What is a Presentation Certification?
The Presentation Guild Certifications recognize the skills and expertise of presentation professionals.
What are Presentation Guild Certification Exams?
Presentation Guild certification exams are designed to recognize the skills and expertise of professionals in the presentation design and production industry. These certifications promote presentation work as a credible profession and allow individuals to demonstrate their proficiency and commitment to excellence.
Our certifications exams are unproctored and open book and therefore can be taken at any time within a year of your purchase at a time that is convenient for you.
The Value of Certification
Earning a certification from the Presentation Guild validates your experience and skills using PowerPoint, showcasing your knowledge to peers, clients, and employers. It also aligns you with a set of industry-recognized standards and sets you apart in a competitive market.
Who Can Get Certified?
The Presentation Guild's certification program is open to anyone who wants to get certified for their presentation and PowerPoint proficiency. You do not have to be a member of the Presentation Guild to take a certification exam and get certified.
The Role of PowerPoint
The Presentation Guild’s certification standards focus on PowerPoint, the most widely used tool in the presentation industry. These standards are not about simply learning how to operate PowerPoint, but about demonstrating the ability to use the tool efficiently to craft effective, professional presentations.
Why should I become a Certified Presentation Specialist or Expert?
The Presentation Guild was formed to give recognition and credibility to professionals in our field—something that’s been sorely lacking. For too long, presentation professionals have existed without a clear title, without a checkbox to tick, and without a credential that accurately communicates our skills. The Presentation Guild certification program helps fix that.
Like a license or diploma, it validates your ability in a specific area—creating high-quality, professional presentation materials. It’s credibility you can carry with you. Through structured exams based on industry standards, you gain a certification that not only verifies your skills, but also helps hiring managers, clients, and teams understand exactly what you’re capable of.
When you earn a Presentation Guild certification for PowerPoint proficiency, you gain more than just a certificate. You earn a credential you can use in your professional brand: on your business card, your LinkedIn profile, your website. You also receive a digital badge that links to a verified registry, so potential clients or employers can instantly confirm your skills. It’s a way to establish credibility with people who don’t know you yet—and that’s powerful.
If you’re serious about your work and ready to be recognized for your expertise, certification is a smart step forward. Start with the Certified Presentation Specialist™ (CPS) level, and go from there. You're not just certifiable—you’re certified.
Types of Certifications and Certifications Requirements
The Presentation Guild currently offers two levels of certification for PowerPoint proficiency: Certified Presentation Specialist (CPS™) (Level 1), and Certified Presentation Expert (CPE™) (Level 2).
LEVEL 1
CERTIFIED PRESENTATION
SPECIALIST™
REQUIREMENTS:
- 1,000+ hours of PowerPoint experience
EXAM FORMAT:
- Part 1: Multiple choice; 130 questions, 3.5 hours
- Part 2: Practical skills; 9 PowerPoint files, 48 hours from time of download
- Must pass both parts with a score of 80%
- One retake included in the price of one exam
RESOURCES:
- Presentation Industry Professional Standards
- Self-Assessment Spreadsheet
- Certified Presentation Specialist™ Study and Reference Guide
LEVEL 2
CERTIFIED PRESENTATION
EXPERT™
REQUIREMENTS:
- 3,000+ hours of PowerPoint experience
- Certified Presentation Specialist™ (CPS™) designation
EXAM FORMAT:
- Part 1: Multiple choice; 100 questions, 3 hours
- Part 2: Practical skills; 9 PowerPoint files, 48 hours from time of download
- Must pass both parts with a score of 80%
- One retake included in the price of one exam
RESOURCES:
- Presentation Industry Professional Standards
- Self-Assessment Spreadsheet
- Certified Presentation Expert Study and Reference Guide
How Much Do Certification Exams Cost?
LEVEL 1
CERTIFIED PRESENTATION
SPECIALIST™
PRICE FOR CPS™ EXAM:
$199 for initial certification exam
Presentation Guild members: $149 (25% discount)
RENEWALS:
$99 for renewals (every two years)
PREPARATORY CERTIFICATION EXAM BOOTCAMPS (OPTIONAL):
$499 including initial certification exam fee
Presentation Guild Members: $375 (25% discount)
DISCOUNTS FOR PRESENTATION GUILD MEMBERS
Log in with your membership credentials to receive your 25% discount before purchasing a CPS™ certification exam or bootcamp.
