Top 10 Front Desk Assistant Certifications

Certifications for a front desk assistant are important because they demonstrate a level of expertise and proficiency in the job. They can help set an applicant apart from other candidates and make them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications also provide tangible proof of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary for success in the role. They can also demonstrate that an individual is dedicated to their profession and has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications may be required by certain employers or preferred by many employers over non-certified applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Front Desk Assistants and explain how they can help enhance their career prospects.

What are Front Desk Assistant Certifications?

Front Desk Assistant Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work in a front desk position in the hospitality industry. This certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and provides an individual with the necessary skills and experience to provide exceptional customer service, manage reservations, handle guest complaints, operate a switchboard and more. This certification also prepares individuals for supervisory positions in the hospitality industry.

Having Front Desk Assistant Certification can help an individual stand out among other job applicants when applying for jobs in this field. It shows employers that an individual has taken steps to further their knowledge and education in the hospitality industry. It also demonstrates commitment and dedication to the profession as well as a strong understanding of the duties associated with a front desk position. Furthermore, it can open up opportunities for promotions or advancement within an organization as employers are likely to favor certified individuals when considering new hires or promotions within their organization.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to become a certified front desk assistant, make sure to research the certification requirements and take advantage of any online or in-person training opportunities available. Additionally, familiarize yourself with industry standards and best practices for customer service and front desk operations.

Related: What does a Front Desk Assistant do?

Top 10 Front Desk Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Hotel Receptionist (CHRS)

Certified Hotel Receptionist (CHRS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of hotel receptionists. The certification is offered by the International Association of Hotel Receptionists (IAHR).

The CHRS program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, hospitality management, and front desk operations. It typically takes about 10 hours to complete the course.

Once you have completed the online course, you can register for the in-person exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and case studies. It typically takes about three hours to complete the exam.

The cost for the CHRS program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 USD and includes access to the online course, practice exams, and a voucher for the in-person exam. There are also more expensive packages that include additional study materials and resources.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Hotel Receptionist certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in hotel reception work. It can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in hotels or other hospitality establishments.

2. Certified Professional Front Desk Associate (CPFDA)

A Certified Professional Front Desk Associate (CPFDA) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Hospitality Front Office Managers (IAHFOM). The program is designed to help hospitality professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing superior customer service at the front desk.

The CPFDA certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as customer service, problem-solving, communication, and technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPFDA certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in a hospitality front office position or equivalent industry experience. Candidates must also submit a completed application form and pay an examination fee. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of the CPFDA certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

3. Certified Hospitality Customer Service Specialist (CHCSS)

Certified Hospitality Customer Service Specialist (CHCSS) is a certification program designed to provide hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver superior customer service. The program focuses on developing customer service strategies, building relationships with customers, and understanding the needs of customers in a hospitality setting.

The CHCSS certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It requires students to complete an online course that includes modules on topics such as customer service basics, communication skills, problem solving, and conflict resolution. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

Once the course is completed, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at an AHLEI testing center.

The cost for the CHCSS certification is $195 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online course and exam.

4. Certified Guest Services Professional (CGSP)

Certified Guest Services Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The CGSP certification is designed to provide amusement park and attractions industry professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide exceptional guest service.

The CGSP program consists of two components: classroom instruction and an online exam. The classroom instruction is typically conducted over a two-day period and covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, team building, and safety. After completing the classroom portion of the program, participants must pass an online exam in order to receive their CGSP certification.

In order to be eligible for the CGSP program, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in an amusement park or attraction setting. Additionally, applicants must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver's license or other form of government-issued photo identification.

The cost for the CGSP program varies depending on the location where it is being held; however, it usually ranges from $400-$600 for both the classroom instruction and online exam.

5. Certified Front Office Manager (CFOM)

Certified Front Office Manager (CFOM) is a professional certification program for front office managers in the hospitality industry. It is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CFOM certification validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing front office operations, including guest relations, reservations, and housekeeping.

The CFOM certification program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an online proctored exam. The self-study course covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, communication skills, business operations, and financial management. The online proctored exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course.

The CFOM certification process typically takes about two months to complete. Candidates can purchase the self-study course from AHLEI for $299 USD and register for the online proctored exam for $125 USD. Upon successful completion of both components, candidates will receive their official CFOM certificate from AHLEI.

6. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHA certification is designed to recognize and validate the expertise of hospitality professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in hotel operations. It is one of the most respected certifications in the hospitality industry.

The CHA program consists of three core courses that cover topics such as hotel operations, human resources management, financial management, marketing and sales, customer service and leadership. After completing these courses, candidates must pass an exam to become certified. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all areas of hotel operations.

