Top 11 Hospitality Manager Certifications

Certifications demonstrate to employers that a hospitality manager has the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their industry. They are a valuable way to show potential employers that the candidate has gone through rigorous training and is committed to staying up-to-date with current trends and best practices. Certifications also provide credibility, as they demonstrate that the candidate has achieved specific standards of excellence in their field. Additionally, certifications enable hospitality managers to stand out from other applicants in the job market, as they indicate a level of expertise and commitment that goes beyond what can be gleaned from a resume or CV alone.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Hospitality Managers and explain how they can help to advance a hospitality manager's career.

What are Hospitality Manager Certifications?

Hospitality manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or educational institution, and is often required for managerial positions within the hospitality industry.

This certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of hospitality management to potential employers. It can also provide recognition from established organizations and schools, which can be beneficial when seeking career advancement or promotions. Additionally, having the certification can open up new job opportunities, as some organizations may require it for certain positions.

The curriculum for obtaining this certification usually includes topics such as customer service, human resources management, marketing, budgeting, event planning and operations management. This ensures that those who have earned the certification are well-versed in all aspects of hospitality management.

Overall, having a hospitality manager certification provides individuals with an edge when seeking employment or promotions within the hospitality industry. It allows them to show potential employers that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their position.

Pro Tip: When considering hospitality manager certification, make sure to take the time to research and understand which certifications are accepted in your industry and region. Different certifications may have different requirements, so it is important to know what is required for each one before you begin your studies.

Related: What does a Hospitality Manager do?

Top 11 Hospitality Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a certification program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of hospitality supervisors. The program focuses on developing the core competencies necessary for successful supervision in the hospitality industry, such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and team building. The CHS certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHS certification requires completion of an online course that consists of nine modules. Each module covers a different topic related to hospitality supervision. The modules include: Introduction to Supervision; Communication Skills; Problem Solving and Decision Making; Conflict Resolution; Team Building; Human Resources Management; Financial Management; Quality Assurance and Customer Service. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive their CHS certificate.

The cost for the CHS certification program is $395 USD. This fee includes access to all nine modules and the exam fee. It typically takes around 8-10 hours to complete all nine modules and pass the exam with a minimum score of 80%.

Once certified, individuals must renew their CHS certification every three years by completing 24 hours of continuing education or re-taking the exam at a reduced rate.

2. 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 demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in hospitality management. The CHA program provides an opportunity for hotel professionals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and gain recognition as a leader in the hospitality industry.

The CHA certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as hotel operations, financial management, human resources, marketing and revenue management. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Candidates must also complete a pre-exam study course prior to taking the exam.

To obtain the CHA certification, candidates must have at least three years of full-time hospitality experience in a supervisory role or higher. Candidates may also qualify for the CHA if they have completed an AHLEI approved education program within the past five years.

The cost for the CHA examination is $395 USD and includes access to the pre-exam study materials as well as one free retake if needed.

3. Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP)

Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward hospitality sales professionals for their commitment to excellence in the field. The program was created by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is recognized by the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC).

The CHSP program consists of a comprehensive course that covers topics such as business development, sales strategies, customer service, and communication. It also includes an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to hospitality sales. In order to become certified, individuals must complete the course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The CHSP course typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s learning pace. The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

4. Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)

Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) is a professional certification offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The CFBE certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the food and beverage industry. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as menu planning, cost control, food safety, customer service, and marketing.

The CFBE certification requires successful completion of three courses: Foundations of Food & Beverage Management; Advanced Food & Beverage Management; and Professional Practices in Food & Beverage Management. Each course takes approximately 20 hours to complete.

To obtain the CFBE certification, individuals must pass all three courses with a score of 70% or higher on each exam. The cost for the entire program is $750 USD (plus applicable taxes).

5. Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA)

The Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) is a professional certification program designed to provide hotel industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the complexities of the hospitality industry. The CHIA credential is awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is recognized by employers in the hospitality industry as a mark of excellence.

The CHIA program consists of four courses that cover topics such as financial analysis, revenue management, market analysis, and operations management. Each course must be completed within one year of enrollment. Upon completion of all four courses, students must pass an exam to receive their CHIA designation.

The cost for the CHIA program varies depending on which courses you choose to take and whether or not you are an AHLEI member. The cost for non-members ranges from $1,500-$2,000; members pay between $1,250-$1,750.

To get started with the CHIA program, applicants must first register online at AHLEI's website. Once registered, applicants can select their desired courses and begin studying for the exam. After completing all four courses and passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their CHIA designation and gain access to exclusive resources such as job boards and networking opportunities.

6. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a professional certification program offered by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). The CRME certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of revenue management principles and practices. The program focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as pricing strategies, forecasting, demand analysis, inventory management, customer segmentation, and more.

The CRME certification requires that applicants meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in the hospitality industry with at least two years of experience in revenue management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as pricing strategies, forecasting methods, demand analysis techniques, customer segmentation models, and inventory management systems.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CRME certification process. During this time period applicants are required to complete an online application form and submit relevant documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Additionally, they must register for the exam and pay the associated fees which range from $395-$595 depending on when you register for the exam.

Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been successfully passed, applicants will be awarded their Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) credential which is valid for three years from the date of issue.

7. Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP)

Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) is a certification program offered by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). The CHTP certification recognizes hospitality professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the use and application of technology within the hospitality industry.

