Top 10 Hotel Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for hotel sales managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and a commitment to professional development. Certifications can give employers confidence that a candidate has the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the role. Additionally, certifications provide evidence of a manager's dedication to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This can be especially beneficial in the hospitality industry, which is constantly evolving. Finally, certifications can help hotel sales managers stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs, as they demonstrate their qualifications and commitment to excellence within their field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Hotel Sales Managers and to explain how they can contribute to career growth and success.

What are Hotel Sales Manager Certifications?

Hotel sales manager certification is a professional credential that is designed to equip hotel sales managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage a hotel’s sales team. This certification can be obtained through a variety of organizations, including the International Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (IHSMA), and includes topics such as customer service, marketing, sales management, negotiation, budgeting and forecasting, and hospitality law.

By obtaining this certification, hotel sales managers demonstrate their commitment to their profession and gain credibility within the industry. Having this credential shows potential employers that they possess the skills needed to effectively lead a hotel's sales team. It also allows them to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices so they can be more productive in their roles. In addition, having this certification may open up opportunities for promotions or salary increases.

Overall, hotel sales manager certification provides many benefits for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. It not only serves as proof of competency but also provides an opportunity for professionals to network with other industry professionals who have similar credentials. Additionally, it can help them improve their skillset while keeping up with current trends in the hospitality industry so they can better serve their customers and guests.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become a hotel sales manager, consider getting certified in hospitality management. Certification programs provide a comprehensive understanding of the hotel sales and operations process, as well as best practices in customer service and revenue management. This can help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge when applying for hotel sales management jobs.

Related: What does a Hotel Sales Manager do?

Top 10 Hotel Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Hotel Sales Manager (CHSM)

Certified Hotel Sales Manager (CHSM) is a professional designation earned by hospitality sales professionals. It is a certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHSM program is designed to recognize and reward individuals for their commitment to excellence in hospitality sales and marketing, as well as to provide an opportunity for them to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The CHSM program requires completion of a three-part examination that covers topics such as sales strategy, customer service, market segmentation, revenue management, and technology. The exam must be taken at an AHLEI testing center and consists of multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in hotel sales or related fields.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the CHSM program. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within two weeks.

The cost of the CHSM program varies depending on whether you are an AHLEI member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD; for members it costs $295 USD.

2. Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP)

Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward hospitality sales professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. The CHSP designation is awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), an affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

The CHSP program requires candidates to complete a series of courses, exams, and practical experience that focus on key areas of hospitality sales, such as customer service, sales strategies and tactics, market analysis, negotiation skills, and more. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, candidates are eligible to receive the CHSP designation.

The program typically takes between three and six months to complete depending upon the individual's prior knowledge and experience. Candidates must complete two online courses offered by AHLEI: "Hospitality Sales" and "Advanced Hospitality Sales". Both courses require passing a final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Candidates must also complete at least one practicum in hospitality sales or related field. This can be completed through an internship or other approved method such as working with a mentor in the industry.

The cost for the CHSP program varies depending on whether you take the online courses or attend them in person at an AHLEI-approved facility. The cost for taking both online courses is approximately $400 USD plus any applicable taxes. If attending classes in person at an AHLEI-approved facility, tuition may range from $500-$1000 USD plus any applicable taxes.

3. Certified Global Business Travel Professional (CGBTP)

Certified Global Business Travel Professional (CGBTP) is a professional certification program for those working in the business travel industry. It is administered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The CGBTP certification program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful business travel professionals.

The CGBTP certification program consists of three parts: an online exam, an in-person training course, and a hands-on experience. The online exam covers topics such as global business travel regulations, corporate travel policies, and risk management. The in-person training course focuses on practical applications of the concepts learned in the online exam. Finally, the hands-on experience requires participants to demonstrate their knowledge through real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around six months to complete all three parts of the CGBTP certification program. To get started, individuals must first register for the online exam and pay a registration fee of $395 USD. After completing the online exam, they can then register for the in-person training course and pay a fee of $995 USD. Finally, they must complete a hands-on experience before being eligible for certification.

Overall, it costs approximately $1,390 USD to become certified as a CGBTP professional.

4. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is an industry-recognized certification for meeting and event professionals. It is a voluntary credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge, experience, and commitment to the meetings and events industry.

The CMP program is administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC), a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the events industry. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by EIC.

It typically takes 6 months to 1 year to complete the entire process of becoming CMP certified. The process includes completing an application, submitting proof of meeting planning experience, attending educational courses or webinars, passing an exam, and paying the associated fees.

The cost of becoming CMP certified varies depending on your membership status with EIC. For non-members, it costs $450 for the initial application fee plus $395 for the exam fee. For members of EIC, it costs $350 for the initial application fee plus $295 for the exam fee.

5. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of revenue management professionals. The CRME program is administered by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

The CRME certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and a comprehensive exam. The self-study course covers topics such as revenue management fundamentals, pricing strategies, forecasting techniques, demand analysis, and distribution channels. The comprehensive exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of revenue management principles and practices.

The CRME certification process takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first complete the online self-study course before taking the comprehensive exam. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official CRME certificate within four to six weeks.

