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 prior to October 1, 2023.

NACE is currently working on the Second Edition of the Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Events Industry. NACE is also planning to launch the new CPCE exam as early as October 1, 2023. This date is subject to change.

Before the launch of the new CPCE exam, NACE will provide CPCE candidates with approved applications at least 30 days of notice to take the exam in its current form before launching the new CPCE exam.

We have found that CPCE candidates who select an exam date are motivated to study and prepare for the exam. Exams may be scheduled multiple weeks or months ahead of time, and the date may be adjusted if needed.

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