RCMA’s certification program designed to equip you in the essentials of faith-based meeting planning.
Please Note: CFMP certification requires you to be a current RCMA member. You will be required to log into our membership portal in order to start the process.
FORMAT
Classes are offered online using RCMA’s membership portal (some classes may also be offered live at RCMA events). After classes are taken, participants will be required to take an online test within 30 days.
Certification is valid for 5 years, after which time, those holding the certification will be required to re-certify by verifying their continued involvement in the faith-based event industry.
PROCESS
Log-in to the RCMA Membership portal and click on the upper right corner link CFMP VIDEOS.
Select a video to watch - make note which classes are for you - planner or supplier.
After viewing the video, you’ll find a link to gain access to the corresponding test.
At the conclusion of taking each test, you’ll instantly see your results (a score of 75% or greater is required to pass).
To view a listing of tests taken - click on Manage Profile at the top of the page. Under Content & Features - click Professional Development, then click on the Journal Entries tab (1 credit means you passed, 0 credits -means you didn’t pass).
Retaking a test - If didn’t pass a test, you’ll need to rewatch that class. After you’ve rewatched the video, email djones@rcmaweb.org and you’ll receive a link to retake the test. You’ll be allowed 2 attempts to retake the test after your initial attempt. After 2 retakes, you’ll be required to wait 6 months before another attempt can be made.
COSTS & CONDITIONS
Planners - The CFMP certification is offered complimentary to RCMA planner members.
Suppliers - The CFMP certification has a $199 one-time fee in order to obtain certification. Upon completion of the required courses/tests, you’ll receive an invoice, and one paid, your credentials will be issued.
In order for the certification to be issued, the candidate’s on-line profile must be complete and up-to-date. The CFMP designation belongs to you, the individual, not your organization. It was earned by you, so if you leave your organization, you may take the credentials with you.The CFMP credentials may be revoked from any member, at any time, for unprofessional or unethical conduct, or if your RCMA membership is terminated, revoked or expired.
CFMP CLASSES
There are separate tracks of education for planners and suppliers. Four classes are the same, and the other four are unique to each group.
SUPPLIERS
Understanding the Religious Market
Building a Team
Understanding Denominations
Supplier as Educator
Best Practices
Safety / Security
Record Keeping / Event History / RFPs
Food & Beverage Management
PLANNERS
Terminology / Acronyms / Definitions
Contracts
Budgeting
Exhibit Management
Best Practices
Safety / Security
Record Keeping / Event History / RFPs
Food & Beverage Management
BENEFITS
Participants will receive a certificate of completion and permission to use the CFMP designation, as well as the CFMP logo as a part of their personal email signatures, business cards, etc. RCMA’s membership roster will clearly indicate those planner and supplier members that have completed the certification process.
RCMA recognizes those that complete the CFMP certification program annually during the Emerge Conference. The deadline for recognition is December 31st of the year prior to the annual conference.
CFMP Recipients
January - June 2026
Kathleen Borgne
Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau
Director of Sales
Karen Burrell
Upper Room Christian Cathedral
Planner
LaToya Clemens
Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (MMEJ)
Registrar
Vicky Digene
United Church of Christ
Meeting Planner
Shannon Echemendia
Daytona Beach Area CVB
Sales Manager
Tranada Finley
Life Center Int'l
COGIC Evangelist
Cassandra Foster
Accord Network
Operations Manager
Michelle Gartner
WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
Event Manager
Christa George
Visit Charlotte
National Sales Manager
Esther Gingerich
Andrew Womack Ministries
Event Manager
Dillon Groves
Church of the Nazarene
Event & Policy Coordinator
Jonathan Howe
Southern Baptist Convention
VP for Convention Administration
Zavier Jones
Visit Myrtle Beach
Associate Sales Manager
Monica Paige
Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (MMEJ)
Registration Ambassador
Angie Rodgers
Winston-Salem Marriott & Benton Convention Center
Sr. Sales Manager
Tory Smith
Discipleship Ministries
Event Planning Manager
Grace Tillson
Events at Asbury
Events Manager
Melissa Vogt
Kentucky Baptist Convention
Ministry Assistant
Sarah Wilson
The Forgotten Initiative
Community Lead