Top 11 Front of House Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important credential for a front of house manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certification programs provide a formalized way to gain knowledge and skills, which can help front of house managers stand out from other applicants when applying for positions. Certifications also give employers confidence that their prospective employees have the necessary skills to handle the responsibilities of a front of house manager role. Additionally, certifications can open up more opportunities for advancement within an organization as employers often look for certified professionals to fill key roles.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Front of House Managers and how they can help to enhance a front of house manager's career.

What are Front of House Manager Certifications?

Front of House Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals who are looking to develop their skills as front of house managers. This certification provides an opportunity for those interested in the hospitality industry to gain the necessary knowledge and experience needed to become successful and proficient in managing front-of-house operations. The certification includes courses on restaurant operations, customer service, inventory management, staff recruitment and training, financial management, marketing and sales, menu planning and design, and more.

This certification can help individuals build the skills necessary to manage successful front-of-house operations. It is tailored to ensure that participants have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects related to managing front-of-house operations. By completing this certification program, individuals will be able to better manage their staff, understand how to effectively communicate with customers and vendors, as well as gain an understanding of the financial aspects of running a business. Additionally, they will be able to recognize any potential problems within their organization before they arise, allowing them to take proactive steps towards addressing them.

Overall, this certification can provide invaluable guidance for individuals looking to further their careers in the hospitality industry by teaching them the necessary skills required for successfully managing front-of-house operations.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of front of house manager certifications available. Some certifications may require additional education or experience, while others may be more self-taught. Once you decide which certification is right for you, take the time to study and prepare for the exam to ensure success.

Related: What does a Front of House Manager do?

Top 11 Front of House Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of hospitality supervisors. The CHS certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), which is an affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

The CHS certification program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, conflict resolution, team building, and problem solving. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of these topics.

The CHS certification program takes approximately four to six weeks to complete. Candidates must first register for the online course, which can be done through AHLEI’s website or through a local hotel or lodging association. Once registered, candidates will have access to all course materials and can begin studying at their own pace. After completing the online course, candidates must then take the CHS exam at a certified testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CHS certification varies depending on whether you are taking it through AHLEI or through a local hotel or lodging association. Generally speaking, if taken through AHLEI, it will cost around $500 USD for both the course and exam fees combined. If taken through a local hotel or lodging association, it may cost less than $500 USD but may also include additional fees such as membership dues or other administrative costs.

2. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to manage food safety in their workplace. The CPFM program is accredited by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

To become a Certified Professional Food Manager, applicants must pass an approved food safety examination. These examinations are administered by Prometric, an independent testing organization. Exams must be taken at a Prometric testing center and can be scheduled online or by phone.

The exam covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, personal hygiene, temperature control, pest control, and HACCP principles. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. A passing score of 75% or higher is required to receive the CPFM certification.

The cost for the CPFM exam varies depending on the location of the testing center and other factors. In general, it costs around $150-$200 to take the exam. This fee includes all materials needed for the test as well as a certificate of completion upon successful passage of the exam.

It typically takes about one month from when you register for the exam until you receive your results and certificate.

3. Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)

Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize foodservice professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in restaurant management. The CRM program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CRM program requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time experience in a restaurant or related foodservice business, and must pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety, human resources, financial management, and operations. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified, individuals must submit an application along with their resume and proof of work experience. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on the type of certification sought. For example, the cost for Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) is $395 USD.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CRM certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. This certificate can be used to demonstrate expertise in restaurant management and may help individuals advance their career in the restaurant industry.

4. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in hotel management. The CHA certification is the highest level of recognition available for those working in the hospitality industry.

To obtain the CHA certification, applicants must first complete an approved educational program or have at least five years of experience in hotel operations. They must then pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, marketing, finance, human resources, and other aspects of hotel management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CHA certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in-person. The online version costs $450 while the in-person version costs $550. Additionally, there may be additional fees for materials or other services related to taking the exam.

In order to maintain their certification, CHAs must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every three years and pay an annual renewal fee of $50.

5. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is a professional designation offered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in meeting and event planning, management, and execution. The CMP program provides an opportunity for those in the meetings and events industry to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, as well as their commitment to the profession.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible for the CMP certification program, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time meeting or event management experience within the past five years, or a combination of education and experience that totals at least five years.

The application process takes about two weeks from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an online application with supporting documentation such as transcripts and work history. Once accepted into the program, applicants can then register for the exam which is administered twice a year in May and November. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMP certification within four weeks.

The cost of obtaining a CMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of CIC or not. For non-members, the fee is $450 USD while members pay $350 USD.

6. Certified Banquet Manager (CBM)

Certified Banquet Manager (CBM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward banquet managers for their expertise in the hospitality industry. The program is offered by the International Caterers Association (ICA).

The CBM program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course is designed to provide banquet managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage a banquet facility. Topics covered include event planning, customer service, food safety, financial management, and marketing. The exam tests participants on their understanding of these topics.

The CBM program takes approximately six months to complete. To get certified, individuals must first register for the program through ICA's website. Once registered, they will have access to the online course materials and can begin studying for the exam. After completing the coursework, participants must pass an exam administered by ICA in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Banquet Manager varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of ICA. For non-members, it costs $495 for registration and $225 for the exam fee; for members, it costs $395 for registration and $125 for the exam fee.

