Top 10 Front Office Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a front office supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their field. Certifications can also be used to show potential employers that the candidate is well-versed in best practices and standards, which makes them more desirable as a potential hire. In addition, certifications can help set one candidate apart from another when competing for similar positions. They also provide evidence of dedication to professional development, which is highly valued by employers. Finally, certifications may be required or preferred by many employers, so having them can give candidates an edge over those without them.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Front Office Supervisors and explain how they can help enhance a front office supervisor's career.

What are Front Office Supervisor Certifications?

Front office supervisor certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of expertise in the management and operations of a front office. This includes knowledge of customer service, problem-solving, scheduling, and other administrative tasks associated with the front desk.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their skill set to potential employers and advance their career prospects in the hospitality industry. The certification also provides recognition for those who are already working as front office supervisors by validating their skills and experience. Additionally, it allows them to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

With this certification, employers can be assured that they are hiring qualified professionals who have the necessary skills to effectively manage the front office. It also helps employers maintain high standards for customer service within their organization by ensuring that staff members possess adequate knowledge of how to handle all types of customers efficiently and professionally. Furthermore, it can provide employees with access to additional training opportunities and resources that can help them further develop their skillset.

Pro Tip: Consider enrolling in a front office supervisor certification program to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this role. Such programs often include topics such as customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving which are essential for success in this field.

Related: What does a Front Office Supervisor do?

Top 10 Front Office Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHA certification is designed to recognize hospitality professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in hotel administration.

It typically takes two to three months to complete the CHA program. To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved online or classroom-based course, then pass an exam administered by AHLEI. The exam covers topics such as hotel operations, finance, marketing, human resources, customer service and more.

The cost of the CHA certification varies depending on the type of course you take and whether you take it online or in a classroom setting. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 for the entire program.

Once certified, individuals can use their CHA designation to demonstrate their expertise in hotel management and stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry.

2. Certified Front Office Manager (CFOM)

Certified Front Office Manager (CFOM) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of front office managers in the hospitality industry. The CFOM program is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CFOM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in a hotel or lodging front office, as well as completion of an AHLEI-approved course. The course covers topics such as customer service, revenue management, sales and marketing, and technology.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the CFOM program depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and exams. The cost for the CFOM program is $399 USD for members of AHLEI and $499 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The program is designed to help hospitality professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful supervisors.

The CHS program consists of three courses: Supervision in the Hospitality Industry, Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry, and Financial Management for the Hospitality Industry. Each course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete. Once all three courses are completed, students can take an online exam to receive their CHS certification.

The cost of the CHS program varies depending on how you choose to take it. You can take all three courses online through AHLEI for $599 or purchase each course separately for $199 each. There is also a discounted rate if you are a member of AHLEI or a partner organization.

To get certified, you must first complete all three courses and then pass the online exam with a score of at least 75%. Once you have passed the exam, your certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

4. Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)

Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) is a certification program designed to help hospitality professionals learn the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional service in the hospitality industry. The CGSP program is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CGSP program consists of four courses that cover topics such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Each course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. After completing all four courses, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get the CGSP certification, individuals must first register for the program on the AHLEI website. The cost of registration is $299 USD and includes access to all four courses and the final exam. Once registered, individuals can begin taking the courses online at their own pace. Upon completion of all four courses and passing the final exam, participants will receive their CGSP certification from AHLEI.

5. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

The Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of revenue management. The CRME credential is awarded by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP).

To become CRME certified, an individual must have at least five years of experience in revenue management or related fields, and must pass an exam that covers topics such as pricing strategies, demand forecasting, yield optimization, data analysis and reporting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CRME certification, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $395 USD. Once approved, candidates will receive access to the online study materials which include practice tests and a study guide. Candidates then have up to six months to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their official CRME certificate from HFTP.

The CRME certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education credits every year.

6. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program for meeting and event professionals. The CMP program is administered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), an alliance of leading industry organizations. The CMP credential is recognized worldwide as the standard of excellence in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry.

To become a Certified Meeting Professional, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and agree to adhere to a code of ethics. Applicants must have three years of full-time experience in the meetings industry within the past five years and have completed at least 25 hours of continuing education in meeting management topics during that time period.

The CMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of meeting planning, from budgeting to risk management to project management. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of one of the CIC’s allied organizations. For members, it costs $395; for non-members it costs $595. In addition, there are fees associated with applying for certification ($150) and renewing your certification every three years ($50).

7. Certified Hospitality Sales and Marketing Executive (CHSME)

The Certified Hospitality Sales and Marketing Executive (CHSME) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHSME certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in hospitality sales and marketing.

It typically takes an average of 8-12 months to complete the CHSME program. To obtain the certification, applicants must successfully complete the AHLEI's online coursework, pass a comprehensive exam, and meet other requirements. The online coursework covers topics such as hospitality sales and marketing fundamentals, customer service strategies, market segmentation, pricing strategies, digital marketing tactics, and more.

