Become an Event Planner
You will learn: what an event planner does and how to plan events, how to develop your skills to succeed in an event planner career, how to get hired for a job as an event planner, and how to start your own event planning business and get clients.
What Happens in this Certificate Course
The Event Planner Certificate Course is an online learning program with suggested readings from the textbook (IAP Career College Guide to Become an Event Planner). Unlike other event planning classes and event planning certification, this course is self directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home. In this course, you will learn everything you need to know about how to become an event planner.
This part-time Event Planner Certification Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
The Event Planner Certificate Course has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in the career.
Register NowCourse Topics
The Event Planner Certificate Course Online has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Event Planner Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College).
How to Become an Event Planner
In this course, you will learn how to become an event planner. Topics covered in the Event Planner Certificate Course include the following:
Introduction to Event Planning
- Event Planning as a Profession
- What an Event Planner Does
- Planning Social Events
- Planning Corporate Events
- Planning Industry Events
- Planning Special Events
How to Plan Events
- Steps to Planning an Event
- Getting Organized as an Event Planner
- Establishing an Event Committee
- Finding an Event Venue
- Choosing Event Vendors
- Marketing and Publicity for Events
- What Happens on Event Day
- After the Event
Developing Your Event Planning Skills
- Essential Skills for Event Planners
- Learning From Event Planning Experts
- How to Get Event Planning Experience
Getting a Job as an Event Planner
- Who Hires Event Planners
- Companies That Plan Events for Clients
- Hospitality Industry Employers
- Corporate and Institutional Employers of Event Planners
- How to Find Job Openings for Event Planners
- Creating Your Event Planning Job Hunting Materials and Portfolio
Starting an Event Planning Business
- Setting Up Your Event Planning Business
- Equipment and Supplies Needed for Event Planning
- Event Planning Employees and Contractors
- Setting Your Event Planning Fees
- Getting Paid
Getting Event Planning Clients
- Your Target Markets
- Preparing Your Event Planning Portfolio and Promotional Tools
- Marketing Techniques for Event Planners
- Getting Referrals for Your Event Planning Business
- Getting Free Publicity for Your Event Planning Business
- Marketing Event Planning Services to Corporate Clients
- Event Planning Client Contracts
What Is Included in the Event Planner Certificate Course
This all-inclusive Event Planner Certificate Course package includes:
- Registration for the Event Planner Certificate Course
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and event planning career advice
- (Optional) 2026 membership in the IAPO International Association of Professional Event Planners for only US$ 2.99 per month
- Downloadable Event Planner Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
- (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
- Textbook: IAP Career College Guide to Become an Event Planner (e-book edition)

Register for the Event Planner Certificate Course
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.
You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.
Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Event Planner Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 179.00 for the September 14, 2026 course.
Associated Courses
Register today for the Event Planner Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Event Planner Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.
If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.
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How much can I earn as an event planner?
Successful event planners can make well over $100,000 per year. Income will vary depending on your niche, location, and offerings.
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What will I learn in the Event Planner Certificate Course?
You’ll learn how to plan successful events, step by step. You’ll also learn how to land an event planning job and how to start your own event planning business.
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Do I need prior experience to enroll in the Event Planner Certificate Course?
No prior experience is necessary. This course is designed for beginners and those new to event planning. It’s also beneficial for professionals seeking to enhance their event planning skills.
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Is the Event Planner Certificate Course online and flexible?
Yes, the course is 100% online and self-paced. You can study from anywhere and complete the program on your schedule, typically in 2 to 12 weeks, with 6 weeks recommended.
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What career opportunities can the Event Planner Certificate Course prepare me for?
Graduates can pursue a career as an event planner, either as an event planning business owner, freelancer, or with a corporation that plans events for other businesses and individuals.
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Will I receive a certificate upon completing the Event Planner Certificate Course?
Yes, upon successful completion, you’ll receive an Event Planner Certificate from IAP Career College. This credential can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile to showcase your training.
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Can I enroll in the Event Planner Certificate Course from outside the U.S. or Canada?
Yes, the course is open to students worldwide. As it is entirely online, you can enroll and study from any location.
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What support is available during the Event Planner Certificate Course?
While the course is self-directed, you’ll have access to a faculty member for personal support and guidance throughout your 6 week enrollment period.
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What is IAP Career College?
The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering affordable online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers.
Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end-of-life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self-paced options.






