Top 11 Channel Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a channel manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their field. A certification can show employers that the individual is qualified to manage channels effectively and efficiently, which can help them stand out among other applicants for the same position. Certifications also provide employers with an understanding of what skills and abilities an individual possesses and how those skills can be applied to the role. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or industries in order to get hired, so having one can increase a person's chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for Channel Managers and explain how they can help advance a channel manager's career.

What are Channel Manager Certifications?

Channel Manager Certification is a professional designation offered by the Channel Management Association (CMA) to individuals who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of effective channel management. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing the relationships between a company and its partners or channels, such as distributors, retailers, resellers, or franchisees.

By obtaining this certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in channel management and gain recognition from their peers and employers. Channel manager certification can help ensure that those responsible for managing partner relationships have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so effectively. It also provides an opportunity to learn best practices from industry experts and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in channel management. Having this certification may also give candidates more job opportunities and increase their chances of getting promoted within their organization. Ultimately, it can help channel managers become better equipped to lead successful partnerships that create value for both parties involved.

Pro Tip: When obtaining a channel manager certification, be sure to research the requirements and expectations of the program you are applying to. It is important to understand what is required in order to successfully complete the certification process and receive your certification. Additionally, it is beneficial to stay up-to-date on best practices within the field and seek out industry resources that can help you prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Channel Manager do?

Top 11 Channel Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Channel Managers today.

1. Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG)

Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) is an international, non-profit organization that develops open standards for the hospitality industry. HTNG was founded in 2003 with the mission of bringing together hoteliers and technology providers to develop open standards and solutions that will enable hotels to better serve their guests.

HTNG works to create standards that make it easier for hotels to integrate different systems, such as property management systems, customer relationship management systems, point of sale systems, and more. These standards make it easier for hotels to share data between different vendors and provide a better experience for their guests.

The process of getting HTNG certified typically takes about 6 months. In order to become certified, a hotel must first join HTNG as a member. Once they have joined, they can then begin the certification process which includes completing an application form, submitting documentation on their current technology infrastructure, and participating in an onsite audit by an independent third party auditor.

The cost of becoming HTNG certified varies depending on the size of the hotel and its current technology infrastructure. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $2,000-$5,000 USD per hotel location. This cost covers the application fee as well as any fees associated with the audit process.

In addition to becoming certified by HTNG, many hotels also choose to become members of other hospitality industry organizations such as Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTN), Hotel Technology Forum (HTF), or Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA). These organizations provide additional resources and support for hotels looking to adopt new technologies and improve their guest experience.

2. OpenTravel Alliance (OTA)

OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) is an international not-for-profit organization that develops and maintains open standards for the electronic exchange of data between travel companies. OTA's mission is to facilitate the development of a global network of travel information systems, enabling all participants in the travel industry to communicate with each other in a secure and efficient manner.

OTA membership is open to any company or organization that has an interest in the use of electronic data interchange (EDI) technology for the exchange of travel information. Membership fees are based on the size of the organization, ranging from $500 per year for small businesses to $10,000 per year for large companies.

Getting started with OTA is relatively straightforward. First, you will need to register your company as an OTA member. This process typically takes about three weeks and involves completing an online application form and providing proof of business registration. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to access OTA's standards documents and begin integrating them into your business processes.

You will also need to purchase software or services from one of OTA's certified vendors in order to implement their standards. The cost for this depends on the type of software or services you require, but can range anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on your needs.

3. Oracle Hospitality Connectivity and Integration Platform (HCIP)

Oracle Hospitality Connectivity and Integration Platform (HCIP) is a cloud-based platform that enables hotels to easily connect and integrate their existing systems with Oracle Hospitality products. It facilitates the exchange of real-time data between applications, allowing hoteliers to make more informed decisions, drive revenue growth, and improve guest experiences.

HCIP is designed to be easy to use, secure, and reliable. It takes only minutes to set up the integration between two applications, reducing time and costs associated with manual data entry. The platform also provides a single point of access for all integrations, allowing hoteliers to manage their connections from one place.

To get started with HCIP, hoteliers must first purchase an Oracle Hospitality subscription plan that includes HCIP. Once purchased, they can log in to the HCIP portal and begin setting up their integrations. The cost of an Oracle Hospitality subscription plan varies depending on the services included in the plan.

