Top 11 Front Desk Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a front desk supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, competence and commitment to the profession. They can give employers confidence that a candidate has the skills and qualifications necessary to successfully perform their duties. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to professional development, which is an important attribute for any job-seeker in the current competitive job market. Certifications show employers that a candidate is serious about their career and has taken the time to gain additional knowledge and experience in order to further their career. Finally, certifications often come with benefits such as access to industry networks, exclusive job postings, and discounts on courses or materials related to the certification.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Front Desk Supervisors and explain how they can enhance career prospects.

What are Front Desk Supervisor Certifications?

Front Desk Supervisor Certification is a training program designed to help individuals acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become successful front desk supervisors in the hospitality industry. This certification provides candidates with an understanding of how to manage front desk operations, including customer service, problem solving, and communication. It also teaches them how to respond appropriately to guest inquiries and requests, as well as how to handle difficult situations. Additionally, it covers topics such as conflict resolution, team building, and time management.

Having this certification can give employers confidence that their employees have the necessary skills required for a successful front desk supervisor role. It can also help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, having this certification may lead to being offered higher salaries or promotions in the future due to their increased knowledge and expertise in this field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a front desk supervisor certification, be sure to research the different options available to find one that best fits your career goals and experience level. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience or involve shadowing an experienced supervisor to get a better understanding of the job.

Related: What does a Front Desk Supervisor do?

Top 11 Front Desk Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Front Desk Supervisor (CFDS)

Certified Front Desk Supervisor (CFDS) is a certification program that provides front desk supervisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a hotel’s front desk operations. The certification focuses on customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and other hospitality management topics. It is designed to help ensure that front desk personnel are well-prepared to handle the various tasks associated with their position.

The CFDS certification program is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It takes approximately 8 hours of study time to complete the program. After completing the coursework, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CFDS certification program varies depending on how it is taken. If taken online, it costs $239 for AHLEI members and $269 for non-members. If taken in person at an approved training center, it costs $399 for AHLEI members and $449 for non-members.

2. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHS program provides hospitality supervisors with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage their departments. It is designed to help hospitality supervisors improve their performance in areas such as customer service, conflict resolution, problem solving, and team building.

The CHS certification program consists of two courses: Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) and Certified Hospitality Supervisor-Advanced (CHSA). The CHS course takes approximately 25 hours to complete and covers topics such as leadership development, customer service, communication skills, and problem solving. The CHSA course takes approximately 35 hours to complete and covers topics such as managing departmental budgets, developing strategies for success, and creating effective teams.

To become certified in the CHS program you must first pass both the CHS and CHSA exams. To take the exams you must register through AHLEI's website or by calling 800-752-4567. The cost of the exams is $125 each plus a $25 registration fee for a total of $275. After passing both exams you will receive your official certificate from AHLEI confirming your status as a Certified Hospitality Supervisor.

3. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of hotel operations and management. It is designed for hospitality professionals working in all areas of the industry, from front desk managers to general managers.

The CHA program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as hotel operations, customer service, financial management, human resources, marketing, sales and revenue management. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

To get certified, you must first complete the online course and then register for the exam. You can register for the exam through AHLEI's website or through one of their approved test centers. The cost to take the exam is $395 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CHA certificate within four weeks.

In order to maintain your certification status, you are required to complete at least 15 continuing education credits every three years. This can be done through attending workshops or seminars offered by AHLEI or other approved organizations.

4. Certified Guest Services Professional (CGSP)

Certified Guest Services Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize hospitality professionals who demonstrate exceptional customer service skills and knowledge. The CGSP program was created by the International Association of Hospitality Professionals (IAHP) to provide a standard of excellence in guest services.

The CGSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and other aspects of guest services. The exam is administered online and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and pay the applicable fee. The fee for the CGSP certification is $250 USD. Once the application has been accepted and approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to access the online exam. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their CGSP certificate.

