Top 10 Club Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a club manager in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful club. They also show that the individual is committed to continuing their education and development in order to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Certifications can help club managers stand out from other applicants as they provide evidence of their qualifications and abilities. Additionally, certifications can give employers confidence in hiring decisions, as they verify that the individual has received professional training and meets certain standards.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Club Managers and explains how they can help club managers advance their careers.

What are Club Manager Certifications?

Club manager certification is a specialized training program designed to teach individuals the necessary skills and knowledge required to effectively manage a club or organization. This certification can help those in the club management profession by providing them with the qualifications and credentials needed for success. It also provides an opportunity to develop and refine their leadership, communication, problem-solving, organizational, and financial management skills. Additionally, it can give club managers a competitive edge in the job market as employers may prefer applicants who have obtained such certification. Ultimately, this certification will help club managers become better equipped to handle the ever-changing challenges associated with managing a club or organization.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a club manager certification, focus on courses that provide hands-on experience and industry best practices. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the operational aspects of club management and give you the confidence to effectively lead your team.

Related: What does a Club Manager do?

Top 10 Club Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Club Manager (CCM)

Certified Club Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize club managers who have demonstrated excellence in their field and have achieved a high level of professional competency. The CCM program requires that candidates meet educational, experience, and examination requirements.

To become a Certified Club Manager, an individual must have at least three years of full-time management experience in the club industry or five years of part-time management experience. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 80 hours of approved education courses and pass an examination administered by CMAA.

The cost for the CCM program depends on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are a member of CMAA. Generally, it costs approximately $1,000 to $2,000 to complete all requirements for certification.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all requirements for the CCM program. However, this time frame can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required courses and exams.

2. Certified Professional Club Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Club Manager (CPCM) is a certification program for club managers and other hospitality professionals. It is offered by The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA).

The CPCM program provides club managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage clubs and other hospitality organizations. It is designed to help club managers become more effective in their roles by providing them with the tools they need to successfully lead their teams.

The CPCM program consists of two parts: an online course and a comprehensive exam. The online course covers topics such as club operations, finance, human resources, marketing, and legal issues. It takes approximately 12-18 months to complete the coursework and prepare for the exam.

To become certified, applicants must pass the comprehensive exam administered by CMAA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of club management. Applicants must also have at least three years of professional experience in club management or related fields.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are a CMAA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,595 USD; for members it is $1,395 USD.

3. Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP)

Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHP certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of hospitality industry operations and management. It is intended for individuals with at least three years of experience in the hospitality industry, or those who have completed an AHLEI approved educational program.

The CHP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as customer service, human resources, finance, marketing, and operations. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must complete an online application and submit proof of their work experience or completion of an AHLEI approved educational program. The exam fee is $395 USD and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and results are available immediately after taking the test. Those who pass the exam will receive their official CHP certificate within 4-6 weeks. The certification must be renewed every five years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

4. Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)

The Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) is a professional certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The CFBE program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in food and beverage management. It is the highest level of recognition available for restaurant professionals who have achieved mastery in the field of food and beverage management.

The CFBE program requires applicants to have at least four years of experience in the foodservice industry, with at least two years of managerial experience. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as menu planning, cost control, operations, human resources, marketing, customer service, and financial management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CFBE program from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form and fee to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. After submitting their application form and fee, applicants can begin studying for their exam using materials provided by the NRAEF or through self-study methods. Once they are ready to take the exam, applicants must register online and pay an additional fee for their exam registration.

The cost of obtaining a CFBE certification varies depending on where you live. In general, it costs between $300 - $500 USD to apply for the certification program and take the exam. Additional fees may apply if you use educational materials provided by NRAEF or other organizations.

5. Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)

Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) is a professional designation awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. It is designed to recognize restaurant professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field and have achieved the highest level of professional development.

The CRM program requires applicants to complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as food safety, customer service, financial management, human resources management, marketing, and operations. The exam is offered twice a year and takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must also submit an application form with supporting documents demonstrating their qualifications for the program.

In order to be eligible for the CRM program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the restaurant industry and be employed in some capacity within the industry at the time of application. Additionally, applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

The cost of applying for the Certified Restaurant Manager program is $200 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

6. National Club Association Certification Program (NCACP)

The National Club Association Certification Program (NCACP) is a comprehensive program designed to recognize and reward clubs that demonstrate excellence in their operations. The program was created by the National Club Association (NCA), the leading trade association for private clubs, to recognize those clubs that have achieved high standards of excellence in their operations.

The NCACP is a voluntary certification program that requires clubs to meet certain criteria in order to be certified. These criteria include: financial stability, governance and management, membership services, facilities and amenities, food and beverage services, marketing and communications, risk management and safety, human resources practices, environmental stewardship, community involvement, and legal compliance. Once these criteria are met, the club can apply for certification through the NCA's online portal.

The process typically takes between three to six months from start to finish depending on the complexity of the club's operations. Clubs must submit an application along with supporting documents such as financial statements, policies and procedures manuals, etc., which will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts. If approved by the panelists, the club will receive its official NCACP certification from the NCA.

The cost of applying for NCACP certification varies depending on the size of your club; however it typically ranges from $2,500-$4,000 per year for larger clubs. This fee covers all costs associated with the application process including review fees and administrative costs associated with maintaining certification status.

7. National Golf Course Owners Association Certification Program (NGCOA-CP)

The National Golf Course Owners Association Certification Program (NGCOA-CP) is a certification program designed to recognize golf course owners and operators who demonstrate excellence in the management of their golf courses. The program provides an opportunity for golf course owners and operators to demonstrate their commitment to providing a quality experience for their customers.

