Top 10 Desk Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a desk clerk in the job market because they can demonstrate to potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties. Certifications also show employers that the desk clerk is dedicated to professional development, which can give them an edge over other candidates. Additionally, certifications provide recognition from a third-party organization, signifying that the desk clerk has met certain standards and qualifications. Finally, certifications can help a desk clerk stand out from other applicants as it shows a commitment to excellence in their field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Desk Clerks and explain how they can contribute to a Desk Clerk's career.

What are Desk Clerk Certifications?

Desk clerk certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage front desk operations in the hospitality industry. This certification program covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution. By attaining this certification, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in managing guest services and increase their employability.

Desk clerk certification can help individuals by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage front desk operations. With this certification, they will be able to better handle customer inquiries, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, provide excellent customer service and properly resolve conflicts. Additionally, this certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry since employers are more likely to hire certified professionals than those without any credentials.

Pro tip: When considering desk clerk certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and qualifications for the program you are interested in. It is important to understand what is expected of you during the certification process and to ensure that you have the necessary skills and training for success.

Related: What does a Desk Clerk do?

Top 10 Desk Clerk Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Desk Clerks today.

1. Certified Hotel Clerk

A Certified Hotel Clerk is a professional who has been certified by an accredited organization to demonstrate proficiency in the hospitality industry. This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a hotel or other lodging-related business.

It typically takes about two years of on-the-job experience and/or education to become eligible for certification as a Certified Hotel Clerk. The certification process includes passing an exam, which tests an individual’s knowledge of hotel operations, customer service, front desk procedures, and more.

In order to get certified as a Certified Hotel Clerk, applicants must first complete an approved training program or have at least two years of full-time experience working in the hospitality industry. Once they have completed the requirements, they can then apply for the exam through an approved organization.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the certifying organization, but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

2. Certified Hospitality Professional

Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. It is designed to recognize and reward hospitality professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their field. The CHP designation is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the AHLEI Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) Program, which consists of five courses.

The five courses are:

1. Principles of Hotel Management

2. Managing Front Office Operations

3. Food and Beverage Management

4. Housekeeping and Maintenance Management

5. Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the program, depending on how quickly you can complete each course. To get started, you will need to register for the program through the AHLEI website and pay an enrollment fee of $299 USD. Once enrolled, you will be able to access all of the course materials online and work at your own pace until you have completed all five courses and passed each exam with a minimum score of 70%. Upon successful completion of all five courses, you will receive your CHP certification from AHLEI.

3. Certified Front Desk Agent

Certified Front Desk Agent is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Front Desk Agents (IAPFDA). The program is designed to provide front desk agents with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver exceptional customer service in the hospitality industry.

The Certified Front Desk Agent program consists of four courses:

1. Introduction to Hospitality Industry

2. Customer Service & Communication Skills

3. Front Office Management & Technology

4. Advanced Hospitality Concepts & Practices

Each course is approximately 8-10 hours in length, and can be completed online or in-person at an IAPFDA approved training center. Upon completion of all four courses, participants are eligible to take the Certified Front Desk Agent exam. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions, and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost for the Certified Front Desk Agent program varies depending on the training provider, but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

4. Certified Guest Service Professional

Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program designed to help hospitality and service industry professionals provide exceptional customer service. It is administered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). The CGSP program focuses on providing skills and knowledge that will enable individuals to better serve their customers, as well as increase their own job satisfaction.

The CGSP certification can be obtained in one of two ways: through self-study or through an approved training provider. Self-study requires individuals to complete the online coursework, which consists of six modules covering topics such as communication, problem solving, customer service techniques, and more. The self-study option takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

Approved training providers offer classroom instruction and hands-on practice. This option typically takes 2 days to complete and includes additional activities such as role playing and group discussions.

The cost of the CGSP certification varies depending on the method chosen for obtaining it. The self-study option costs $99 USD, while the approved training provider option costs $249 USD.

5. Certified Customer Service Representative

A Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in providing customer service. The CCSR certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CCSR certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Professional. To earn the Basic level certification, applicants must complete a series of online courses and pass an exam. The Advanced level requires additional coursework and an exam, while the Professional level requires both coursework and an on-site assessment.

The cost of the CCSR certification varies depending on the level of certification sought. The Basic level costs $99 USD; the Advanced level costs $199 USD; and the Professional level costs $299 USD.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete all requirements for each level of certification. However, this timeframe may vary depending on individual circumstances such as prior experience or educational background.

6. Certified Reservations Agent

A Certified Reservations Agent (CRA) is a professional who has been trained to provide customer service and reservations services for the travel industry. The CRA is knowledgeable in the use of computer reservation systems, airline schedules, hotel accommodations, car rental companies, cruise lines, and other travel services.

The certification process takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. It involves completing a series of online courses that cover topics such as customer service skills, reservations procedures, and industry regulations. Upon completion of the coursework, students must pass an exam administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

To become a Certified Reservations Agent, you must first complete an accredited training program or obtain certification through IATA. There are many online programs available that offer certification in this field. These programs typically cost between $500-$1000 depending on the length and type of program chosen.

