Top 10 Front Desk Coordinator Certifications

Certifications can be an important way to demonstrate a front desk coordinator’s knowledge and competency in the job market. Obtaining certifications such as those offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) or the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) can help front desk coordinators stand out to potential employers and show that they have achieved a certain level of expertise in their field. Certifications also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to continuing education, which is increasingly valued by employers. Furthermore, certifications can lead to higher salaries and better career opportunities for front desk coordinators.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Front Desk Coordinators and explain how they can help improve a front desk coordinator's career.

What are Front Desk Coordinator Certifications?

Front desk coordinator certification is a professional credential that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage the front desk of an organization. Front desk coordinators are responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the front office, including greeting and directing visitors, fielding phone calls, managing mail distribution, and providing customer service. With this certification, professionals can demonstrate their mastery of these essential administrative tasks and prove their commitment to excellence in customer service.

Front desk coordinator certification is typically offered through an accredited institution or professional association. The courses associated with certification often cover topics such as customer service techniques, telephone etiquette, computer programs used in office settings, reception area management, and filing systems. This certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for front desk positions and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, it may also qualify them for higher wages or promotions within their current organization.

Pro Tip: When looking for a certification as a Front Desk Coordinator, look for courses that offer hands-on training and real-world experience. This will ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in your role.

Related: What does a Front Desk Coordinator do?

Top 10 Front Desk Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Front Desk Coordinator (CFDC)

Certified Front Desk Coordinator (CFDC) is a professional certification program designed to help front desk coordinators develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful job performance. The CFDC certification is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It includes training in customer service, communication, problem solving, and other essential skills.

The CFDC certification program consists of five courses that must be completed within a two-year period. Each course covers topics such as customer service, telephone etiquette, office procedures, and computer applications. The courses are self-paced and can be taken online or in a classroom setting. Upon completion of the five courses, students must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of the CFDC program varies depending on how it is taken. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1,000 while classroom courses may cost up to $2,000. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or purchasing study materials.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Front Desk Coordinator (CFDC) certification requires dedication and commitment from those interested in pursuing it. With proper preparation and hard work, however, individuals can become certified within two years and gain valuable knowledge that will help them succeed in their career as a front desk coordinator.

2. Certified Hotel Receptionist (CHR)

Certified Hotel Receptionist (CHR) is a professional certification that is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to work as a hotel receptionist. The certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). To obtain the CHR certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, front desk operations, reservations, and housekeeping.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee for the Certified Hotel Receptionist (CHR) program is $125 USD. This fee includes the cost of the study guide, practice tests, and other materials needed to prepare for the exam.

To apply for the CHR certification, applicants must first register online with AHLEI. Once registered, they will be provided with access to all of the necessary materials needed to prepare for the exam. After studying and passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CHR certificate from AHLEI in approximately four weeks.

3. Professional Front Desk Manager Certification (PFDM)

Professional Front Desk Manager Certification (PFDM) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of front desk managers. The program was developed by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII). It is an industry-recognized certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the front desk management role.

The PFDM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Front Desk Management, Front Desk Operations, Guest Relations, and Revenue Management. The courses are offered online through PAII's website or in-person at their conferences and seminars. Each course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and must be completed within 6 months from the start date. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their PFDM certification.

The cost for the PFDM program varies depending on how you choose to take it. Online access costs $395, while attending a conference or seminar costs $595. Both options include all four courses as well as access to additional resources such as webinars and practice exams.

Overall, the Professional Front Desk Manager Certification (PFDM) is an excellent way for front desk managers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in this field. With its comprehensive curriculum and industry recognition, it can help individuals stand out among other job applicants and advance their careers in hospitality management.

4. Certified Hospitality Front Desk Representative (CHFDR)

Certified Hospitality Front Desk Representative (CHFDR) is a certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to provide front desk professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage guest service operations. The certification program includes topics such as customer service, hospitality technology, problem solving, and communication.

The CHFDR certification program takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete and consists of an online self-study course, followed by a proctored exam. The cost for the program is $299 USD. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive your official CHFDR certificate from AHLEI.

5. Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)

Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program designed to help hospitality professionals provide exceptional guest service. The program is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CGSP program consists of an online course and a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Upon successful completion of the online course, participants must pass the proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CGSP program varies depending on whether you are purchasing the online course only or taking both the online course and proctored exam. The cost for just the online course is $149 USD, while the cost for both the online course and proctored exam is $249 USD.

The length of time it takes to complete the CGSP program depends on how quickly you can complete the online course material. The AHLEI estimates that it should take approximately 10 hours to complete all of the required material, however this may vary from person to person based on their level of knowledge and experience with hospitality industry concepts.

To get certified as a Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP), you must first purchase either the online course or both the online course and proctored exam from AHLEI's website. Once purchased, you will be given access to your materials which can then be completed at your own pace. After successfully completing all required material, you will be eligible to take your proctored exam if applicable. Upon successful completion of your proctored exam, you will receive your CGSP certification from AHLEI.

6. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of hospitality supervisors. The CHS program is offered by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA).

The CHS program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and prior experience. It consists of three modules: Supervisory Skills, Human Resources Management, and Financial Management. Each module includes an online assessment that must be passed in order to obtain certification.

In order to get certified as a CHS, individuals must first register for the program through AH&LA's website. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course materials and assessments. After completing all three modules and passing the assessments, individuals will receive their official CHS certificate from AH&LA.

The cost of becoming a Certified Hospitality Supervisor varies depending on whether or not you are an AH&LA member. For members, it costs $250; for non-members, it costs $350.

7. Certified Concierge Professional (CCP)

Certified Concierge Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of concierge professionals. It is offered by the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association (ICLMA). The CCP credential demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of competency in the field of concierge services.

The CCP program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the concierge industry, or equivalent education and/or training. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, hospitality management, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and safety protocols.

To become a Certified Concierge Professional, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with a fee of $175 USD. Once approved for the program, applicants must then take the CCP Exam which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center worldwide.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CCP designation from ICLMA. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed every three years by completing continuing education requirements as outlined by ICLMA.

8. Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHA certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of hospitality professionals in areas such as food service, lodging operations, sales and marketing, human resources, finance and accounting.

It takes approximately three to six months to complete the CHA program. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application. Once approved, they must then take a two-part exam that covers topics such as hospitality industry standards, guest services management and financial analysis. After passing both parts of the exam, applicants receive their certification.

The cost of the CHA program varies depending on how many courses are taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 for the entire program including all materials and exams. However, AHLEI also offers discounts for groups or those who have already completed certain courses.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in hospitality management. It demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill in this field and can open up new opportunities for growth within the industry.

9. Certified Customer Service Specialist (CCSS)

Certified Customer Service Specialist (CCSS) is a professional certification program that provides customer service professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide exceptional customer service. The CCSS program is designed to equip customer service representatives with the tools they need to create positive customer experiences, build relationships, and increase customer satisfaction.

The CCSS certification program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as communication skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, and customer service strategies. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that test knowledge of the material covered in the course.

The CCSS certification can be obtained in about two weeks by completing the online course and passing the exam. The cost for the CCSS certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150 - $300 USD.

10. International Association of Administrative Professionals Certification in Front Office Management (IAAP CFOM).

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification in Front Office Management (CFOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of administrative professionals in the front office. The CFOM certification is designed to help administrative professionals demonstrate their expertise in the areas of customer service, office management, communication, and problem-solving.

The CFOM certification is a two-part process that includes an online exam and a practical application. The online exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as customer service, office management, communication, problem solving, and technology. The practical application requires applicants to complete three projects related to front office management.

The entire process takes approximately four months to complete. Applicants must first register for the online exam through IAAP’s website. Once they have passed the exam, they can then submit their applications for the practical application portion of the process. After completing all requirements, applicants will receive their CFOM certification from IAAP.

The cost for the CFOM certification varies depending on whether or not you are an IAAP member. For non-members, it costs $450 USD; for members it costs $350 USD.

Do You Really Need a Front Desk Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need a Front Desk Coordinator Certificate to become a front desk coordinator. The certificate is not essential for gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this role. However, having a certificate may help demonstrate your commitment and knowledge of the job to potential employers, as well as provide evidence that you have taken the time to learn about the specific duties of a front desk coordinator.

In addition, a Front Desk Coordinator Certificate can be beneficial if you are looking to make yourself more competitive in the job market or if you have limited experience in this field. The certificate may also provide additional credibility when applying for jobs in larger organizations where having a certification could give you an edge over other applicants.

Overall, while it is not necessary to have a Front Desk Coordinator Certificate in order to land a job as a front desk coordinator, it may be beneficial for those who are looking to stand out from other applicants or who are new to this field.

Related: Front Desk Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Front Desk Coordinator Certifications

Q1. What is a Front Desk Coordinator Certification?

A1. A Front Desk Coordinator Certification is an official recognition that demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing excellent customer service and managing the front desk operations of an organization.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Front Desk Coordinator Certification?

A2. Obtaining a certification can help to demonstrate your expertise in customer service, as well as improve your job prospects and provide you with additional credentials when applying for positions. It can also give you the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge related to office management and customer service best practices.

Q3. How do I get certified as a Front Desk Coordinator?

A3. To become certified as a Front Desk Coordinator, you must complete an approved program from an accredited institution or organization that offers courses in front desk operations and customer service skills. You may also need to pass an exam or complete other requirements depending on the certifying body you choose.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified will depend on which program or organization you obtain your certification through, as well as how much prior experience you have with front desk operations and customer service skills. Generally, programs range from one week to several months in length, depending on the complexity of the material being covered and any additional requirements set by the certifying body.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with getting certified?

A5: Yes, there will typically be some cost associated with obtaining a certification depending on which program or organization you choose to pursue your certification through. Costs usually include fees for registration, materials, exams, etc., so make sure to research all costs beforehand so that you can plan accordingly for these expenses before enrolling in a program or taking an exam.