The CGSP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain certification status, holders must participate in ongoing professional development activities related to guest services or hospitality management.

5. Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM)

Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM) is a professional certification program that provides customer service managers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively manage customer service operations. The CCSM certification is offered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA) and is recognized globally as a benchmark of excellence in customer service management.

The CCSM certification program consists of three levels: Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM), Certified Advanced Customer Service Manager (CACSM), and Certified Master Customer Service Manager (CMCSM). Each level requires passing an exam and completing additional training courses.

The Certified Customer Service Manager exam covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, customer relations, communication strategies, problem-solving techniques, team building and leadership skills, performance management, and quality assurance. To pass the CCSM exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a customer service or related field.

The exam can be taken online or at an ICSA testing center. The cost for the CCSM exam is $295 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and includes multiple-choice questions.

Once an applicant has passed the CCSM exam, they will receive their official certification from ICSA. This certification is valid for five years from the date of issuance and must be renewed every five years to remain active.

6. Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR)

Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR) is a certification program designed to provide front desk staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the front desk operations of a hotel or resort. The program focuses on customer service, problem solving, communication, and other essential competencies needed for successful front desk operations.

The CFDR certification is offered through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the coursework and pass the exam. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take an online or in-person class, but typically ranges from $200-$400.

In order to become certified, you must first complete the coursework and then pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CFDR certification card which is valid for three years.

7. Certified Front Office Manager (CFOM)

A Certified Front Office Manager (CFOM) is a professional certification program designed to provide front office managers with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their role. The CFOM program is offered by the International Association of Hotel General Managers (IAHGM). The program is designed for experienced front office managers who want to advance their careers and become more effective leaders in the hospitality industry.

The CFOM program consists of three courses: Front Office Management, Financial Management, and Human Resources Management. Each course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and covers topics such as customer service, operations management, problem solving, budgeting, scheduling, and communication. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will receive a certificate from IAHGM confirming their status as a Certified Front Office Manager.

The cost of the CFOM program varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $500-$700 USD while in-person classes can range from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

In order to receive your certification as a Certified Front Office Manager you must pass an exam administered by IAHGM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to front office management such as customer service, operations management, problem solving, budgeting, scheduling and communication. The exam fee is $150 USD and you must score at least 70% in order to pass the exam and receive your certification.

8. Certified Receptionist Supervisor (CRS)

Certified Receptionist Supervisor (CRS) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of receptionist supervision. The CRS certification is offered by the International Association of Receptionists (IAR).

To be eligible for the CRS certification, individuals must possess at least two years of experience as a receptionist supervisor or equivalent position. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as customer service, human resources management, office administration, and problem-solving.

The CRS certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application to IAR along with the required documents and fees. Once approved, applicants will receive access to the online course materials and can begin studying for the exam.

The cost of the CRS certification varies depending on whether you are taking the online or in-person course. The online course costs $395 USD while the in-person course costs $495 USD. Both courses include access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources needed to prepare for the exam.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will be awarded their Certified Receptionist Supervisor certificate from IAR. This certificate serves as proof that they have met all requirements for this prestigious designation and can now use it to advance their career prospects in receptionist supervision roles.

9. Certified Concierge Supervisor (CCS)

Certified Concierge Supervisor (CCS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced concierges. The CCS program is offered through the International Concierge and Guest Services Association (ICGSA).

The CCS program consists of an online course that covers topics such as guest relations, customer service, hospitality management, and emergency response. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the CCS program. To get started, applicants must register for the course on the ICGSA website. The cost for the course is $395 USD.

10. Professional in Guest Services Management (PGSM)

Professional in Guest Services Management (PGSM) is a professional certification program designed to equip hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide excellent customer service. The program focuses on developing leadership, communication, problem solving and customer service skills necessary for success in the hospitality industry.

The PGSM program is offered through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is an online self-paced course that typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you are an AHLEI member or not. For non-members, the cost is $399; for members, it is $349.

