Wedding Planner Certification Based on Experience
The IIW Challenge Program is a certification process for experienced wedding planners to earn IIW certification based on real-world, on-the-job experience.
This certification option is ideal for:
- Wedding planners who have been certified through other organizations and earn The Institute of Weddings credential.
- Wedding planners who have never taken a course and been certified but would like to earn the IIW certification credential.
The IIW Certification Challenge Program provides eligibility to become IIW Certified, without going through our extensive Wedding Planner Course & certification program; through the Challenge Program, certification is awarded based on real work experience in the field as wedding planner. Other qualifying candidates include other wedding or event professionals with similar experience, and wedding planners who are certified through another organization or course and who want to add IIW certification to their credentials.
We are frequently asked by established wedding planners if it is possible to qualify for IIW Certification based on real world experience, without completing our training program.
The International Institute of Weddings does offer certification for wedding planners who would like to earn the IIW credential based on their experience in the field.
Established, experienced wedding planners can qualify for certification by The International Institute of Weddings by applying to complete our certification process based on real world experience.
How It Works
In order to qualify for the IIW Wedding Planner Certification Challenge program, you must meet the following criteria:
To apply for certification based on real world experience, a wedding planner needs to meet the following qualifications:
- Have planned at least three weddings for paying clients within the last 24 months.
- Provide a minimum of three letters of reference from three paying clients.
- Complete the IIW Certfication Challenge Exam (Answer a series of questions to demonstrate your knowledge of best practices, proper procedures, and ethics).
- Provide photos from three client weddings.
- Produce a copy of your business license.
Once your application is filed, The Institute of Weddings will conduct a review and evaluation to assess your qualification for certification. Certification is based on qualification and is not guaranteed if you do not meet certification requirements. Because of the time required for our staff to complete our review, evaluation and verification of your submissions, the application fee is non-refundable. Provided you meet the qualifications as outlined above and your references are verified, you should qualify for certification.
Why Complete the Challenge Program and get IIW Certified
Competition is continually increasing in the field of professional wedding planning as the industry continues to grow and more and more wedding planners enter the market place.
Professional wedding planners need a way to stand out from the competition now more than ever before to make it clear to engaged couples why they are the best choice for the couple’s wedding. Credentials are a very powerful way to compete.
Certification is a compelling credential, and multiple certifications are even more persuasive to the bridal consumer. IIW certification can help you attract more clients and earn more business.
Apply here for the IIW Certified Wedding Planner Credential and Designation.