The NGCOA-CP requires applicants to complete a comprehensive application process that includes an onsite assessment of the golf course, an evaluation of the applicant’s business practices, and an examination of the applicant’s financial stability. The program also requires applicants to submit documentation demonstrating their commitment to customer service, environmental stewardship, and safety.

The entire application process typically takes approximately six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application packet which includes all required documents and fees. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed by NGCOA staff and then sent out for review by a panel of experts in the field of golf course management. After the panel has completed its review, they will make a recommendation as to whether or not the applicant should be certified. If approved, the applicant will receive their certification within four weeks after approval.

The cost for applying for NGCOA-CP certification varies depending on the size of your facility but typically ranges between $1,500 - $3,000 USD. This fee covers all aspects of the application process including administrative costs, expert review fees, and any necessary travel expenses associated with onsite assessments.

Overall, obtaining NGCOA-CP certification can be a great way for golf course owners and operators to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality experiences for their customers while also helping them stand out from other facilities in their area.

8. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Certified Clubhouse Manager (AHLEI-CCM)

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Certified Clubhouse Manager (AHLEI-CCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide clubhouse managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. The program includes comprehensive training in areas such as operations, customer service, human resources, financial management, and marketing.

The AHLEI-CCM certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in the hospitality industry. Candidates must also complete an online course that covers topics such as customer service, operations management, human resources management, and financial management. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass an exam administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

To obtain the AHLEI-CCM certification, candidates must register for the online course through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute website and pay a fee of $299 USD. The fee includes all materials needed for the course and exam. The online course typically takes four weeks to complete, after which candidates must take and pass the exam within six months of completion of the course. Once certified, AHLEI-CCM holders are required to renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

9. American Resort and Lodging Association’s Certified Clubhouse Manager (ARLA-CCM)

The American Resort and Lodging Association’s Certified Clubhouse Manager (ARLA-CCM) is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals who manage golf clubs or other private clubs. The ARLA-CCM certification is the only nationally recognized certification for clubhouse managers.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application process and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as club operations, financial management, marketing, customer service, human resources, risk management and legal issues.

The ARLA-CCM certification takes approximately three months to complete from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an online application along with a $100 nonrefundable application fee. After the application is approved by ARLA staff members, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the $250 exam fee. Once registered for the exam, applicants have 90 days to take it at a testing center near them. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their ARLA-CCM certificate in the mail within two weeks of passing.

The total cost of obtaining an ARLA-CCM certification is $350 ($100 application fee + $250 exam fee).

10. Professional Association of Innkeepers International’s Certified Clubhouse Manager (PAII-CCM).

The Professional Association of Innkeepers International’s Certified Clubhouse Manager (PAII-CCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide industry-recognized credentials for those who manage and operate private clubhouses. The PAII-CCM certification is the only one of its kind in the hospitality industry and is recognized by many leading organizations as a mark of excellence.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as clubhouse operations, customer service, financial management, food and beverage operations, human resources, marketing, and more. The course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and includes quizzes at the end of each lesson. Upon successful completion of the coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by PAII.

The cost for the PAII-CCM certification program varies depending on the individual’s membership status with PAII. For non-members, it costs $399; for members it costs $299; and for student members it costs $199. Additionally, there are discounts available for groups of five or more individuals registering together.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will receive a certificate from PAII certifying them as a Certified Clubhouse Manager (PAII-CCM). This certificate is valid for three years before renewal is required.

Do You Really Need a Club Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a club manager certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you have experience in managing clubs, then you may be able to get by without one. However, if you are new to the field of club management, then a certificate can provide valuable insight into the job and give you an edge over other applicants for the same position.

A club manager certificate will give you a comprehensive understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a club manager. You'll learn about creating budgets, marketing strategies, and customer service techniques that are essential to running a successful club. You'll also gain knowledge in areas such as event planning, human resources management, and financial reporting. This type of training is invaluable for any aspiring club manager who wants to make sure they're prepared for the job before they start it.

Having a certificate can also help you stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs in the field. It shows employers that you have taken the time to learn all aspects of managing clubs, which can be very attractive qualities when looking for potential employees. Furthermore, having a certification may increase your chances of getting hired as some employers prefer to hire candidates who have obtained formal qualifications in this area.

Overall, whether or not you need a club manager certificate depends on your own personal circumstances and career goals. If you feel like having this extra qualification will give you an advantage in your career then it might be worth pursuing one. However, if you feel confident enough with your current skillset then there's no need to invest time and money into obtaining one unless absolutely necessary.

Related: Club Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Club Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Club Manager Certification?

A1. A Club Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the management of private clubs, including golf and country clubs, yacht clubs, and city clubs. This certification is issued by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA).

Q2. How do I become certified as a Club Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Club Manager, you must complete the required coursework from an accredited college or university, pass the CMAA's Certified Club Manager Exam, and meet other criteria set forth by the CMAA. Additionally, you must become a member of the CMAA to be eligible for certification.

Q3. What topics are covered in the Certified Club Manager Exam?

A3. The Certified Club Manager Exam covers topics such as financial management, operational management, human resources management, marketing and public relations strategies, club governance and legal issues, foodservice operations, risk management strategies and more.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a Club Manager?

A4. The time frame to become certified as a Club Manager varies depending on your educational background and experience level; however, most applicants can expect to complete their certification within one year if they are dedicated to completing all of the required coursework and passing the exam on their first attempt.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Club Manager Certification?

A5: Yes! To maintain your certification status with CMAA, you must meet certain continuing education requirements each year in order to stay current with industry best practices and trends related to club management.