Looking to earn your Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential?

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is a nationally and internationally recognised marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated the broad knowledge required to effectively manage an association in today’s challenging environment.

AuSAE offers a CAE Study Group twice a year in both Australia and New Zealand to help professionals prepare for the CAE exam. Led by an experienced CAE, the group explores the eight domains of association management and works through sample exam questions. Participants also receive audio recordings of the sessions, providing a valuable opportunity to ask questions and deepen understanding.

Join Our 2025 CAE Preparation Program
Starting in September, our 10-week CAE study program is designed to give you the skills and connections to succeed. With the support of a community of passionate peers, you’ll:

  • Participate in peer-led study sessions with volunteer CAE mentors
  • Create a personalised study plan tailored to your goals
  • Take practice exams to build your readiness
  • Build lasting connections with like-minded professionals

Set yourself up for success and take the next step in your association leadership journey.

APPLY NOW FOR THE 10-WEEK STUDY PROGRAM


Your Pathway to CAE: 10 Week Study Program 
(Friday, 19 September to Friday 21 November 2025) Exam can be sat between 1 - 14 December 2025)

Program Starts Friday 19 September

We’re excited to support you on your journey to earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship needed to excel. With expert-led sessions, comprehensive study materials, and peer support, you'll be fully equipped to succeed.

Join us for our virtual CAE Preparation Program, starting Friday, 19 September 2025, and take the first step toward elevating your career in association management.

Meeting Format: Virtual (Teams Meeting)
Time: Fridays | 9:00 am AEDT  |  11:00 am NZDT
Program Start Date: Friday, 19 September 2025

Weekly Schedule

  • 19 September -  Welcome and CAE Orientation 
  • 26 September  - Governance
  • 3 October - Executive Leadership
  • 10 October - Organisational Strategy
  • 17 October - Operations
  • 24 October - Business development
  • 31 October  - Member and Stakeholder Engagement and Management
  • 7 November - Advocacy
  • 14 November - Marketing and Communications 

Practice & Open Forum

  • 19 November (Wednesday): Practice exam in exam conditions (100 questions)  2 hours 
  • 21 November (Friday) - Open Forum (1hour 30 mins) 

CAE Exam Period

  • Exam Dates: 1 - 14 December 2025
Ready to take the next step? Let’s make 2025 the year you achieve your CAE certification.

Your Pathway to CAE Certification with AuSAE  

This is for you — and we’re here to help!

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is an international marker of excellence.  It signifies your commitment to association leadership and demonstrates the comprehensive knowledge required to successfully manage an association in today’s complex environment.

With AuSAE, you’ll have the tools, guidance, and support needed to achieve this career milestone.

APPLY NOW FOR THE 10-WEEK STUDY PROGRAM



JOIN THE CAE INFO SESSION - 31 JULY


Your Path to CAE Certification Starts Here!

Join us for our 10-Week CAE Study Preparation Program, starting September 2025, and start your journey in enhancing your career in association management.

Exclusive Member Benefit: Did you know that AuSAE membership includes complimentary membership with ASAE? This gives you access to additional resources, discounts on the CAE exam, and a global network of association professionals.

Course Costs

  • AuSAE Member: $750 
  • Business Partner / General Registration: $950
What's included: 
  • Professional Practices in Association Management, 4th Edition (course material)
  • Cliff notes with practice exam questions for each domain
  • Study group learnings and exam questions
  • Practice exam to build your readiness

Important Note:
The CAE exam fee is separate and must be paid directly to ASAE when applying for the exam.

  • Member Cost: $500 USD

For more details about the CAE exam fee, visit ASAE's website.

Apply Now



ASAE CAE Exam Fee Structure

  • Application Fee for ASAE Members: $500 USD
  • Application Fee for Non-Members: $750 USD

Key Details:

  • The application fee is non-refundable, except in cases where eligibility requirements are not met. A $150 processing fee will be deducted.
  • Approved applicants can take the exam once within 12 months (or two test administrations) at no additional cost.
  • Retaking the exam within the 12-month period requires an additional fee of $250 USD.
  • If the candidate does not sit for the exam within two test administrations, the application becomes invalid, and a new application and fee will be required.

Not a member of AuSAE? It’s not too late to join and benefit from the lower application fee.

Explore Membership Benefits Today



What You'll Receive Through AuSAE

When you participate in our CAE preparation program, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive set of resources designed to help you succeed, including:

  • CAE Exam Support: Assistance with CAE application requirements and payment of the exam fee (through ASAE).
  • Course Materials & Readings:
    • Professional Practices in Association Management, 4th Edition (hard copy).
    • Cliff notes with practice exam questions for each domain.
    • Additional online and PDF CAE domain practice exam questions.
  • Practice Exam:
    • Full 100-question practice exam in both digital and hard copy formats.
  • Mentorship:
    • Access to CAE mentors (upon request).
    • Individual mentor assistance as needed.
  • Facilitated Learning:
    • Study guide questions and in-depth guidance on each domain.
    • Detailed study plan, weekly quick key assessments, and discussion posts.
  • Live Sessions:
    • Weekly Zoom calls on Fridays from 9:00–10:00 am AEDT | 11:00–12:00 noon NZDT (timing may adjust slightly due to daylight saving changes).
    • Recordings available for flexibility.
  • Earn Continuing Education Hours
    • Approximately 15.0 hours of continuing education can be earned before the CAE application deadline.
    • Total course time is approximately 25 hours.


For more information about the CAE program and eligibility requirements, please reach out to Toni Brearley CAE, CEO at AuSAE.


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software