• The CAE® Program is Canada’s only fully online program that leads to a professional designation in not-for-profit leadership. Designed to meet the needs of leaders in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive market, CAE courses provide critical transferable skills overlaid with sector-specific knowledge.   

    CAE Students:

    • Executives and other senior leaders in the non-profit sector who seek increased confidence in their daily practice
    • Executives and other senior leaders who have transitioned to non-profit leadership from another sector
    • Managers and other leaders who aspire to more senior roles
    Original CAE Program

    CAE Program Description

    Based on core not-for-profit management subjects, the original CAE® Program is a suite of five online, 12-week courses and a certifying exam. This original program is being phased out as a new, restructured program is introduced.  

    The full program can be completed in as little as 20 months. The final intake for the original program will be in the Fall of 2024 with a completion date of 2027, when the certifying exam will be offered for the last time.
    CAE Courses

    • CAE 100 – Association Leadership, Change, Strategy & Structure
    • CAE 200 – Association Membership Services
    • CAE 300 – Association Operations I Operations Support
    • CAE 400 – Association Operations II Products & Services

    The last opportunity to take the CAE certifying exam and complete the original program will be in August 2027.  

    Students who began their learning in the original program must continue in that program and complete the final exam to achieve their CAE designation. Although the two programs overall have substantially similar learning outcomes, the content has been reorganized and redistributed to such an extent that no single course in the restructured program is equivalent to a course in the original program.  

    The CAE 100 to CAE 500 courses will be gradually phased out between now and 2027. The final intakes will be:  

    • CAE 100: Fall 2024 
    • CAE 200: Spring 2025 
    • CAE 300: Winter 2026 
    • CAE 400: Fall 2026 
    • CAE 500: Spring 2027 
    • Final exam: August 2027 
    Restructured CAE Program

    CAE Program Description

    Based on core not-for-profit management subjects the CAE® Program is a suite of five online, 12-week courses and a capstone project. The full program can be completed in as little as 20 months and up to five years.  

    CAE Courses 

    CAE Optimize Governance 

    CAE Establish Direction 

    CAE Lead People 

    CAE Manage Operations 

    CAE Deliver Value 

    • This course will be offered for the first time in Fall 2025. Instructor to be announced.  

    CAE Program Fees 

    CAE Optimize GovernanceCSAE Members: $899Non-Members: $999
    CAE Establish DirectionCSAE Members: $899Non-Members: $999
    CAE Lead PeopleCSAE Members: $899Non-Members: $999
    CAE Manage OperationsCSAE Members: $899Non-Members: $999
    CAE Deliver ValueCSAE Members: $899Non-Members: $999
    Capstone ProjectCSAE Members: Need to hold an active CSAE membership to write the Capstone Project.

    Several current CAE® students have already succeeded in having their studies subsidized, allowing them to join fellow association executives from across the country in the development of their not-for-profit competencies.

    Start planning your participation in the CAE© by exploring your region’s job grant program options. Apply for a grant today and get started!

    For more information on the CAE program, please contact:
    CAE Department
    cae@csae.com
    416.363.3555 x 242
    1.800.461.3608 x 242

    CAE Program Delivery

    All courses, the exam or the capstone project for the CAE Program are offered in a flexible online format with no required travel – your computer and a reliable internet connection are your passport to learning! Course participants collaborate with peers and instructors through online discussion forums and benchmarking exercises to enhance the learning experience. As a student, you’ll discover the strategies and approaches your peers from across the country are using in their own organizations. Assignments feature real-world scenarios that allow you to explore new approaches that can then be implemented into your work.

    Additional information:

    Need financial assistance?

    If you’ve been considering pursuing your Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation, you may qualify for funding to support your studies!

    Canadian provinces and territories offer qualified individuals attractive grants to help fund their professional development. Program requirements may vary by region and could make it easier for your association to invest in your future! Visit Canada.ca to explore possible grant opportunities in your region.

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