7. Certified Bar Manager (CBM)

A Certified Bar Manager (CBM) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Professional Bartenders (NAPB). The CBM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in bar management.

The CBM program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site examination. The online course covers topics such as bar operations, customer service, beverage safety, and financial management. Once the online course is completed, candidates must pass a written exam and complete an on-site practical exam at one of NAPB’s approved training centers.

The cost for the CBM program varies depending on the location of the training center. Generally, it costs between $200-$400 for the online course and $100-$150 for the on-site exam. The entire process typically takes about 8 weeks to complete from start to finish.

In order to be eligible for the CBM program, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in a bar or restaurant environment, as well as a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, applicants must be 21 years old or older and have no criminal record.

Once certified, CBMs are recognized as having achieved a high level of expertise in bar management and can use their certification to demonstrate their knowledge in job interviews or promotions.

8. Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)

Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) is a certification program designed to help hospitality professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional guest service. The program is administered by the International Association of Hospitality Professionals (IAHP), and it takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

In order to become certified, individuals must first pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of customer service principles and practices. Once they have passed the assessment, they can then register for the CGSP program, which includes an online course and a final exam. The cost of the program varies depending on membership status with IAHP but typically ranges from $99-$199 USD. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will receive their CGSP certification and be able to demonstrate their commitment to providing outstanding guest service.

9. Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE)

Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) is a professional certification program offered by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The CHE program was created to recognize hospitality educators who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in teaching hospitality-related topics. It is designed to elevate the standard of excellence in hospitality education and provide recognition for those who have achieved it.

The CHE program consists of three parts: an online application, a comprehensive exam, and an oral interview. The online application requires applicants to submit their educational background, work experience, and other information related to their qualifications as a hospitality educator. Once the application is submitted, applicants are invited to take the comprehensive exam which covers topics such as hospitality management, customer service, food safety, human resources management, and more. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants must pass an oral interview with AH&LA's Certification Committee in order to receive their CHE designation.

The cost of the CHE program varies depending on whether or not you are an AH&LA member. For non-members, the cost is $595 USD plus applicable taxes; for members it is $395 USD plus applicable taxes. The time required to complete the program will depend on how quickly you can prepare for and pass both the written exam and oral interview.

10. Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP)

Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP) is an industry-recognized certification that verifies a professional’s knowledge and skills in the hospitality sales field. It is designed to help sales professionals demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the industry, as well as to provide employers with a reliable measure of an individual's qualifications.

The CHSP designation requires completion of a comprehensive training program, which includes both online and classroom instruction. The program covers topics such as customer service, sales strategies, marketing, negotiation techniques, and more. The program typically takes between four and six weeks to complete.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of certification sought; however, it generally ranges from $250-$500 USD.

11. Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE).

Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the food and beverage industry. The program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CFBE program consists of three levels: Certified Food and Beverage Professional (CFBP), Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM), and Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE). To become a CFBE, individuals must first complete the CFBP or CFBM certification.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three levels of the CFBE program. During this time, individuals must pass a series of exams, attend seminars and workshops, and participate in on-the-job training.

To get started with the CFBE program, individuals must first register for an NRAEF membership. This membership costs $95 per year. After registering for an NRAEF membership, individuals can then apply for the CFBP or CFBM certifications. The cost of these certifications vary depending on which level you are applying for; however, they typically range from $200-$400 USD.

Once an individual has completed their CFBP or CFBM certification, they can then apply for their CFBE certification. The cost of this certification is $500 USD. Once an individual has passed all three levels of the program, they will be awarded their official Certified Food & Beverage Executive Certificate from the NRAEF.

Do You Really Need a Front of House Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Front of House Manager Certificate is ultimately up to you and the specific requirements of the job for which you are applying. However, if you want to make sure that your resume stands out among other applicants and shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective Front of House Manager, then a certificate may be worth considering.

A Front of House Manager Certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the essential elements of this role. It can also show that you understand how important it is to create a welcoming environment for guests, as well as how vital it is to ensure efficient operations in all areas of front-of-house management. A certificate course will typically cover topics such as customer service, hospitality management, budgeting and planning, team building and communication skills.

Having a Front of House Manager Certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one. It can make your resume more attractive since it demonstrates your commitment to learning more about this field and developing your professional skillset. Furthermore, having a certificate may provide you with access to additional resources such as networking events or industry-specific training opportunities that could help boost your career prospects in the long run.

In conclusion, whether or not you decide to pursue a Front of House Manager Certificate depends on your individual circumstances and goals. However, if you want to be competitive in today’s job market and put yourself at an advantage when applying for positions related to this field, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial.

Related: Front of House Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Front of House Manager Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Front of House Managers?

Answer: The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation offers the Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP) certification, which is the nationally recognized standard in front-of-house management. Additionally, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers the Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) certification.

2. How do I become certified as a Front of House Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Front of House Manager, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam administered by either the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation or the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Front of House Manager?

Answer: Becoming a certified Front of House Manager demonstrates that you have achieved a level of professional competency and knowledge in managing front-of-house operations. It can also help to increase your employability and job opportunities within the hospitality industry.

4. How much does it cost to become a certified Front of House Manager?

Answer: The cost to become a certified Front of House Manager varies depending on which certification program you choose, but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

5. How long is my certification valid for?

Answer: Your certification is typically valid for three years from the date you pass your exam, after which time you must renew your certification by retaking and passing the exam again.