Business, General Tips, Your Event Career
Do You Need a License to Be an Event Planner?
Updated 2025.
Key Points
- No, you do not need a license to be a professional event planner. You also do not need a degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with some kind of schooling on their resume.
- The job of an event planner is to coordinate all aspects of an event, from start to finish.
- Perks of the job include getting to be your own boss, working in a creative environment, meeting new and interesting people, getting to travel, and so much more.
- Common challenges of being an event planner are dealing with difficult clients, working long hours, managing tight budgets, and handling last-minute changes.
- To become an event planner, you will need: a strong understanding of industry trends, excellent creativity, organization, and customer service skills, a strong professional network, and a proficient use of technology.
- Although prior training isn’t mandatory, not having it could stunt your chances for success. The best way to ensure success in this field is to complete an event planning certification course.
- Advantages of getting professional training include: giving you a competitive edge in the field, providing you with the proper skill-set needed, making you more attractive to prospective clients, etc.
- QC Event School provides globally-recognized online, self-paced certification training that can be completed in as little as 3 short months.
- QC Event School has helped over 30,000+ students and graduates launch thriving careers in the events and wedding industry.
- If you choose to start your own event planning business, make sure to get liability insurance. You should also look into a sales tax permit, an employment identification number (EIN), zoning permit, etc. to see if you will also need these for your business as well.
Introduction
Event planning is a fun and exciting industry, but it’s also a very competitive one. One of the first questions you’re probably wondering is: do you need a license to be an event planner? The answer to that question depends on your personal career goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the requirements for becoming an event planner. Furthermore, we’ll also discuss whether or not you need a degree to be an event planner. So, keep reading to learn more!
Pro Tip: Dream of a career as an event planner, but not sure how to get started? Learn how YOU can launch a career in event planning (even if you have no experience)!
Do You Need a License To Be an Event Planner?
The short answer is no, you do not need a license to be an event planner. However, some states do require event planners to have a business license. Furthermore, if you’re planning on working with alcohol at your events, then you’ll need to get a liquor license.
Other than that, there are no specific licenses or certifications that you need to be an event planner. However, that doesn’t mean that becoming an event planner is easy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite!
What Do You Need To Become an Event Planner?
As we mentioned before, the event planning industry is very competitive. To make your events stand out from the rest, you’ll need to:
- Have a strong understanding of the latest trends in the industry;
- Be creative, organized, and have excellent customer service skills;
- Have a strong network of vendors and suppliers that you can rely on;
- Be proficient in the use of technology.
Do You Need To Have a Degree To Be an Event Planner?
While you don’t need a license to be an event planner, some employers may prefer that you have a degree in event planning or a related field. Having a degree can give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that you need to be successful in the industry. Additionally, having a degree (or some type of professional certification) from an accredited program can also make you more competitive when applying for jobs.
Can You Be an Event Planner Without a Degree?
While having a degree can give you a leg up in the industry, no, it’s not required. There are many successful event planners who don’t have a formal education in event planning. If you’re thinking of becoming an event planner but don’t have a degree, then your best bet is to start working in the industry in some capacity. For example, you could start out as an assistant or intern and work your way up.
Additionally, there are many online courses and resources that can teach you the skills that you need to be a successful event planner. Ultimately, though, while you’re not required to obtain any sort of qualifications to be an event planner, we DO highly recommend it!
The Benefits Of Getting Certified as an Event Planner
While you don’t technically “need” a license or a degree to be an event planner, there are some benefits to getting certified:
- It can make you more competitive when applying for jobs;
- Being certified also shows that you’re serious about your career and that you’re committed to professional development;
- Proper training will ensure that you have these skills and this vital knowledge that’s necessary to excel in the industry;
- And SO much more!
The Consequences Of Not Having Proper Training or Education
Not having the proper training or education can make it difficult to find a job as an event planner. The fact is, if clients have the choice between giving their money to a certified planner vs. someone with no professional training, they will ALWAYS go with the certified professional.