The CHTP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the hospitality industry, including topics such as revenue management, customer relationship management, property management systems, and more. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics and evaluates your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the CHTP program. During this time, you must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. You may also choose to take additional courses or attend seminars for further education on specific topics related to hospitality technology.

The cost for the CHTP program varies depending on whether you are an HFTP member or non-member. For HFTP members, it costs $495 USD; for non-members, it costs $595 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at taking the exam.

8. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a professional certification given by the Convention Industry Council (CIC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in meeting and event management. The CMP credential is recognized as the highest standard of excellence in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry.

To become a Certified Meeting Professional, an individual must meet certain criteria and pass an exam administered by the CIC. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in meeting or event planning and management within the past five years.

The CMP Exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as meeting design, marketing and promotion, risk management, financial management, technology applications, site selection and contract negotiations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CMP Exam varies depending on whether you are a member of the CIC or not. For non-members, it costs $595 USD; for members it costs $395 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $100 USD for all applicants.

9. Certified Lodging Security Manager (CLSM)

Certified Lodging Security Manager (CLSM) is a certification program designed to provide lodging security professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a secure environment. It is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CLSM certification program consists of three components: a comprehensive online course, an online exam, and a practical application assignment. The online course covers topics such as risk management, emergency response, access control systems, and more. The exam covers the material from the online course as well as key concepts from the AHLEI's Security Management textbook. Finally, the practical application assignment requires students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The CLSM certification program typically takes about six months to complete. To get started, applicants must register for the program through AHLEI's website and pay a fee of $399 USD. After registering, applicants will have access to all of the materials needed for completion of the program including the online course, exam and practical application assignment.

Once all components are completed successfully, applicants will receive their official Certified Lodging Security Manager certificate from AHLEI.

10. Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)

Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of restaurant managers. The program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CRM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of restaurant management experience. The certification process includes an online application, a written exam, and an in-person interview. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as food safety, customer service, human resources management, financial management, and operations management.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire CRM certification process from start to finish.

To get started with the CRM certification process, you must first submit an online application and pay the required fee. The fee for the CRM program is $295 USD. After your application is accepted, you will be sent a link to take the written exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be invited for an in-person interview with a panel of industry experts who will assess your knowledge and skills as a restaurant manager.

Once you have completed all requirements for the CRM program successfully, you will receive your official Certified Restaurant Manager certificate from NRAEF.

11. Certified Event Planner (CEP).

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize event professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of event planning.

The CEP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as event organization, budgeting, marketing, and risk management. It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, students must pass an exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to be certified.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the CEP program on the ILEA website. The cost for registration is $295 USD. Once registered, individuals can access the online course material and take the exam when they are ready.

Once individuals have passed the exam, they will receive their Certified Event Planner certificate from ILEA. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking another exam at that time.

Do You Really Need a Hospitality Manager Certificate?

The hospitality industry is an ever-growing field, and having a Hospitality Manager Certificate is becoming increasingly important. A certificate in hospitality management can open up opportunities for advancement and provide you with the tools to make your hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality service a success. It can also give you the knowledge and skills necessary to create a safe and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Having a Hospitality Manager Certificate can help you stand out from the competition. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage different aspects of the hospitality industry. It also shows that you are committed to learning about new trends and developments in the industry. This certificate may also be required for certain positions within a company, such as managing hotels or restaurants, so having it could be essential for getting hired in these roles.

In addition, having a Hospitality Manager Certificate can provide you with an edge when it comes to salary negotiations. Employers may view those who have taken the time to obtain this certification as more qualified than those who do not have one, which could lead to higher salaries or better positions within their organization. Furthermore, many employers offer financial incentives for obtaining certification in this field as well as offering tuition assistance programs or other forms of financial aid.

Finally, obtaining a Hospitality Manager Certificate can provide you with valuable networking opportunities. You will likely meet people in your classes who work in various aspects of the hospitality industry, giving you access to potential mentors or job referrals down the line. Additionally, most certificates include internships or hands-on experiences that allow you to gain practical experience in real-world situations while still learning from experienced professionals in the field.

Overall, having a Hospitality Manager Certificate is becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive job market. If you are looking for career advancement or want to gain an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs, then obtaining this certification could be beneficial for your career development goals.

Related: Hospitality Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Hospitality Manager Certifications

1. What is a Hospitality Manager Certification?

A Hospitality Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the hospitality industry. It involves completing coursework and exams to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as human resources, customer service, accounting, operations, and marketing.

2. Is a Hospitality Manager Certification required?

No, it is not required to become a hospitality manager; however, having a certification can give you an advantage when applying for jobs. It shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable about hospitality management and can be trusted with important tasks.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the program and type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, most programs take between six months and two years to complete.

4. What type of jobs can I get with a Hospitality Manager Certification?

Having a Hospitality Manager Certification can open up job opportunities in hotels, resorts, restaurants, event venues, cruise ships and more. With this certification you may be qualified for roles like front desk manager, food & beverage manager or sales & marketing director.

5. Are there any requirements to maintain my certification?

Yes, most certifying organizations require that individuals renew their certifications every few years by completing continuing education courses or taking additional exams. This helps ensure that professionals remain up-to-date on the latest trends in the hospitality industry and stay competitive in their field.