CAE Study Guide. Kathleen M. Edwards, CAE Executive Editor ASAE All rights reserved unless otherwise noted.

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1 CAE Study Guide Kathleen M. Edwards, CAE Executive Editor 2012 ASAE All rights reserved unless otherwise noted.

2 Contributors have worked diligently to ensure that all information in this book is accurate as of the time of publication and consistent with standards of good practice in the general management community. As research and practice advance, however, standards may change. For this reason it is recommended that readers evaluate the applicability of any recommendations in light of particular situations and changing standards. ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership 1575 I Street, NW Washington, DC Phone: (202) ; (888) outside the metropolitan Washington, DC area Fax: (202) books@asaecenter.org We connect great ideas and great people to inspire leadership and achievement in the association community. Keith C. Skillman, CAE, Vice President, Publications, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Baron Williams, CAE, Director of Book Publishing, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Cover by Cimarron Design This book is available at a special discount when ordered in bulk quantities. For information, contact the ASAE Member Service Center at (202) A complete catalog of titles is available on the ASAE website at Copyright 2012 by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership. All rights reserved. ISBN-13: ISBN-10: Permission to reproduce or transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system any portion of this work must be obtained in writing from the director of book publishing at the address or fax number above. Printed in the United States of America ii

3 Acknowledgements ASAE would like to recognize and thank the following people and groups who contributed to the development of the CAE Study Guide. Association Societies Alliance a voluntary membership organization of local, regional, multi-state, independent, and autonomous societies of association executives (SAEs), for 1) granting use of content that first appeared in the predecessor guide developed by the alliance and 2) for its liaison with the ASAE staff throughout the development of the guide CAE Commission and Its Staff for support of the study guide, review of CAE program information, and permission to use questions from the CAE exam item bank All Volunteers and Staff from All Organizations who contributed to all previous iterations of CAE study guides, to whom the creators and editors of this current CAE Study Guide are grateful CAE Immersion and Kickoff Presenters whose work supported the Domain Content Review sections of this guide Domain 1 Robert H. Rich, PhD, CAE American Chemical Society Domain 2 Andrea Rutledge National Architectural Accrediting Board Domain 3 Melanie R. Dixon, CAE, PHR National Art Education Association Tanya K. Tolpegin, CAE Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Domain 4 Christin Berry, CAE ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Domain 5 Richard Yep, CAE American Counseling Association Betsy Boyd-Flynn, CAE Oregon Medical Association Susan Radwan, CAE Leading Edge Mentoring Legal and Tax Issues for Nonprofit Associations George E. Constantine Venable, LLP Reviewers of the CAE Study Guide Draft Michelle Mills, CAE Association Forum of Chicagoland Numerous ASAE Staff who contributed to content and content review iii Domain 6 Brian T. Pallasch, CAE American Society of Civil Engineers Stefanie Reeves, MA, CAE American Psychological Association Domain 7 Jamie Lee DeSimone, CAE Member Strategies Domain 8 Shawn E. Boynes, CAE APIC Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Ericka Plater Turner, MS, MBA, CAE Council on Foundations Domain 9 Steve Erickson, CAE American College of Cardiology Ray Lindner, CAE National Guard Association of Texas

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5 Introduction The Certified Association Executive program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate individuals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of association management. Founded in 1960, the CAE program has stood as a mark of excellence for more than 50 years, and has evolved to reflect the growth of and changes in the practice of association management. This study guide is intended to help you, as a CAE candidate, prepare for the CAE examination. Whether you are a first-time candidate or have previously taken the exam, the guide offers information and advice to help you make the most of your preparation time. The study guide has six sections; be sure you set the stage for a more valuable study experience by reading through the entire guide first. Avoid the temptation to jump directly to Section 4 and studying the content. Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4: Section 5: Section 6: Using the Study Guide Getting Started including methods to assess your readiness Creating and Executing a Study Plan including essentials and resources for group and individual study Exam Day and Beyond fine-tuning difficult areas and tips for the big day, including getting in the right mindset, coping with pre- and post-exam anxiety, and applying what you ve learned in the exam environment. This section contains important information that will help your study be more effective. Studying the Content the heart of the study guide: a high-level summary of exam content by domain, including tips and resources Practice Exam giving you a real life experience in taking the exam using vetted practice questions provided by the CAE Commission Appendix ASAE s Standards of Conduct and Ethics Core Standards and the answer key for the Practice Exam This study guide integrates key elements enabling qualified candidates to study and prepare for the CAE examination. It begins with a review and self-assessment of the CAE Exam Content Outline, which will help you identify how well you believe you know the exam content. You're encouraged to do each of the self-assessments; however, even if you find you do not have time to do every one, do read each one and think about why a CSE would need to have this knowledge. Then, you ll explore your learning preferences, how to learn effectively, and ideas for incorporating these ideas into a self-designed study plan. Each candidate s individual path may be different; however, you ll discover generally effective study practices compiled from the experiences of many who have achieved the CAE credential. The CAE exam is designed to identify those ready to step into the role of chief staff executive (CSE) in an association of any type or size. As you work through the study guide, you may discover that how you ve done things in the past may not necessarily be the right or best way, and that there may be alternative ways to address a challenge. Your success will come from your experience, the new knowledge and understanding you acquire through your studies, and your decision-making capabilities. As you prepare, your mindset should always be that of a CSE regardless of your current association role. This last point cannot be emphasized enough. The self-assessments in this guide give you a foothold in evaluating what you'll need to understand to earn the credential. You must not think v

