Top 11 Hotel Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a hotel operations manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry. Employers look for candidates with a proven track record of success, and certifications can be used as evidence of an individual's commitment to professional development, dedication to customer service, and understanding of industry standards. Certifications also provide tangible proof that an applicant has taken the initiative to learn more about their profession and stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the field. In addition, certifications may help open doors to new opportunities within the hospitality industry, allowing hotel operations managers to advance their careers through increased responsibility or higher salaries.

This article reviews the top certifications for Hotel Operations Managers and explains how they can help to advance a hotel operations manager's career.

What are Hotel Operations Manager Certifications?

Hotel operations manager certification is a professional credential that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in managing and overseeing the operations of a hotel. This certification is offered by various organizations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Those who obtain this certification can demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in hospitality management and show potential employers that they possess the necessary skills to lead a hotel operation.

The main benefit of obtaining hotel operations manager certification is that it shows employers that the individual has taken the initiative to further their education and has achieved an advanced level of knowledge in hospitality management. Employers may be more likely to hire someone with this type of certification as they know they will have an experienced professional on staff who can effectively oversee all aspects of running a successful hotel. Additionally, having this certification may also provide individuals with higher paying positions and better opportunities for career advancement within their organization.

Finally, having this certification can open up new job opportunities for those interested in working in other areas within the hospitality industry. For example, those with a hotel operations manager certification may be more likely to be hired for managerial positions at resorts or cruise ships, or even become consultants for hotels looking to improve their operational efficiency. In any case, obtaining this type of certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants and give them an edge when applying for jobs.

Pro Tip: When considering a hotel operations manager certification, make sure to research the course curriculum thoroughly and ask questions to ensure that the program meets your needs. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited by a reputable organization to ensure your certification is recognized across the industry.

Related: What does a Hotel Operations Manager do?

Top 11 Hotel Operations Manager Certifications

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

1. 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 hospitality professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the field. The CHA certification is a mark of distinction that can help you stand out from the competition and advance your career.

The CHA certification process requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an online exam, and submit proof of work experience. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hotel management, operations, sales and marketing, finance and accounting, human resources, and technology. The exam must be completed within two hours and can be taken at any AHLEI-approved testing center.

The cost for the CHA certification process varies depending on where you take the test. In most cases, it will cost between $300-$400 USD. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

Once you’ve passed the exam, you will need to submit proof of work experience in order to receive your CHA certification. You must have at least three years of full-time hospitality industry experience in order to qualify for this certification. Once all requirements are met, you will receive your official certificate from AHLEI.

2. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward hospitality supervisors who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of hospitality management. The CHS certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHS program is an online self-study program that takes approximately 40 hours to complete. It consists of six modules covering topics such as guest service, food and beverage operations, human resources management, financial management, marketing and sales, and industry trends. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exams, candidates are awarded the CHS certificate from AHLEI.

To get certified as a CHS, applicants must first register for the program through AHLEI’s website. After registering for the program, applicants will receive access to the online self-study material which includes videos, audio recordings, reading materials, quizzes and exams. Candidates must pass all six modules with a minimum score of 70%. Once all modules have been completed successfully, applicants will be eligible to take the final exam which is administered at an approved testing center.

The cost of becoming a Certified Hospitality Supervisor varies depending on whether you choose to purchase just the course materials or if you choose to add additional study aids such as textbooks or practice tests. The cost of purchasing just the course materials ranges from $300-$400 USD while adding additional study aids can range from $500-$600 USD.

3. Certified Hospitality Operations Manager (CHOM)

Certified Hospitality Operations Manager (CHOM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to equip hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and lead successful operations in the hospitality industry.

The CHOM certification program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course, and an exam. The online course takes approximately 16 hours to complete, and covers topics such as financial management, human resources, customer service, marketing and sales, and operations management. The exam is a multiple-choice test that must be completed within three hours.

To get certified as a CHOM, individuals must first register for the program through AHLEI’s website. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course materials. After completing the online course, individuals must then take and pass the exam in order to become certified.

