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.
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.
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 Certified Presentation Exams 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 pass a Presentation Guild certification for PowerPoint proficiency whether at the Specialist or the second Expert level — 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).
Got More Certification Questions?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about certifications.
Could you share 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?
The Presentation Guild certification badge received after a passed exam will be available in an online format 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 online multiple-choice results immediately. Practical exam results will be sent via email to the email you used for registration. Upon passing both parts, you’ll receive a certificate and a digital badge.
I want to purchase certifications cxams 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 [email protected] for mor 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. The core industry 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 [email protected].