The cost of obtaining the CHSME certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend a live seminar. The online course costs $795 USD while attending a live seminar will cost around $1,395 USD. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $150 USD for those taking the exam at an AHLEI testing center or via proctoring services.

8. International Association of Administrative Professionals Certification (IAAPC)

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of administrative professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and abilities of those who work in office administration, executive assistance, and other related fields.

To get IAAP Certification, individuals must first complete an application process and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as communication, technology, customer service, problem solving, planning and organizing, project management, human resources management, and financial management. The exam is offered at various locations throughout the year.

The IAAP Certification process typically takes about six months to complete. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certification in the mail within two weeks.

The cost for IAAP Certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the individual. A basic membership costs $99 per year while a professional membership costs $199 per year. Both memberships include access to exclusive discounts on products and services related to administrative professionals as well as discounts on conference registration fees and other benefits.

In addition to obtaining IAAP Certification through examination, there are also other pathways available for those interested in becoming certified administrative professionals. Individuals may be eligible for certification based on their education or work experience if they have completed a relevant degree or have at least three years of full-time work experience in an administrative role.

9. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certification (AHLEI-FOSTP)

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Food and Beverage Service Training Program (FOSTP) is a certification program designed to provide food and beverage service professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. The program covers topics such as menu planning, customer service, food safety, wine service, table setting, and more.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the FOSTP program. To get certified, you must first purchase the AHLEI FOSTP Certification Course Package from their website for $99.95 USD. This package includes the online course materials, access to the online exam, and a physical copy of your certificate once you pass the exam. You can then take the online exam at your own pace and upon successful completion you will receive your FOSTP certification.

The cost of this certification is $99.95 USD plus any applicable taxes or shipping fees that may apply.

10. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Certification in Foodservice Management (NRAEF-FMC).

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Certification (FMC) is a professional certification program that provides foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their field. The NRAEF-FMC is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the essential principles of foodservice management.

The certification process takes approximately two months and consists of three parts: an online assessment, an in-person exam, and a portfolio review. The online assessment tests your knowledge of food service management topics such as menu planning, customer service, financial management, and safety and sanitation. The in-person exam is a comprehensive test on all aspects of foodservice management. Finally, the portfolio review requires you to submit a portfolio that showcases your experience and accomplishments in the field.

The cost for the NRAEF-FMC certification varies depending on which components you choose to take part in. For example, if you only take the online assessment it will cost $125; however, if you choose to complete all three components it will cost $295.

Overall, the NRAEF-FMC certification is a great way for foodservice professionals to demonstrate their expertise in their field and gain recognition from employers. It also provides valuable resources that can help them stay up-to-date on best practices in foodservice management.

Do You Really Need a Front Office Supervisor Certificate?

Yes, a Front Office Supervisor Certificate is an important asset for anyone considering a career in the hospitality industry. The certificate provides evidence of the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this role. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you are qualified and have the ability to manage complex tasks related to hotel operations.

Front office supervisors are responsible for overseeing the front desk of a hotel or other hospitality business. They ensure that guests have an enjoyable stay by ensuring all services are provided correctly, efficiently, and courteously. This includes managing reservations, checking guests in and out, providing information about local attractions and services, handling guest complaints, and more. Additionally, they must coordinate with other departments such as housekeeping and maintenance to ensure smooth operation of the property.

Having a Front Office Supervisor Certificate proves that you have been properly trained to handle these important duties. It shows employers that you understand the complexity of the job and can work competently under pressure. It also serves as evidence of your dedication to continually improve your knowledge and skills through continuing education courses or seminars related to your profession. Ultimately, having this certification will make you stand out from other applicants when looking for a position in this field.

Related: Front Office Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Front Office Supervisor Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a Front Office Supervisor Certification?

A: The requirements for a Front Office Supervisor Certification vary depending on the organization providing the certification, but typically include experience in customer service, hotel operations, management and supervision of employees, problem solving and communication skills.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Front Office Supervisor?

A: The amount of time needed to complete the certification process varies depending on the organization providing the certification, but usually takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all necessary coursework and exams.

3. What type of job opportunities are available with a Front Office Supervisor Certification?

A: With a Front Office Supervisor Certification, you can pursue jobs in hospitality such as front desk supervisor, hotel manager or assistant general manager. You may also be able to find employment in related fields such as customer service or human resources management.

4. Is there an exam required for a Front Office Supervisor Certification?

A: Yes, most organizations require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam will test your knowledge of topics such as customer service, hotel operations and problem-solving techniques.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Front Office Supervisor?

A: The cost of getting certified as a Front Office Supervisor varies depending on the organization providing the certification, but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.