CAE Information

As a CAE Approved Provider, PASAE is committed to providing education that meets the CAE Commission's standards for helping individuals earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential.

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate association professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment.

Earning the CAE credential brings significant benefits, both to the individuals who hold it and to the organizations that support their staff in pursuing and maintaining the CAE:

The CAE drives professional performance and career advancement. Seven out of 10 CAE test takers report building knowledge, improving advancement opportunities, and elevating their status in their current position as their motivation for pursuing the credential.
The CAE opens doors and creates connections. Those who earn the credential join a network of similarly committed association professionals and gain opportunities to connect with them through CAE-only events and increased volunteer leadership opportunities with ASAE and local, state, and regional association professional societies.
The CAE brings widespread recognition in the association community. CAEs are highly valued and well recognized, particularly among board leaders, association members, and those involved in hiring nonprofit professionals, including executive recruiters and association HR directors.
The CAE enhances organizational success. Associations that cultivate a “CAE culture” ensure that employees share a body of knowledge and common vocabulary about association management, improving efficiency and collaboration across the organization.

Earning Your CAE

Visit the Exam Content Outline for full exam details. This exam outline became effective with the December 2020 exam and remains through the May 2025 exam.