Meeting the criteria for CMCE certification is not an easy feat. Applicants are evaluated using a point system based on job experience, education, and additional points awarded for Association activity or special achievement and recognition. Once an applicant accumulates an adequate number of points in each of these three categories, a written examination is taken to provide a quantifiable means to measure the petitioner’s qualifications to be awarded the CMCE designation.

Points are awarded for each area, with emphasis placed on job experience, because it is primarily through "hands on" experience that a manager is able to develop and demonstrate competence. Education is also heavily weighted because true professionals pursue self-improvement through a continuing education system. Association activity is rewarded in the form of additional points, as they represent the MWR professional’s willingness to contribute to the overall betterment of the MWR profession by participating in IMCEA activities.

Additional points are also awarded for exceeding established minimum point levels in job experience and education, special MWR recognition through special awards, and special contributions to the MWR system. 

Job Experience Points (50 points minimum required): Experience points are awarded on the following basis: 

     • Military MWR program or facility managers, directors, office chiefs or equivalent level leadership or management position: 10 points per year.

     • Assistant program managers, directors, office chief or equivalent leadership or management position: 5 points per year. 

     • Civilian hospitality or recreation manager position: 5 points per year

Education Points (25 points minimum required): Education points are awarded for accredited college level schools, certain military, IMCEA, or other sponsored courses or activities on the following basis:

     • Accredited college or university: 6 points per year (.2 points per semester hour).

     • Associate Degree in Hospitality or Recreation field: Additional 2 points. 

     • Bachelor Degree in Hospitality or Recreation field: Additional 5 points.

     • IMCEA Annual Conference: 5 points 

     • Each IMCEA Workshop: 2 points.

     • Other professional association annual conference: 2 points each.

     • Other professional association workshop: 1 point each.

     • Military MWR management course in residence one week or longer: 1 point per week up to a maximum of 5 points for any one course.

     • Military MWR management correspondence course: 1 point. 

     • Military sponsored MWR workshop, conference, or seminar: 1 point.

Additional Points (minimum of 30 points required): Additional points are awarded for IMCEA Association activity, exceeding the established minimum passing score on the written examination, and for special accomplishment or recognition in the military MWR community as follows: 


     • Managers of the Year recipient (Roy C. Olson Award, MWR Leadership Award, Irving Rubenstein Memorial Award): 2 points.

     • Significant contribution to MWR: 2 points.

     • Significant contribution to IMCEA: 2 points. 

     • IMCEA Membership at the National level: 2 points per year.

     • IMCEA Membership at Regional Chapter level: 1 point per year.

     • IMCEA President: 3 points per year. 

     • IMCEA Officer: 2 points per year. 

     • IMCEA Director: 1 point per year.

     • IMCEA Committee Chairperson: 1 point per year.

     • IMCEA Committee Member: 0.5 point per year.

     • Sponsor of new IMCEA Member: 1 point each new member.

     • Featured Speaker (minimum 30-minute presentation): 2 points each.

     • Attend Affiliate Chapter Meetings: 1 point per meeting attended.

Qualifying for the Written Examination

Eligibility for the written examination follows verification by the IMCEA National Office that the petitioner has accumulated the required minimum levels established for each point category. Once minimum levels are verified, IMCEA will notify the petitioner of his or her eligibility.

The Written Examination

The final step in the CMCE process is the closed book written examination. All candidates for CMCE are required to score a minimum of 70 points (1 point per correct answer) on a comprehensive 100 question, multiple choice examination.

The examination is normally administered during the Annual IMCEA Conference. Exceptions include taking the examination by appointment at the IMCEA National Office, or at a mutually agreed upon location such as a military education center under the supervision of an approved Test Control Officer.

Tallying the Points for Award of CMCE Designation

To become a Certified Military Community Executive, petitioners must earn a total of 175 points according to the following schedule:

Job Experience………………………… 50 points minimum
Education ………………………………  25 points minimum
Written Examination ……………    70 points minimum
Additional Points ……………………  30 points minimum

CMCE Sustainment Program

To remain certified as a CMCE, awardees must re-certify every three years.

Re-certification is accomplished through accumulation of twenty additional points since original certification or since the previous re-certification. All documentation to support accumulation of the points must be provided to the IMCEA Executive Director not less than three months prior to the expiration of the three-year certification period shown on the CMCE certificate issued by the IMCEA National Office.

The CMCE designation may be revoked in the event a CMCE does not accumulate the required 20 points unless extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome.