Top 11 Greeter Certifications

Certifications are important for a greeter in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary qualifications and expertise to excel in the role. Certifications provide employers with an assurance that the individual is qualified to greet customers in a professional manner and can handle any customer service issues that may arise. They also provide an indication of the individual’s commitment to their profession, as well as knowledge and understanding of customer service best practices. Certification programs offer individuals opportunities to gain additional skills, such as problem solving and communication, which can be beneficial when dealing with customers. Finally, certifications allow employers to differentiate between applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to their profession and those who have not.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Greeters and explains how they can help enhance a greeter's career prospects.

What are Greeter Certifications?

Greeter certification is a program designed to recognize individuals who have met certain standards of hospitality, customer service, and knowledge of their community. It can help visitors to an area feel more welcome and informed when they are greeted by a certified greeter. Certified greeters are knowledgeable about the local culture and attractions, have excellent communication skills, and have a genuine desire to make visitors feel comfortable in their new surroundings. They can provide personalized recommendations for places to visit or eat, as well as offer advice on how to navigate the city or town. Having certified greeters in place can also help create an overall better visitor experience, which can lead to increased tourist revenue for local businesses.

Pro tip: Always check the credentials of a greeter certification program before signing up. Look for programs that are accredited by a reputable organization and have a good track record of providing quality training. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly evaluate any course materials or resources provided to ensure they meet your professional goals.

Related: What does a Greeter do?

Top 11 Greeter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Greeters today.

1. Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP)

Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to provide hospitality professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and its standards. The CHP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in areas such as hospitality operations, customer service, and technology.

The CHP certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as hotel operations, customer service, and technology. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, candidates must pass the CHP exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics from the online course. The exam can be taken at any AHLEI approved testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost for the CHP certification program is $299 USD. This fee includes access to the online course, study materials, and one attempt at the exam. Additional attempts at the exam are available for an additional fee of $99 USD per attempt.

2. Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)

Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) is an international certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of customer service excellence. The CGSP program is designed to teach and assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide exceptional guest service in any hospitality setting.

The CGSP program consists of two parts: a self-paced online learning course and an assessment exam. The online course covers topics such as communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, team building, and more. The assessment exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the course.

It takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete the online course and pass the assessment exam. The cost of the program varies depending on which package you purchase but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD. To get started with the CGSP program, you must register for an account on the CGSP website and purchase one of their available packages.

3. Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA)

Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) is a program designed to provide training and recognition for individuals who are passionate about promoting their local area as a tourist destination. The program is administered by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

The CTA program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person certification workshop. The online course provides participants with an introduction to the principles of tourism marketing, customer service, and destination promotion. It also covers topics such as cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and crisis management. Upon completion of the online course, participants must attend a one-day certification workshop where they will learn how to effectively promote their destination using various tools and techniques.

The cost for the CTA program varies depending on the location of the certification workshop. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD to participate in the program.

In order to become certified as a CTA, individuals must successfully complete both the online course and in-person certification workshop. The entire process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish.

4. International Customer Service Association (ICSA) Certification

The International Customer Service Association (ICSA) is a professional organization that provides certification in customer service and support. The ICSA certification program is designed to recognize customer service professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent customer service.

The ICSA certification process takes about 6-9 months to complete, depending on the level of certification sought. To obtain an ICSA certification, applicants must first register with the ICSA and then complete an online application form. Once the application has been approved, applicants must pass a series of written exams and practical assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of customer service principles and practices.

The cost of obtaining an ICSA certification varies depending on the level of certification sought, but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

5. National Concierge Association (NCA) Certification

The National Concierge Association (NCA) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest level of excellence in the concierge field. It is the only nationally recognized certification program for concierge professionals. The NCA Certification Program provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism in their chosen field.

To obtain the NCA Certification, applicants must complete a comprehensive application process that includes a written exam, an oral interview, and a background check. The written exam covers topics such as customer service, hospitality management, and concierge services. The oral interview focuses on an applicant’s experience and knowledge of the industry. Once all requirements are met, applicants are awarded their certification from the NCA.

The entire process typically takes approximately four months to complete. Applicants should plan to begin the application process at least three months prior to their desired date of certification completion.

The cost of obtaining the NCA Certification varies depending on whether or not you are already certified by another organization or have completed other educational programs related to concierge services. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

6. Certified Professional Greeter (CPG)

Certified Professional Greeter (CPG) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional customer service skills as a greeter. The program is administered by the National Retail Federation and is open to anyone who has worked in a retail or hospitality environment for at least one year.

The CPG certification requires applicants to complete an online application and pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified, applicants must pay a fee of $150 USD. Additionally, they must submit proof of their work experience in the form of pay stubs or other documents. After passing the exam and submitting all required documentation, applicants are officially certified as CPGs.

The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional training courses or taking the exam again.

7. Certified Professional Greeting Specialist (CPGS)

Certified Professional Greeting Specialist (CPGS) is a certification program that is designed to help individuals become more successful in the hospitality industry. The program focuses on teaching best practices for providing exceptional customer service, as well as how to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and customers. The CPGS program consists of four courses: Introduction to Professional Greeting, Professional Greeting Techniques, Advanced Professional Greeting, and Professional Greeting Certification Exam.

The entire program takes about 10 hours to complete. It can be completed online or in person depending on the student’s preference. The cost of the program varies but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. To get certified, students must pass all four courses with a minimum score of 80%. Upon completion of the program, students will receive their Certified Professional Greeting Specialist certificate and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in professional greeting techniques.

8. International Greeter Network Certification

The International Greeter Network Certification is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to providing exceptional hospitality to international visitors. It is designed to help destination organizations, tour operators, and other hospitality professionals enhance their customer service and provide an outstanding experience for international visitors.

The certification process takes approximately 6-8 weeks and requires applicants to complete an online application, submit supporting documents, and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as cultural awareness, customer service skills, communication strategies, and knowledge of international visitor needs.

To get the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the hospitality industry or related field, be able to demonstrate a commitment to providing excellent customer service, and have a working knowledge of the culture and customs of the country they are serving. Applicants must also be able to speak at least two languages fluently.

The cost for the International Greeter Network Certification varies depending on the country in which it is being obtained. Generally speaking, however, it costs between $200-$500 USD.

9. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Front Desk Representative Certification

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s (AHLEI) Front Desk Representative Certification is a professional certification program that provides recognition for front desk personnel who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the hospitality industry. The certification is designed to help individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to provide excellent customer service at the front desk of a hotel or lodging property.

The certification consists of an online, self-paced course that typically takes about 8 hours to complete. During the course, students will learn about customer service principles, communication techniques, problem solving strategies, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, students can take an exam to receive their certification.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the course through AHLEI’s website. After completing the course and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their official certificate from AHLEI.

The cost for AHLEI’s Front Desk Representative Certification is $99 USD. This cost includes access to all course materials as well as one attempt at the certification exam.

10. International Association of Professional Greeters Certification

The International Association of Professional Greeters (IAPG) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of greeters and the greeting industry. IAPG Certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a greeter's knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing superior customer service.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the certification process. The first step is to complete an application form and submit it with any required documents. Once accepted, applicants must take an online assessment that covers topics such as customer service, hospitality, communication, problem-solving, and other related areas. After successful completion of the assessment, applicants are required to attend a two-day training course where they learn about customer service best practices and how to apply them in their work.

Finally, applicants must pass a written exam that evaluates their knowledge of customer service principles and techniques. Upon passing this exam, they will receive their IAPG certification.

The cost for IAPG certification depends on the country where you are applying from; however, it usually ranges from $250-$500 USD for the entire process.

11. Hospitality Industry Accreditation Program for Greeters

The Hospitality Industry Accreditation Program for Greeters (HIAPG) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate superior customer service and hospitality skills in the hospitality industry. The program focuses on five core competencies: communication, customer service, problem-solving, team building, and professionalism.

To become HIAPG certified, an individual must complete a training course that covers all five of the core competencies. The course typically takes about eight hours to complete and can be done online or in-person. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the HIAPG exam.

The HIAPG exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service principles, problem solving techniques, conflict resolution strategies, communication skills, and professionalism. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70%. The exam fee is $150 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their official HIAPG certification which is valid for three years. During this time they are expected to maintain their knowledge by completing continuing education courses every two years in order to keep their certification active.

Overall, becoming HIAPG certified requires dedication and commitment but it is well worth it for those looking to gain recognition for their hospitality skills and knowledge.

Do You Really Need a Greeter Certificate?

The answer to this question is going to depend on the type of job you are applying for and the company policies. Generally speaking, a greeter certificate is not required in order to be considered for a job as a greeter or customer service representative. However, some companies may require employees to have certain qualifications or certifications in order to be eligible for the position.

If you are applying for a position as a greeter at a retail store, it may be helpful if you have some prior experience in customer service or sales. This can demonstrate your ability to handle customer inquiries and provide excellent customer service. It can also show that you understand the importance of providing friendly and helpful service. If you do not have any previous experience in this field, taking classes or certification courses related to customer service may help set yourself apart from other applicants and make your application more competitive.

In some cases, employers may require applicants to have a greeter certificate before they will consider them for the job. This is especially true if the employer has specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the position. If this is the case, it’s important that you research what type of certificate is required and obtain one before submitting your application.

Overall, having a greeter certificate can be beneficial when applying for certain positions but it’s not always necessary. It really depends on what type of job you are seeking and what requirements are set by the employer.

Related: Greeter Resume Examples

FAQs About Greeter Certifications

Q1. What is a greeter certification?

A1. A greeter certification is a type of certification program that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as greeters in hospitality, retail, and other customer service-oriented industries. The certification ensures that greeters are able to provide quality customer service and create positive experiences for customers.

Q2. How do I become certified as a greeter?

A2. To become certified as a greeter, you must complete an approved training course and pass an online assessment or exam. Depending on the certification provider, you may also need to attend an onsite workshop or demonstrate your proficiency in customer service during an interview process.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a greeter?

A3. The amount of time required to become certified as a greeter varies depending on the specific requirements of each program, but typically takes anywhere from two weeks to six months or more.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified greeter?

A4. Becoming a certified greeter can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry, make you eligible for higher salaries and better job opportunities, and give you access to specialized training courses that can help you develop new skills related to customer service and hospitality management.

Q5. Is there an expiration date for my greeter certification?

A5. Yes, most certifications have expiration dates that vary between one year and three years depending on the provider's policies and requirements. It is important to stay up-to-date with any continuing education requirements in order to maintain your certification status and ensure it does not expire before its time