The entire CHA program takes approximately six months to complete depending on how quickly you complete each course. You can take the courses online or in person at an AHLEI-approved training center. The cost for the entire program is $1,595 USD which includes tuition fees for all three courses and the exam fee.

7. Certified Front Desk Supervisor (CFDS)

Certified Front Desk Supervisor (CFDS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage and supervise front desk operations. The CFDS program is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CFDS program consists of two courses: Front Office Management and Supervision, and Advanced Front Office Management. Both courses must be completed in order to receive the certification. The courses can be taken online or in-person at an AHLEI-approved training center.

The cost of the CFDS program varies depending on how you choose to take it. If taken online, the cost is $299 for each course, totaling $598 for both courses. If taken in person, the cost is $399 per course, totaling $798 for both courses.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the two courses required for certification. Upon successful completion of both courses, you will receive your Certified Front Desk Supervisor (CFDS) certificate from AHLEI.

8. Certified Concierge Professional (CCP)

Certified Concierge Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program that focuses on the development of concierge service skills and knowledge. The CCP certification is offered by the International Concierge and Hospitality Institute (ICHI). It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the concierge profession, including customer service, hospitality, problem-solving, communication, and more.

It typically takes about three to six months to complete the CCP certification program. The program consists of online courses as well as in-person workshops and seminars. Participants must also pass an exam at the end of the program in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CCP certification varies depending on where you take it and what type of package you choose. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$3,000 USD for the full course package.

In order to become a Certified Concierge Professional (CCP), you must meet certain requirements such as having a minimum of two years’ experience in a related field or completing an approved training program. You must also pass an exam administered by ICHI in order to receive your certification.

9. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Convention Industry Council. It is designed to recognize and reward meeting professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field of expertise. The CMP credential is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan and execute successful meetings and events.

The CMP program consists of three components: an online application, a written exam, and a work experience requirement. The online application requires applicants to provide information about their education, work experience, and other qualifications. Once approved for the program, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as event management principles, project management techniques, contract negotiation strategies, and risk management practices. Finally, applicants must have at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time meeting/event planning experience in order to qualify for the CMP credential.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the CMP credential. The cost of the certification varies depending on how many components are completed at once; however, it typically costs around $500-$700 USD.

10. Certified Hospitality Sales and Marketing Executive (CHSME).

Certified Hospitality Sales and Marketing Executive (CHSME) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and competence in the field of hospitality sales and marketing. The program is offered through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHSME certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as hospitality sales, marketing, customer service, revenue management, public relations, and industry trends. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the hospitality industry or completion of an AHLEI approved course.

The cost for the CHSME certification exam is $295 USD. Once you pass the exam you will receive your official certification from AHLEI which is valid for three years. After three years you must renew your certification by completing continuing education requirements or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Front Desk Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question is largely dependent on the job you are applying for. Generally speaking, a certificate in front desk assistant work may be beneficial when competing for certain jobs, but it is not always necessary.

In some cases, employers may require applicants to have a certificate in order to be considered for a position. In these scenarios, having a specific certification or degree can give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, if you are looking to move up within the company or even switch companies, having a certificate may give you an advantage over others who don’t have one.

In other cases, employers may not require any type of certification or degree at all. If this is the case and you still want to pursue further education in front desk assistant work, then obtaining a certificate can certainly help improve your skillset and make you more competitive for the job.

At the end of the day, it really depends on what type of job you are looking for and what qualifications are required by the employer. If having a certificate will make you more competitive for the job then it might be worth considering getting one. However, if it isn’t necessary then there isn’t much point in getting one unless it is something that truly interests you.

Related: Front Desk Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Front Desk Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is a Front Desk Assistant Certification?

A1. A Front Desk Assistant Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing customer service, administrative support, and other essential duties at the front desk of an organization. This certification can help individuals advance their careers and improve their job prospects.

Q2. How do I get certified as a Front Desk Assistant?

A2. To become certified as a Front Desk Assistant, candidates must pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body such as the National Association of Certified Professional Receptionists (NACPR). Additionally, some organizations may require additional training or experience in order to be eligible for certification.

Q3. What topics are covered on the Front Desk Assistant Certification exam?

A3. The topics covered on the Front Desk Assistant Certification exam include customer service techniques, office etiquette, telephone techniques, computer skills, and other related topics. The exam also tests for general knowledge about office procedures and processes.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Front Desk Assistant?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the certifying body you choose to go through and any additional requirements they have in place for certification eligibility. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete the necessary training and exams required for certification.

Q5. Is there any continuing education required after getting certified as a Front Desk Assistant?

A5: Yes, many certifying bodies require continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status over time. These credits can be earned through courses or workshops related to front desk assistance or other related topics such as customer service or administrative support skills.