Once logged into the HCIP portal, hoteliers can create connections between two applications by selecting which applications they want to connect from a list of pre-integrated solutions or by creating custom integrations using APIs or webhooks. They can then configure settings such as frequency of data exchange and mapping fields between systems before activating their connection.

Overall, Oracle Hospitality Connectivity and Integration Platform (HCIP) is a powerful platform that allows hoteliers to quickly and easily integrate their existing systems with Oracle Hospitality products. It provides a secure environment for exchanging real-time data between applications while reducing time spent on manual data entry tasks.

4. SiteMinder Channel Manager Certification

SiteMinder Channel Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help hoteliers and other hospitality professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their online distribution channels. The certification program consists of four modules which cover topics such as channel management, website optimization, revenue management, and analytics.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. To get certified, you must first register for the program by completing an online registration form. Once registered, you will be given access to the course material which includes videos, quizzes and assignments. After completing all four modules, you will be required to take a final exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the SiteMinder Channel Manager Certification program is $499 USD. This fee covers the cost of the course material and exam fees. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a certificate from SiteMinder that validates your knowledge of channel management best practices.

5. RoomKeyPMS Channel Manager Certification

RoomKeyPMS Channel Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help hoteliers, property managers, and other hospitality professionals become proficient in the use of RoomKeyPMS’s channel management software. The certification program covers topics such as setting up channels, managing rates and inventory, creating promotions and offers, and troubleshooting common issues.

The certification process typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete. It consists of an online course that includes video tutorials, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. Once the course is completed, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified in RoomKeyPMS Channel Manager, you must first register for the program through their website. The cost of the certification program varies depending on the type of subscription you choose (monthly or annual).

Once registered for the program, you will be given access to all course materials and will be able to begin your training immediately. After completing the coursework and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your RoomKeyPMS Channel Manager Certification.

6. Cloudbeds Channel Manager Certification

Cloudbeds Channel Manager Certification is an online course designed to help hospitality professionals understand how to use the Cloudbeds Channel Manager software. The certification program covers topics such as setting up and managing rates, inventory, and reservations across multiple channels. It also provides guidance on essential features such as revenue management, reporting, and analytics.

The certification program typically takes about 4 hours to complete. During this time, users will learn how to use the software’s features and tools in order to maximize their hotel’s revenue potential. Additionally, they will gain a better understanding of the various channels available for distribution and how to optimize them for maximum return.

In order to get certified, users must first sign up for a free trial of Cloudbeds Channel Manager. After signing up, users can take the certification course at their own pace by watching videos or reading through tutorials. Once they have completed all of the required modules, they can take a final exam which will determine if they have successfully achieved certification status.

The cost of Cloudbeds Channel Manager Certification is $99 USD per user. This fee covers access to the course materials as well as the final exam and certificate upon successful completion of the program.

7. TravelClick iHotelier Channel Manager Certification

TravelClick iHotelier Channel Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help hoteliers maximize their revenue through the use of TravelClick’s iHotelier Channel Manager. The certification program provides hoteliers with an in-depth understanding of how to effectively manage their distribution channels, optimize their rate and inventory settings, and maximize their revenue.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on training session. The online course covers topics such as setting up your channel manager, managing rates and inventory, optimizing your distribution channels, and more. It typically takes about 4 hours to complete the online course.

The hands-on training session is conducted by a TravelClick expert who will provide one-on-one guidance on how to best use the iHotelier Channel Manager for your property. This session typically lasts about 2 hours.

To get certified, you must first complete the online course and then attend the hands-on training session. Once both components have been completed successfully, you will receive your TravelClick iHotelier Channel Manager Certification.

The cost of the TravelClick iHotelier Channel Manager Certification depends on the type of package that you select when signing up for the program. There are three different packages available ranging from $99 to $499 USD depending on your needs.

8. Availpro Channel Manager Certification

Availpro Channel Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help hoteliers and property managers gain expertise in the use of Availpro’s channel management technology. The certification program is free to join and provides a comprehensive overview of Availpro’s features, best practices, and strategies for optimizing performance.

The certification process typically takes around two hours to complete and consists of four modules: Introduction to Availpro, Channel Management Strategies, Advanced Features & Best Practices, and Performance Optimization. Each module includes video tutorials and quizzes that assess knowledge gained from the training material. Upon completion of all four modules, participants will receive an official Availpro Channel Manager Certification.

Participants can access the program online at any time and can work through it at their own pace. There is no cost associated with joining the program or completing the certification process.