Once certified, you will be able to work in any number of travel related fields including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines and more. You may also find employment at travel agencies or work from home as an independent contractor providing reservations services for clients.

7. Certified Night Auditor

A Certified Night Auditor is a professional who specializes in the hospitality industry, specifically in the area of night auditing. The Certified Night Auditor (CNA) is responsible for overseeing all financial transactions that take place during the night shift at hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments. This includes reconciling accounts receivable and payable, verifying guest charges, and preparing daily reports.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Night Auditor depending on experience and training. To get certified as a CNA, you must first complete an accredited course from an approved institution such as AHLEI or IHG Academy. After completing the course, you will need to pass a written exam administered by one of these organizations to earn your certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Night Auditor varies depending on which organization you choose for certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$500 USD depending on the course materials and exam fees.

8. Certified Receptionist

Certified Receptionist is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of reception and customer service. Certified Receptionists demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as telephone etiquette, customer service, appointment scheduling, and computer software applications used in the reception area.

The certification process typically takes about two months to complete. The first step is to pass an online exam administered by the National Association of Professional Receptionists (NAPR). This exam covers topics such as customer service principles, telephone etiquette, appointment scheduling, and computer software applications used in the reception area. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible to receive your Certified Receptionist certificate.

To get certified as a Certified Receptionist, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least one year of experience working in a reception or customer service role; being 18 years old or older; and having a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also submit proof of completion of any additional training courses related to reception or customer service that you may have taken.

The cost for becoming a Certified Receptionist varies depending on the organization offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can range from $50 - $150 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional fees may apply if you need to purchase study materials or take additional classes related to reception or customer service.

9. Certified Lobby Attendant

Certified Lobby Attendant is an individual who has been trained and certified to provide customer service in a lobby or reception area. This certification requires the individual to complete a comprehensive course that covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. The course typically takes between 8-12 hours to complete.

To become a Certified Lobby Attendant, individuals must take a class offered by an accredited organization such as the International Association of Professional Lobbyists (IAPL). The cost of the class varies depending on the organization offering it but can range anywhere from $50-$200. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

Once certified, Lobby Attendants are expected to maintain their certification by taking continuing education courses and attending professional development seminars. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices for providing exceptional customer service in lobbies and reception areas.

10. Certified Concierge

Certified Concierge is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the hospitality industry. It is awarded by the International Concierge & Hospitality Association (ICHA), which is an international organization that sets standards for concierge professionals.

To become a Certified Concierge, you must first meet certain requirements, such as having at least two years of experience as a concierge or hospitality professional. You must also pass an exam administered by ICHA and demonstrate your knowledge of customer service, hotel operations, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam and met all the requirements, you will be eligible to receive your Certified Concierge certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or exams offered by ICHA.

The cost of becoming a Certified Concierge varies depending on where you take the exam and any additional courses or exams required for renewal. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 USD to become certified.

Do You Really Need a Desk Clerk Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a desk clerk certificate to become a desk clerk. However, having one will certainly give you an edge in the job market and may even be a requirement for some positions.

A desk clerk certificate proves that you have gone through formal training and are knowledgeable about the duties of a desk clerk. It also shows that you have actively pursued additional education in order to better your skills and increase your value as an employee. In addition, it can provide employers with confidence that you are dedicated to the profession and have invested in yourself.

Having a desk clerk certificate can also make you more competitive when applying for jobs. A certified candidate is often viewed more favorably than those without certification by employers who know the importance of quality customer service and professionalism. A certificate gives employers peace of mind that they are hiring someone who has been properly trained and is qualified for the job.

In summary, although a desk clerk certificate is not always required, it can be beneficial if you want to stand out from other applicants or show potential employers that you take your career seriously. Having this type of certification may lead to better opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job satisfaction in the future.

Related: Desk Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Desk Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Desk Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Desk Clerk Certification is a credential that shows employers you have the skills and knowledge to provide excellent customer service, accurately process payments and reservations, and handle guest inquiries in a friendly and professional manner.

2. How do I obtain a Desk Clerk Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Desk Clerk Certification, you will need to complete a course or program from an accredited institution that covers the necessary topics such as customer service, hospitality management, and computer skills. Once you have completed the program, you can apply for the certification through an approved organization such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how quickly you complete your coursework or training program. Typically, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to earn your certification depending on the type of program or courses taken.

4. What are the benefits of being certified?

Answer: Having a Desk Clerk Certification can help improve your job prospects by giving employers assurance that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for this position. It also demonstrates your commitment to learning and growth in this field which can make you more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, having this certification may qualify you for higher pay rates or promotions within your current company.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Generally speaking, there are not any prerequisites for becoming certified as a desk clerk although some programs may require prior experience in customer service or hospitality roles before enrolling in their courses or programs. Additionally, many organizations offering certifications may require certain tests such as background checks before awarding their credentials so be sure to check with them for specific requirements before applying for certification.