CAE Study Group

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) Program, is intended to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and recognize those who demonstrate deep knowledge essential to the practice of association management.

By earning the CAE, you'll gain:

• Expanded knowledge in every aspect of association management
• Professional recognition by peers, staff, and volunteer leaders
• Increased networking opportunities with other leaders in our profession 

  To learn more about the CAE, visit www.whatisCAE.org.

Fall 2025 CAE Study Group

Now Enhanced with CAE Mentor-Led Domain Presentations 

Get ready to level up your CAE exam prep with our acclaimed peer-driven CAE Study Group—now with a new layer of support for Fall 2025! In addition to our traditional candidate-led discussions and mentor guidance, this enhanced session includes weekly presentations on each CAE domain delivered by knowledgeable mentors who have successfully earned their CAE credential.

Over the course of 10 virtual weekly sessions, you’ll connect with fellow candidates and experienced mentors—many of whom are recent CAE recipients and study group alumni. This self-paced, collaborative format allows you to dive into difficult content, ask questions, and learn practical tips for navigating the exam with confidence.

Whether you’re just beginning your CAE journey or deep into your prep, this study group offers an invaluable mix of structure, support, and community.

Join us this fall and take your next step toward earning the CAE—together.

See the events calendar for full details on upcoming sessions and to register.

Other CAE Study Group Options

CalSAE members may wish to explore other CAE prep courses such as those offered through the Michigan Society of Association Executives. Please use code CALSAE-CAE when registering for an additional discount.

Member Testimonials

“I credit my passing of the CAE Exam to the study group, I'm so grateful to CalSAE for their efforts in devoting time to ensure the sessions are successful and thorough! I learned just as much about how to successfully take the exam as the content itself.”

- Shaun S. Rundle, CAE - 2023 Study Group Participant
Executive Director, California Peace Officers Association

“The CAE study group is invaluable--both for knowledge as well as forming a cohort. The CAE exam is not one that you can just buy a book or two and walk into; the questions are challenging and there is definitely a right interpretation to be sought. I encourage anyone considering earning their CAE to join the study group!”

- Laurel Nava, CAE - 2023 Study Group Participant
Director of Education & Partnerships, CA IT in Education (CITE) 

Mentors

If you currently have your CAE certification, you know how crucial this resource is. Consider becoming a study group mentor... your peers and colleagues are counting on you. We're looking for domain mentors as well as lead mentors. Mentors will guide the group each week and will be present to assist on specific topic areas. If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor, please contact Megan Denhardt.

Questions?

Contact Megan Denhardt, CAE, Education Consultant