning the designation. Submit the Intent to Apply Form to alert ACCE that you intend to pursue your CCE. Once you alert us, you will be paired with a CCE mentor to serve as your contact throughout the process.