6 in terms of how you might respond to a question in the context of your current role in your association; instead, think as the CSE, who is responsible for all areas of an association. Avoid relying solely on this study guide during your exam preparation. Successful candidates typically combine individual study with participation in a study group. Several organizations offer CAE study courses; however, a study course should only be one part of preparation. Check with your local, state, or regional society or association network to connect with other CAE candidates. Additionally, reading case studies, participating in online discussions, and networking with a variety of association professionals can help you better understand the nuances of different nonprofits. Give yourself the best chance for success Savvy candidates begin early and align their association management continuing education courses to build their skills across all aspects of the Exam Content Outline. Work through Section 1 of this guide to see where you stand, and then use Section 2 to schedule your study accordingly. You ll find it worthwhile, also, to read Section 3 before you dive into Section 4 about studying the content. The CAE examination is not easy; plan to devote as much study time as you need to pass the exam first time. Knowing and understanding your personal motivation for pursuing the CAE certification can provide focus and strengthen your commitment to the process. Being aware of and committed to the timelines and your preparation goals for the exam are important to a successful outcome. Enjoy the journey! You will learn more than you anticipate. The knowledge you gain will be quickly valuable in your association management work. The CAE Commission The CAE Commission, an independent certifying body of the American Society of Association Executives, is responsible for the governance of the CAE program and all policies and standards related to the CAE credential. The program is administered by ASAE staff members, who implement the policies. This structure allows the CAE Commission to maintain integrity concerning policy matters related to credentialing. The commission issues certificates to individuals who successfully meet its standards. For assistance and more information Logon to for complete program information, including the CAE Candidate Handbook, which includes information about the entire CAE process and additional sample questions. Call the CAE staff at the CAE staff at caedept@asaecenter.org Note: The CAE Study Guide is independent of the CAE certification program. The CAE program is governed by the CAE Commission, an independent certifying body of the American Society of Association Executives. CAE is a registered trademark of the American Society of Association Executives and the CAE Commission. CAE Commissioners and CAE program volunteers are not involved in the development of any preparatory resource, and no preparatory resource is endorsed by the CAE Commission nor is a prerequisite to earn the CAE. The CAE Commission and CAE staffs are solely responsible for the policies and administration of the CAE program. vi

7 CAE Community Outreach Committee The CAE Community Outreach Committee (formerly the CAE Action Team) works to empower Certified Association Executives (CAEs) to act as ambassadors to promote and increase awareness about the CAE credential, and to help CAEs connect and engage with the CAE community. The group also supports the efforts of prospective CAEs through mentoring, informal education programs, and networking. For more information or to contact the CCOC, ASAE members can visit the group s page in collaborate, ASAE s online member community: CAE Candidate group in ASAE s Collaborate: ASAE members can connect with other CAE candidates and CAEs via the CAE Candidate group page in Collaborate, ASAE s online member community. Candidates use this group to discuss exam study tactics, connect with other candidates to form study groups, and engage in other methods of support in preparing for the CAE exam. To join the group, please use your ASAE member username and password to log in to Click on the Communities header from the main page navigation and then click on View Communities. Finally, in the search box, type CAE Candidate. Recurring programs of note in the CAE Candidate Group: CAE Virtual Cram Chats Typically held the Tuesday & Thursday during the week of the CAE exam, these virtual online chats allow candidates to ask CAEs any last minute content questions as they prepare for the exam. Archives of past chats are stored in the Library section of the CAE Candidate group page. Discussion Section Candidates can post questions or requests to other candidates and CAEs, such as questions about content, inquiries to start a study group, etc. Library Section Includes additional resources created by CAE candidates and the CAE Community Outreach Committee, such as the CAE Authoritative Literature List, breaking down each chapter of the literature by domain to aid in targeted studying for the exam. vii

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9 Section 1: Getting Started Table of Contents Introduction... 3 What is Certification?... 3 Reasons for Earning the CAE... 3 Are You Ready to Earn the CAE?... 5 My Path to Earn the CAE: A Personal Worksheet... 6 The Exam Content Outline And a Self-Assessment... 9 Section 2: Creating and Executing a Study Plan Planning Your CAE Study Path Identify Your Learning Preferences What We Know About How We Learn Study Resources The CAE Authoritative Literature Other Recommended Reading Additional Study Resources Creating a Personalized Study Schedule Deciding How to Allocate Study Time Keeping Track of Your Progress Template: CAE Study Schedule Planner Participating in a Study Group Contributing to and Learning from a Study Group Sample Group Schedule Planner Effectively Using Your Study Time Take Stock of Your Current Knowledge Selecting Study Approaches Keys to Study Success Check Your Progress Section 3: Exam Day Preparation...and Beyond Preparing for Exam Day Get into the Right Mindset The Last Few Days The Night Before Exam-Day Tips Taking the Exam Keys to Reading Questions A Final Exam Tip After the Exam ix

10 Section 4: Studying the Content The CAE Domains Basis and Creation Studying the Content Domains Domain 1: Organizational Management Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 1 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 2: Leadership Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 2 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 3: Administration Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 3 Content Review Legal and Tax Issues for Non-Profit Associations Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 4: Knowledge Management & Research Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 4 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 5: Governance & Structure Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 5 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key x

11 Domain 6: Public Policy, Governmental Relations, & Coalition-Building Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 6 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 7: Membership Development Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 7 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 8: Programs, Products, & Services Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 8 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Domain 9: Marketing, Public Relations, & Communications Recommended Reading Key Terms and Concepts Exam Content Outline and Self-Assessment Questions Domain 9 Content Review Study Questions Section Review Considerations Study Questions Answer Key Section 5: CAE Practice Exam Introduction CAE Practice Exam Section 6: Appendix ASAE Standards of Conduct ASAE Ethics Core Standards Practice Exam Answer Key xi

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