9. Clock PMS Channel Manager Certification

Clock PMS Channel Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help hospitality professionals become proficient in the use of Clock PMS, a cloud-based property management system. The certification program consists of two levels: Basic and Advanced.

Basic Certification: This level covers the basics of using Clock PMS, including setting up properties, creating reservations, managing rates and inventory, and using the reporting features. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete this level of certification.

Advanced Certification: This level covers more advanced topics such as setting up interfaces with other systems (e.g., booking engines), managing multiple properties from one place, and automating tasks with workflows. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete this level of certification.

To get certified in either level of Clock PMS Channel Manager Certification, you must take an online exam that tests your knowledge on the topics covered in the course material. The cost for each level is $150 USD.

10. Protel PMS Channel Manager Certification

Protel PMS Channel Manager Certification is a certification program offered by Protel Solutions, a global hotel software provider. The certification is designed to ensure that users of the Protel PMS Channel Manager are able to maximize the features and benefits of the product.

The certification process takes approximately two weeks to complete. It consists of an online course and a series of tests. During the course, participants will learn about the features and functions of the Protel PMS Channel Manager, as well as how to configure it for optimal performance. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their certification.

In order to get certified, users must first purchase a license for Protel PMS Channel Manager from Protel Solutions. Once they have purchased this license, they can then register for the certification program on the Protel website. The cost of the license varies depending on which version of Protel PMS Channel Manager is being used; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

Once registered for the certification program, users will be required to complete several tests in order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how to use and configure the product effectively. These tests are designed to assess users’ ability to set up and manage channels within their system as well as troubleshoot any issues that may arise during usage. Upon successful completion of these tests, users will receive their official certificate from Protel Solutions confirming their status as a Certified Professional in using the Protel PMS Channel Manager product.

11. Rezlynx PMS Channel Manager Certification

Rezlynx PMS Channel Manager Certification is a certification program offered by Rezlynx, one of the leading providers of hotel property management systems (PMS). This certification is designed to help hoteliers and other hospitality professionals demonstrate their proficiency in using Rezlynx’s PMS and its integrated channel manager.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a practical exam. The online course covers topics such as setting up a Rezlynx account, creating rate plans, managing reservations, and configuring the channel manager. The practical exam tests your knowledge of the Rezlynx PMS and its channel manager by having you complete tasks related to these topics.

The entire certification process typically takes around 10 hours to complete. To get certified, you must first register for the certification program on the Rezlynx website. After registering, you will be given access to the online course materials and instructions on how to take the practical exam. You can then complete the online course at your own pace before taking the practical exam at a designated testing center.

The cost of getting certified depends on which version of Rezlynx PMS you are using; prices range from $99 to $499 USD depending on your version.

Do You Really Need a Channel Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. A channel manager certificate is not a requirement for many jobs in the industry, and it is not even necessary to have one to be successful in the field. However, having a certificate can show potential employers that you have a certain level of knowledge and expertise when it comes to managing channels. It can also demonstrate that you are able to effectively manage multiple channels at once.

For those who are interested in becoming a channel manager, it may be worth considering getting a certification to increase your chances of getting hired for the job. Having a certified channel manager on staff can be beneficial for any company as they will likely have more experience than someone without any formal training or certification. Additionally, having this type of certification may help you stand out from other applicants when applying for positions.

In conclusion, although having a channel manager certificate is not absolutely necessary to succeed in this field, it may provide an extra edge when trying to land the job and could potentially open up more opportunities in the future.

Related: Channel Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Channel Manager Certifications

1. What is a Channel Manager Certification?

Answer: A Channel Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s advanced knowledge and skill in managing a network of sales channels. It covers topics such as marketing, sales, customer service, and communication strategies as they relate to channel management.

2. How do I get certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an online course or attend an in-person seminar offered by a recognized organization such as the International Association of Channel Managers (IACM). Upon successful completion of the course or seminar, you will receive your certification.

3. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Having a Channel Manager Certification can help you stand out from other professionals in your field and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills required for success in channel management. Additionally, having this certification may open up new career opportunities and provide access to higher paying positions within the industry.

4. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites for certification; however, some organizations may require applicants to have prior experience working with channel management or related fields before enrolling in their program.

5. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the organization offering it; however, most programs range between $500 - $1000 USD depending on the length and complexity of the program.