| CTSM Designations |
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Recommended format for displaying your CTSM Certification:
NAME, CTSM UPGRADE (if applicable)
CTSM Designation should be listed after your name.
Example: Chris Bruce, CTSM Diamond
Example of email signature block:
The proper way to reference your CTSM certification on resumes or LinkedIn bios under EDUCATION is as follows:
Professional certification by Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program, sponsored by EXHIBITOR, in affiliation with Northern Illinois University Outreach.
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| Certification Upgrades |
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Certification is a lifetime credential. However, because of the dynamic nature of the industry and rapidly
changing knowledge and skills required, upgrades are recommended every five years.
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Four levels of upgrades are awarded to candidates, as they complete additional continuing education following certification.
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| Bronze Upgrade: 10 continuing education session hours post-certification |
| Silver Upgrade: 20 continuing education session hours post-certification |
| Gold Upgrade: 30 continuing education session hours post-certification |
| Diamond Upgrade: 50 continuing education session hours post-certification + 60 Points from Professional Contributions (see below for additional information) |
Continuing education can be completed in person through EXHIBITORLIVE and EXHIBITOR Education Week or virtually through eTrak sessions.
Session hours start to accrue once CTSM status has been attained. Quizzes and/or affidavits must be completed through the NIU platform by the event deadlines to verify attendance and appear on a CTSM graduate’s transcript.
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| Diamond Level Certification |
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After completing the Gold upgrade, graduates can continue their education with the Diamond upgrade.
In addition to 50 continuing education session hours, the Diamond upgrade requires demonstrated
leadership by "giving back to the industry" through professional contributions to the CTSM program, Exhibitor Group events, and the events/trade show marketing industry.
Email complete applications with required materials to [email protected] along with:
Diamond Upgrade Application (MS Word document)
Example Diamond Application (PDF)
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| Graduate-Only LinkedIn Group |
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CTSM Graduates can join our Graduate-Only LinkedIn Group and network with other CTSM Graduates.
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