CAE Fall 2026 Study Group Begins

New and Improved: 10-Week CAE Study Group


Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Zoom Meeting

Ready to take the next big step in your association leadership journey? Earning your CAE is more than a milestone—it’s a powerful move that sets you apart, deepens your expertise, and opens new doors.

Get exam-ready with our refreshed and upgraded CAE Study Group! This structured 10-week program now features expert-led sessions facilitated by experienced, recently certified CAE peers who provide deep insights into each domain of the CAE exam.

Each week includes a guided walk-through of key study materials and an engaging discussion of quiz answers to reinforce learning and clarify concepts. Whether you're just beginning your prep or fine-tuning your knowledge, this collaborative and supportive cohort will keep you focused and confident.

The virtual study group takes place virtually on Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. PST. Sessions are recorded for future reference or in the instance of an absence. It is requested that participants join in at least half of the ten sessions offered.

  • Sept 23 – Welcome & Orientation
  • Sept 30 – Domain 1
  • Oct 7 – Domain 2
  • Oct 14 – Domain 3
  • Oct 21 – Domain 4
  • Oct 28 – Domain 5
  • Nov 4 – Domain 6
  • Nov 11 – Domain 7
  • Nov 18 – Domain 8
  • (Nov 25 – holiday – not meeting)
  • Dec 2 – Practice Exam Review

This Study Group is founded on the current CAE Exam Outline as identified by ASAE for exams taking between 2025-2030.

In addition, all participants must purchase the following:

  • CAE Study Guide 2023
  • Professional Practices in Association Management, 4th Edition (print or digital
  • Association Law Handbook, 6th Edition (print or digital
  • Membership Essentials: Recruitment, Retention, Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources, 2nd Edition (print or digital
  • The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management, 4th Edition (print or digital

The following are also recommended but not required:

  • ASAE ForesightWorks User’s Guide (print or digital)
  • How to Read Nonprofit Financial Statements, 3rd edition (print or digital)

For additional information, browse the CAE Core Resources and the CAE Candidate Handbook. 


CAE Credits

As a CAE Approved Provider educational program related to the CAE exam content outline, this program may be applied for 10 credits toward your CAE application or renewal professional development requirements.


Cost

$249/member
$349/nonmember

Schedule

Virtually on the following Wednesdays from 2:00 - 3:00 pm PST

  • Sept 23 – Welcome & Orientation
  • Sept 30 – Domain 1
  • Oct 7 – Domain 2
  • Oct 14 – Domain 3
  • Oct 21 – Domain 4
  • Oct 28 – Domain 5
  • Nov 4 – Domain 6
  • Nov 11 – Domain 7
  • Nov 18 – Domain 8
  • (Nov 25 – holiday – not meeting)
  • Dec 2 – Practice Exam Review

Sessions are recorded for future reference or in the instance of an absence. It is requested that participants join in at least half of the ten sessions offered.


Testimonials
“I credit my passing of the CAE Exam to the study group, I'm so grateful to Associations West 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 Rundle, CAE, Director of Operations, National American Blueberry Council
“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, Deputy Executive Director, CA IT in Education (CITE) 

Contact

Megan Denhardt, CAE, Education Consultant


Policies

Meeting & Event General Policies