The program consists of six modules: Introduction to Guest Services Management, Leadership and Supervision, Communication Skills for Guest Service Professionals, Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution Strategies, Quality Assurance and Customer Satisfaction Strategies, and Professionalism and Ethics in Guest Service Management. Each module includes interactive activities and assessments to help students understand key concepts related to guest services management. Upon successful completion of the coursework, participants will receive a certificate from AHLEI recognizing their achievement.

In addition to completing the online coursework, participants must also pass a comprehensive exam in order to earn their PGSM certification. This exam covers all topics covered in the coursework as well as general hospitality industry knowledge. The exam can be taken at any AHLEI approved testing center or online via ProctorU. The cost of taking the exam is $150 for non-members or $125 for members.

Overall, Professional in Guest Services Management (PGSM) provides hospitality professionals with an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills related to providing exceptional customer service within the hospitality industry.

11. Professional in Hospitality Supervision (PHS).

Professional in Hospitality Supervision (PHS) is an industry-recognized certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to help hospitality supervisors develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage their departments. The PHS program focuses on developing leadership, communication, and problem solving skills, as well as providing a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry.

The PHS program consists of four courses: Introduction to Hospitality Supervision, Human Resources Management for Hospitality Supervisors, Financial Management for Hospitality Supervisors, and Leadership for Hospitality Supervisors. Each course is approximately 8 hours long and can be completed online or in a classroom setting. Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will receive their Professional in Hospitality Supervision certification.

To get started with the PHS program, you must first register with AHLEI and pay a registration fee of $99. Once registered, you will gain access to the online learning platform where you can begin your studies. You may also choose to attend a classroom session if one is available in your area. After completing all four courses, you will need to take an exam which costs $125. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your PHS certification.

In total, it takes approximately 32 hours to complete the PHS program and costs $224 ($99 registration fee + $125 exam fee).

Do You Really Need a Front Desk Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are seeking. If you are looking for a job in a hotel or other hospitality industry, then having a Front Desk Supervisor Certificate can be beneficial. It can provide employers with evidence that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage front desk operations. For example, the certificate may cover topics such as customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team management. In addition, it may demonstrate your commitment to professional development and your desire to stay current with industry trends and practices.

On the other hand, if you are applying for a more general administrative position at an office or other business setting, then having a Front Desk Supervisor Certificate may not be necessary. Instead, employers may value experience in customer service or administration more than formal training. Additionally, if you already have other certificates related to your field of expertise (such as IT or accounting), these could help boost your candidacy and be considered instead of a Front Desk Supervisor Certificate.

Ultimately, it is important to consider what employers in your field are looking for when deciding whether or not to pursue a Front Desk Supervisor Certificate. It may be beneficial to do some research into the qualifications required by potential employers before making any decisions about furthering your education.

Related: Front Desk Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Front Desk Supervisor Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Front Desk Supervisor?

Answer: Generally, you need to have at least two years of experience in a customer service or hospitality role, as well as a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to complete specialized training related to front desk operations and customer service.

2. Is certification necessary for becoming a Front Desk Supervisor?

Answer: Certification is not required for this role but can be beneficial in helping you gain the knowledge and skills needed for this position. Certification can also help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and set you apart from other applicants.

3. What are some common topics included in Front Desk Supervisor Certifications?

Answer: Common topics covered in front desk supervisor certifications include customer service principles and practices, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, computer systems and software applications, administrative procedures, conflict resolution strategies, and safety protocols.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Front Desk Supervisor?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the program you choose and your level of experience with front desk operations. Generally speaking, most certification programs can be completed within 1-2 months if you are dedicated and able to dedicate enough time to studying and completing coursework requirements.

5. Are there any online courses available for Front Desk Supervisor Certifications?

Answer: Yes! Many organizations offer online courses that cover all the topics needed for certifications such as customer service principles and practices, communication skills, problem solving techniques, computer systems and software applications, administrative procedures, conflict resolution strategies, and safety protocols.