→ Become a member to access discounts
LEVEL 2
CERTIFIED PRESENTATION
EXPERT™
PRICE FOR CPE™ EXAM:
$199 for initial certification exam
Presentation Guild members: $149 (25% discount)
RENEWALS:
$99 for renewals (every two years)
PREPARATORY CERTIFICATION EXAM BOOTCAMPS (OPTIONAL):
$499 including initial certification exam fee
Presentation Guild members: $375 (25% discount)
DISCOUNTS FOR PRESENTATION GUILD MEMBERS
Log in with your membership credentials to receive your 25% discount before purchasing a CPE™ certification exam or bootcamp.
→ Become a member to access discounts
How do I Purchase a Certification Exam or Bootcamp?
To purchase a certification exam or bootcamp, access our store via the purchase button below. If you are a Presentation Guild member, log in before making a purchase to ensure your discount is applied. There are no refunds for purchased certification exams.
After you purchase the certification exam, you will receive access to the preparation materials, practice exams, and part 1: multiple choice exam, along with directions on how to download the files for part 2: practical skills exam after you have completed part 1.
How to Prepare and Take a Certification Exam
Got More Certification Questions?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about certifications.
What are some additional reasons for considering certification?
Certification helps you stand out in a competitive industry by validating your skills with an independent, recognized credential. Earning a presentation certification can be a powerful boost to your self-esteem and confidence. It provides tangible proof that your skills are not just self-taught or assumed—they're validated against professional standards recognized in the industry. Knowing that you’ve met these standards reinforces a sense of accomplishment and credibility, helping you trust your own abilities more deeply. Whether you're preparing client pitches, presenting to executives, or designing slides for others, a certification confirms that you truly know what you're doing—and that recognition can be incredibly empowering.
A Guild board member has captured our thoughts about certifications nicely in a blog post, and of course, we feel it’s well worth a read.
Blog: You Are Certifiable
What can I do with my certification badge?
Once you've passed the exam and earned your certification, your credentials will be issued via a digital credentials platform as a badge and certificate, so that you can retrieve it anywhere, anytime, and use it in a variety of ways:
→ Add it to your LinkedIn profile to get better job opportunities, as certifications can catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers looking for verified skills.
→ Share it on social media to showcase your skills to peers, clients, and industry connections, helping to build your personal brand.
→ Download it in PDF format for printing, making it easy to display in your workspace or include in a physical portfolio.
→ Post it on your website to enhance your credibility and show visitors you’re committed to excellence in your craft.
→ Include it in your email signature as a subtle yet consistent reminder of your professional qualifications with every message you send.
Can I take the certification exams (CPS™ or CPE™) in any order?
No. Each level must be taken in sequence: Certified Presentation Specialist™ (CPS) is Level 1 and when you have passed the Certified Presentation Specialist exam you can take the second level, the Certified Presentation Expert (CPE™) exam.
What happens after I complete the exams?
You’ll receive your part 1, multiple choice exam results immediately. Results for part 2, practical skills exam, will be sent via email to the email you used for registration. Upon passing both parts, you’ll receive a digital certificate and badge.
Can I purchase certifications exams for a group of people?
If you want to purchase certification exams or bootcamp training for a group of people, we'll be happy to accommodate you. Contact certifications@presentationguild.org for more information, bulk pricing and invoicing.
I use other presentation design tools when creating presentations - can I still pursue a presentation certification?
The core professional standards for the Presentation Guild’s Certified Presentation exams are centered around PowerPoint because it remains the most widely known and used tool in the presentation industry. These standards are not about simply learning how to operate PowerPoint, but about demonstrating the ability use the tool efficiently to craft effective, professional presentations. However, as the industry evolves and more tools gain traction, the Guild recognizes the need to expand its certification offerings. Future standards and certifications are planned to cover additional platforms such as Google Slides, Canva, and others, reflecting the diverse ways professionals create and deliver presentations today.
Where can I get more help with my certification questions?
If you have additional questions, please email us at certifications@presentationguild.org.