The cost of the CHOM certification program varies depending on whether you are an AHLEI member or non-member. For members, it costs $399; for non-members it costs $499.

4. Certified Hospitality Facilities Manager (CHFM)

Certified Hospitality Facilities Manager (CHFM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). The CHFM certification is designed to provide facility managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage hospitality facilities.

The CHFM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Hospitality Facility Management, Advanced Hospitality Facility Management, and Professional Practice in Hospitality Facility Management. Each course includes topics such as budgeting, project management, operations, customer service, and legal and regulatory compliance.

To become certified as a CHFM, candidates must complete all three courses within two years. Candidates must also pass an exam for each course with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CHFM program varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or in person. Online courses cost $795 per course while in-person courses cost $895 per course. In addition, there is a one-time application fee of $75 and an annual membership fee of $50 for IAVM members.

Overall, becoming certified as a CHFM requires approximately two years of study and can cost up to $2,720 including fees.

5. Certified Hotel Marketing Executive (CHME)

Certified Hotel Marketing Executive (CHME) is a certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to provide hotel marketing professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their roles. The CHME program provides comprehensive training on topics such as customer service, sales and marketing, revenue management, and digital marketing.

The CHME program consists of three courses: Introduction to Hotel Marketing, Advanced Hotel Marketing Strategies, and Digital Marketing for Hotels. Each course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. After completing all three courses, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CHME, you must first register for the program through AHLEI’s website. The cost of registration is $299 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, you will have access to all of the course materials and can begin your studies immediately. Upon completion of the courses and passing the exam, you will receive your CHME certification from AHLEI.

6. Certified Hotel Revenue Manager (CHRM)

Certified Hotel Revenue Manager (CHRM) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHRM certification program is designed to help hotel revenue management professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize a hotel’s profitability. It provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of effective hotel revenue management, including pricing strategies, demand forecasting, inventory control, and yield optimization.

To become certified as a CHRM, individuals must complete a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as pricing strategies, demand forecasting, inventory control and yield optimization. Upon completion of the course, individuals must pass an exam administered by AHLEI.

The entire process typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete. The cost of the CHRM certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend a live seminar. The cost for taking the online course is $799 USD while attending a live seminar costs $1,599 USD.

7. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)

Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) is a professional certification program designed for hospitality housekeeping professionals. It is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHHE program provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of hospitality housekeeping, as well as the skills necessary to effectively manage a successful housekeeping operation.

The CHHE program consists of three parts:

1. A self-study course that covers topics such as room cleaning techniques, safety and sanitation, guest service, and management principles.

2. An online exam that tests knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course.

3. A practical assessment that evaluates an individual’s ability to apply what they have learned in the classroom to their job duties.

It typically takes about two months to complete all three parts of the CHHE program. To get started, you must purchase the self-study course from AHLEI and register for an online exam date with Prometric Testing Centers. Once you have completed both parts, you will be eligible to take part in a practical assessment at an AHLEI-approved testing center. Upon successful completion of all three components, you will receive your CHHE certification from AHLEI.

The cost for the CHHE program varies depending on which components are purchased separately or together as part of a package deal. The self-study course costs $199 USD; however, there are discounts available if it is purchased with other components such as the online exam or practical assessment. The total cost for all three components can range from $450-$550 USD depending on which package deal is chosen.

8. Certified Hospitality Security Officer (CHSO)

Certified Hospitality Security Officer (CHSO) is a certification program designed to provide security professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect hospitality facilities. The program is offered by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS).

The CHSO certification is earned through completion of an online course, followed by a written exam. The online course consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as security management, legal issues, emergency response, and risk assessment. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals are awarded the CHSO designation.

The cost of the CHSO certification program is $395 USD. This fee covers the cost of tuition, materials, and examination fees. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the online course and exam.

In order to become certified as a CHSO, individuals must meet certain requirements including having at least two years of experience in a security-related field or in hospitality management; being employed by a recognized hospitality facility; being 21 years of age or older; having no criminal convictions; passing a background check; and completing all required training courses and exams.

9. Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM)

Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM) is a professional certification issued by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in food and beverage management.

The CFBM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of food and beverage management experience, as well as complete an online training course. The course consists of five modules that cover topics such as menu planning, cost control, customer service, health and safety, and marketing. After completing the course, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam to receive their certification.

The cost for the CFBM program varies depending on the individual's circumstances. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for the training course and exam fees. The cost may be reduced if the applicant has already completed some of the required courses or if they are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

In total, it usually takes around six months to complete the CFBM program from start to finish. This includes completing the online training course, studying for the exam, taking the exam itself, and waiting for results.

10. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is an internationally recognized certification for meeting and event professionals. The CMP credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of meetings, events, conventions, and exhibitions.

It typically takes about six months to two years to complete the requirements for the CMP certification. To earn the CMP designation, applicants must:

1. Have at least three years of full-time professional experience in the meetings industry;

2. Complete an approved educational program;

3. Pass a comprehensive exam; and

4. Agree to abide by a code of ethics.

The cost of obtaining the CMP designation varies depending on where you take the courses, but it generally ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD.

11. International Society of Hospitality Consultants Certification Program

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) Certification Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest standards of excellence in hospitality consulting. The ISHC Certification Program is open to any individual who meets the criteria and has a minimum of five years of experience in the hospitality industry.

The process to become certified by the ISHC includes completing an application, submitting a resume, providing references, and passing an oral examination. The application process takes approximately two weeks to complete. Once approved, applicants must attend an intensive three-day seminar on hospitality consulting topics. After successful completion of the seminar, applicants must pass an oral examination administered by ISHC members.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of a company. For individuals, there is a one-time fee of $2,000 USD for membership and $1,500 USD for the seminar. For companies, there is an annual fee of $5,000 USD for membership and $3,000 USD for each employee attending the seminar.

Once certified by ISHC, members are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that members stay up-to-date with current trends in hospitality consulting and remain competitive in their field.

Do You Really Need a Hotel Operations Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their current career aspirations. A hotel operations manager certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to take their career in the hospitality industry to the next level. It is an excellent way to demonstrate a high level of competence and knowledge in the particular field. With the right certification, potential employers will know that you have acquired a solid understanding of the different aspects of hotel operations management and can even help open up opportunities for further advancement.

On the other hand, it might not be necessary for some people depending on their current job and experience level. For instance, if you already hold a degree in hospitality management or have extensive experience working in the industry, then you may not need an additional certification to prove your abilities. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual person to decide whether or not they need a hotel operations manager certificate in order to pursue their desired career path.

Related: Hotel Operations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Hotel Operations Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Hotel Operations Manager Certification?

A1. A Hotel Operations Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage the operations of a hotel or hospitality business. It typically covers areas such as customer service, financial management, personnel management, marketing and sales, and general hospitality industry practices.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a Hotel Operations Manager Certification?

A2. Having a Hotel Operations Manager Certification can help you stand out from other job candidates in the hospitality industry, as it demonstrates your commitment to professional development and mastery of essential operational skills in this field. Additionally, it can give you an edge in salary negotiations and career advancement opportunities.

Q3. How do I obtain a Hotel Operations Manager Certification?

A3. To obtain a Hotel Operations Manager Certification, you must meet certain educational requirements such as having an Associate’s Degree or higher in Hospitality Management or related field plus at least two years of experience in hotel operations management (or equivalent). Additionally, some certifications may require passing an exam or completing special courses or workshops.

Q4. How long does a Hotel Operations Manager Certification last?

A4. The length of time that your certification is valid will depend on the type of certification you have obtained; however, most certifications require renewal every 2-3 years by completing additional coursework or continuing education credits to maintain their validity over time.

Q5. What are some common topics covered by Hotel Operations Manager Certifications?

A5. Common topics covered by Hotel Operations Manager Certifications include customer service standards and procedures, financial management principles and practices, personnel management strategies and techniques, marketing methods for attracting customers and guests, hospitality industry law and regulations, safety protocols for guest areas and staff members, food service best practices, housekeeping operations guidelines, event planning fundamentals and more.