The cost for the CRME certification program is $1,295 USD for HSMAI members or $1,595 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online self-study course as well as one attempt at the comprehensive exam.

6. Certified Tourism Marketing Professional (CTMP)

Certified Tourism Marketing Professional (CTMP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward professionals in the tourism industry who have achieved a high level of expertise in marketing and promotion. The CTMP program is administered by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA).

The CTMP program consists of four core courses, which are offered online or in person. These courses cover topics such as market research, customer service, public relations, digital marketing, and more. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants receive their CTMP certification.

The cost for the CTMP program varies depending on the type of course you choose. For example, if you take the online courses, you will pay $495 per course. If you attend an in-person course, you will pay $795 per course.

In total, it takes approximately 16 hours to complete all four courses and receive your CTMP certification.

7. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification program created by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in hotel management. The CHA certification demonstrates a commitment to hospitality excellence and provides a competitive edge in the job market.

The CHA certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in a supervisory role within the hospitality industry, or completion of an AHLEI approved college-level hospitality management program. Applicants must also pass an online exam with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CHA certification process from start to finish, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and pass the online exam.

In order to get certified, you must first register with AHLEI and pay a fee of $395 USD. This fee includes access to all of the materials needed for the course, as well as access to practice exams and other resources. After completing your registration, you will be able to begin studying for your exam right away. Once you have passed your exam, you will receive your official Certified Hotel Administrator certificate from AHLEI.

8. Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME)

Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME) is a professional certification program designed to provide marketing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively promote and market hospitality products and services. The CHME certification program is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHME certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in hospitality marketing or sales, or a combination of both. The program consists of five courses covering topics such as customer service, hospitality marketing principles, market research, digital media and social media strategies, and budgeting for hospitality marketing. After completing all five courses, candidates must pass an exam administered by AHLEI.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CHME certification program as long as you are taking one course at a time. Once you have completed all five courses, you must take and pass the exam within one year of completing your final course.

The cost for the five-course CHME certification program is $1,495 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee covers all materials required for the program including textbooks, online learning tools and access to practice exams. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $195 USD that must be paid before taking the exam.

9. Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA)

Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) is a professional certification program designed to provide hotel industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their field. The CHIA program is administered by the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC).

The CHIA program consists of three parts: an online self-assessment, a four-day classroom course, and an online exam. The self-assessment helps participants determine if they are ready for the course. The four-day classroom course covers topics such as hotel operations, finance, marketing, human resources, and technology. During this time, students will also take part in case studies and simulations. Finally, after completing the coursework, participants must pass an online exam to receive their certification.

It typically takes two to three months to complete the CHIA program from start to finish. To get started on the path towards becoming a Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA), you must first register for the self-assessment through ISHC's website. Once you have successfully completed the self-assessment and been accepted into the program, you can then register for the four-day classroom course and pay any associated fees. After completing the coursework and passing the online exam, you will be awarded your CHIA certification.

The cost of obtaining a CHIA certification varies depending on where you take your courses and how many courses you take at once. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for all three parts of the program combined.

10. Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP)

Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully manage and lead hospitality technology operations. The CHTP program is administered by the International Society of Hotel Association Executives (ISHAE).

The CHTP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as hospitality technology fundamentals, systems integration, security and privacy, customer service, project management, budgeting, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

To get the CHTP certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of hospitality technology. The exam fee is $395 USD for ISHAE members and $495 USD for non-members.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CHTP certificate from ISHAE. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance.

Do You Really Need a Hotel Sales Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to become a hotel sales manager, then a Hotel Sales Manager Certificate is certainly beneficial. Not only will it demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, but it can also open up many new opportunities for advancement in the industry.

For example, having a certificate may give you access to specialized training programs that can help you hone your skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in hotel sales management. Additionally, some organizations may require certain certifications for hiring or promotion purposes. A certificate can also be used as proof of professional development if you decide to apply for higher-level positions within the organization or elsewhere.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a certificate depends on where you want to take your career. If you’re just starting out in hotel sales management, then it might not be necessary right away. However, if you’re looking to advance your career and gain recognition for your skills and experience within the industry, then earning a Hotel Sales Manager Certificate could be an excellent way to do so.

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FAQs About Hotel Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is a Hotel Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: A Hotel Sales Manager Certification is a recognized industry credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the areas of sales, marketing, hospitality, and customer service related to managing a hotel. It provides an assurance of competence and professionalism to employers.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Hotel Sales Manager offers many benefits such as increased job security, higher earning potential, more job opportunities, better career advancement opportunities, increased confidence in one’s abilities, and increased credibility with employers.

3. What courses do I need to take for certification?

Answer: The courses required for certification vary depending on the certifying organization but usually include topics such as hotel sales management principles, customer service skills, hospitality laws & regulations, marketing & promotion strategies, budgeting & forecasting techniques, and revenue management systems.

4. How long does it take to complete certification?

Answer: The time it takes to complete your certification will depend on the certifying organization you choose and the number of courses you need to take. Generally speaking it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the program structure and your commitment level.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining certification varies depending on the certifying organization you choose but generally ranges from $500-$3000 USD for all course materials and exam fees combined.