Professional Reference Guide BOOK

To purchase the Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Events Industry, Second Edition, published in 2024, visit our NACE Store​.


The Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Events Industry is a study tool to help prepare candidates for the CPCE exam​. This book includes a chapter on 7 of the 8 core competencies of the catering and events industry, and of CPCE​. For the one competency not included, Food Production, NACE endorses Food Safety Management Principles.


The 8 core competencies are:

  • Accounting
  • Beverage Management
  • Catering Services
  • Contracts and Agreements
  • Food Production
  • Event Management
  • Human Resources
  • Sales and Marketing


NACE orders The Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Event Industry on-demand from a vendor, and it takes time to print, bind, and ship the book. Orders will be delivered approximately 2-3 weeks from the order date.


This educational product is a helpful study tool for candidates planning to take the CPCE exam before January 1, 2024.


NACE encourages all CPCE candidates with approved applications to schedule the CPCE exam by emailing cpce@nace.net