Acronym

Ben, thanks for your kind words about We Have Always Done It That Way. As one of the Five Independent Thinkers who authored the book, I am pleased that you find it useful in your work. We have certainly heard the same thing from many other association executives around the country. Our intention for the book is to spark dialogue about both the current state and future possibilities of the association community, and to do so on terms different than most association leaders tend to accept. We've been out for about a month now, and I think we are making excellent progress in advancing this important conversation.

To be honest, I doubt the CAE Commission is willing to invite the controversy that including our book on the CAE core reading list would create. Our book directly challenges many aspects of association management's prevailing orthodoxy, including ideas ostensibly "validated" by the 7 Measures of Success report. The role of the CAE Commission is to enforce orthodoxy for the purposes of certifying association executives, not to question the essential correctness of those ideas for organizations and leaders trying to succeed in a new operating environment. Of course, I remain open to being surprised.

It goes without saying that I personally endorse your call for a master's degree program for association leaders. As you well know, I write about this very subject in the book, and I encourage Acronym readers to check out this item online at http://www.alwaysdoneitthatway.com/2006/06/16/we-need-a-masters-degree/.

Dear Ben and Jeff,

It is an honor and privilege to have worked with the CAE Commission for the past 7 years, and to currently serve as its Chair. Through my involvement, I have had the opportunity to see the CAE program from many different perspectives. The experience has been very educational, and
has helped me to develop a deep respect for the complexity of the program, and the excellent work of the many, many volunteers who have contributed to its development. One constant area of challenge, however, has been misperceptions about those processes and the program.
Others have brought this post to my attention, and for the sake of ensuring the quality of discourse, I feel compelled to address a few issues raised in your exchange.

First, thank you each for your recognition and support for the fact that association management entails a specialized body of knowledge, and that such a body of knowledge should be determined on an empirical basis. In fact, the CAE Commission undertook the first study to document the
profession's body of knowledge for CEOs in 1997, as well an update study completed in 2003. Both studies document the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to serving as the executive director of an association of any type, of any size, and these studies serve as the basis for the CAE exam content outline. It is a priority for the Commission to ensure that the body of knowledge is updated at least every five years, and the ASAE Board has voiced its support for such continued updates.

In regard to readings, the CAE Commission has identified a limited number of resources that serve as the Authoritative Literature for the program. The Authoritative Literature is not a required reading list, nor intended to circumscribe the materials which a candidate might use in preparation for the exam. However, it is intended to provide candidates with a sense of the breadth and scope of knowledge reflected by the exam content outline and provides a definitive reference source for the examination. The Authoritative Literature is developed in
tandem with the Exam Content Outline. Policies also provide for an annual review of its adequacy and currency. I am pleased to hear that you found value in both of the publications you mention, as identifying titles for consideration is the first step in the literature review process.

In regard to the role of the CAE Commission and the focus of the examination, I think it is best captured by the mission of the CAE program: "to ensure that the consumer of association services receives competent association management." The Commission fulfills this mission by serving as the independent governing board of the certification program and following accepted practices in certification. My experience as CAE candidate, item writer, exam committee member, and now member of the Commission has helped me to develop an understanding of the myriad factors involved in the program. While such considerations may not always be evident to those not directly involved, I assure you that the Commission is committed to being open to suggestions and to transparency in its decision-making to the extent possible while also protecting the integrity of the examination and program.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the work of ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership and the many local, state, and regional societies of association executives who support the efforts of candidates preparing to earn the CAE credential. Many of these organizations have structured their educational programming upon the CAE exam content outline, thus providing a common empirical based framework for our profession's continuing education programs and knowledge resources.
Again, I appreciate your ongoing interest in the CAE program and thank you for your comments.