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Certified Event Rental Professional

The event rental industry’s only designation

Professional development specifically for you

The Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program is offered exclusively by ARA for party and event rental professionals. This in-depth, self-study, online program is designed to strengthen your knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the industry and your customers.

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How it works

Step One - Disciplines

Students must complete all assignments and pass exams for three disciplines within the CERP program. Each student is required to complete Foundations of the Party and Event Rental Industry and two additional disciplines. These disciplines include:
  • Delivery Driver Operations
  • Introduction to Sales
  • Tabletop Design
  • Warehouse Operations
  • Tenting Operations

 

Student must complete review courses and take a proctored exam over Foundations of the Party and Event Rental Industry, plus two electives. If you are ready to take an exam, click here.

Step Two - Essay

To showcase what they have learned throughout the certification process, students will write an essay. The topic of the essay is dependent on the student’s position within their organization. The essay can be submitted at any time during coursework. Download this PDF to learn more about the essay requirements.

Step Three - Professional Credits

The final step in earning the CERP certification is to earn 25 professional credits. These credits are awarded for industry experience, formal education, as well as community service, ARA leadership involvement, and more. This interactive spreadsheet will share the details. Professional Credit Worksheet

Step Four - Recertification

To recertify, you will need to earn 35 professional credits within a 5 year time-frame, complete the application and pay the recertification fee.

Recertification Application

 

 

CERP Marketing

When you become a CERP graduate, you will be sent marketing materials designed to help you raise awareness of your designation among your customers and potential customers. You will also be added to the FindaCERP locator that offers thousands of unique visitors and quality leads! Check out FindaCERP.com. ​

View Active CERPs

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Active Graduates

Currently over 1,000 active Certified Event Rental Professionals.

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Monthly Searches

Customers are looking for rental professionals, all year long.

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Networking Hours

We provide numerous networking opportunities including events at The ARA Show.

 
 

CERP Training Qualifies for the Employee Training Assistance Program

The ARA Foundation offers assistance paying for the Certified Event Rental Professional certification and other training opportunities by paying 50% of the training cost. Fill out our short application today!

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Frequently asked questions

  • How long does it take to become a CERP?

    You have 18 months from enrollment ...

    After enrollment, you have 18 months to complete the CERP program, at your own pace.
  • What counts as a professional credit?

    Professional credits are issued for things such as your ...

    Professional credits are issued for things such as your company's membership, your education level and years of experience, training you have completed or lead, and your involvement in community service projects. 25 credits are required to earn your certification.
  • Who should become a CERP at my company?

    Anyone who is committed to gaining a competitive edge ...

    Anyone who is committed to gaining a competitive edge and learning industry best practices.
  • What is required to recertify?

    To recertify you must ...

    To recertify, you will need to earn 35 professional credits within a 5 year time-frame, complete the application and pay the recertification fee. You'll also need to fill out this form.