466: Keeping an Eye on Certifications w/ Brian Watkins CMAA

Private Club Radio Show

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10d ago 50:48

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So you want those letters after your name—CCM, CCE,
maybe even MCM—but you’re not sure where to start, how long it takes,
or if it’s even worth it?
This episode answers all your certification questions.
This week on The Private Club Radio Show, we sit down with
Brian Watkins, Director of Certification & Education at the
Club Management Association of America (CMAA).
If you’ve ever registered for a BMI, counted your CECs, or prepped for the CCM exam, you’ve already felt Brian’s impact.
In this episode, Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at:
*What it really takes to earn your Certified Club Manager (CCM)
*How to track and use your Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
*The step-by-step journey to Honor Society, Certified Chief Executive (CCE), and the elite Master Club Manager (MCM) designation
*What role BMI programs play in the process—and how to get the most out of them
*Why CMAA’s certification path is evolving to support the next generation of club professionals
*Common pitfalls, myths, and game-changing tips for every manager on the path to professional growth

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Chapters

1. Brian’s Nonlinear Career Start (00:00:00)

2. Discovering Associations And Certification Work (00:02:45)

3. Why Adult Education Hooked Brian (00:06:40)

4. Role At CMAA And Behind The BMIs (00:10:55)

5. The CCM Path And Timeline (00:16:20)

6. Exam Competencies And Passing Rules (00:21:40)

7. Beyond CCM: Honor Society, CCE, MCM (00:26:00)

8. Is Certification Worth It (00:31:40)

9. Myths, Misinformation, And Getting Clarity (00:36:20)

10. How Certification Changes Managers (00:40:30)

11. A Hungrier, More Diverse Talent Pipeline (00:45:30)

12. Chapters As Local Education Engines (00:50:10)

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