Additionally, if you do find a job, you may be at a disadvantage when compared to your competition. Not to mention, not having the proper skills can also lead to subpar event planning results.
QC Event School’s Online Certification Training
If you’re looking to get certified as an event planner, then QC Event School’s online certification training is the perfect solution for you! Our self-paced courses are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful event planner. Not only that – our courses are also affordable, flexible, and can be completed entirely online. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to get certified, then QC Event School is the perfect choice for you!
Pro Tip: Make sure to check out our full list of courses (and their internationally-recognized certifications)!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an event planner with no experience?
A: If you have no experience working in the events industry, then your best bet is to complete proper training. Once you have the necessary skills and knowledge, you can start applying for entry-level jobs. Alternatively, you could also start your own event planning business.
How does being an event planner work?
A: The job of an event planner is to coordinate all aspects of an event, from start to finish. This includes everything from finding the perfect venue to booking caterers, entertainment, and more. Event planners also often handle day-of coordination, which means they’re responsible for making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.
Is it hard to be an event planner?
A: Like with any job, being an event planner has its challenges. Some of these challenges often include:
- Dealing with difficult clients;
- Working long hours, including nights and weekends;
- Managing a tight budget;
- And handling last-minute changes.
That being said, though, many people find event planning to be a very rewarding career!
What are the perks of being an event planner?
A: In addition to the challenges, being an event planner also has its perks! Some of these perks include:
- Being your own boss;
- Working in a creative industry;
- Meeting new and interesting people;
- Getting to travel to different places;
- Making a genuine difference in people’s lives, etc.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding, event planning may be the perfect fit for you!
Do I need liability insurance for my event planning business?
A: Yes, you should have liability insurance for your event planning business. This will protect you in the event that something goes wrong and someone is injured or their property is damaged.
Fact: QC Event School has helped 30,000+ students and grads launch successful careers in the events industry. Enroll today and get your dream career started!
How do I become an independent event planner?
A: If you want to become an independent event planner, then you’ll need to start your own business. This can be a daunting task, but if you approach it with a plan in place, then you’ll be more likely to succeed. Some things you’ll need to do include:
- Choose a business structure;
- Obtain the necessary licenses and permits;
- Create a business plan;
- Find event planning software;
- And develop a marketing strategy.
Pro Tip: Discover how you can start an event planning business from scratch!
What should I include in my event planning business plan outline?
A: When putting together your business plan, make sure that it includes the following information:
- Executive Summary;
- Company Description;
- Market Analysis;
- Sales and Marketing Strategy;
- Service Offerings;
- Management Team;
- Financial Plan;
- And Appendix.
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into starting an event planning business. However, if you have the passion and determination to succeed, then you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful independent event planner!
What are the legal requirements for an event planning business?
A: The legal requirements for an event planning business will vary depending on your location. However, there are some common requirements that you’ll need to take care of, such as obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. Additionally, you’ll also need to have liability insurance in place to protect your business (as discussed earlier).
What are the licenses and permits for businesses?
A: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain the following licenses and permits:
- Business license;
- Sales tax permit;
- Employer identification number (EIN);
- Liquor license;
- Special event permit;
- Zoning permit, etc.
As you can see, there are a variety of licenses and permits that may be required for your event planning business. So, be sure to check with your local government to see what’s required in your area!
Resources To Bookmark
Finally, here are some resources that you’ll want to bookmark as you embark on your professional event planning journey:
- Should YOU Start an Event Planning Business?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start an Event Planning Business?
- How To Brand Your Event Planning Business
- The Best Tools To Grow Your Event Planning Business
- 10 Reasons Why Your Business Isn’t Making Money
- The 10 Must-Have Skills Every Event Planner Needs
- The 10 Most Profitable Careers in Event Planning
- 11 Niche Ideas For an Event Planning Business
- How To Get Clients as an Event Planner
- The Top 10 Tips To Market Your Planning Business
