Top 11 Housekeeper Certifications

Certifications are important for a housekeeper in the job market because they demonstrate that the housekeeper has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties. They also give employers confidence in the candidate’s abilities, as certifications provide proof of competency. Additionally, certifications can help open up new job opportunities, as employers may be more willing to hire someone with a certification than one without. Finally, having a certification can make it easier for a housekeeper to find work, since many employers prefer candidates who have credentials that prove their proficiency.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Housekeepers and explains how they can help to enhance a housekeeper's career.

What are Housekeeper Certifications?

Housekeeper certification is a program designed to help housekeepers gain the skills and knowledge necessary to provide superior cleaning services. The program provides training on topics such as customer service, proper cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and other essential job-related topics. Upon successful completion of the program, housekeepers are awarded a certificate that validates their skills and knowledge in the field of housekeeping.

Having a housekeeper certification can be beneficial for employers who are looking for reliable and experienced housekeepers. This certification demonstrates that the individual has been trained in the industry standards and protocols, giving employers peace of mind knowing they have hired someone with the necessary qualifications. In addition, this certification also serves as an indication of dedication to one’s profession, since it requires ongoing education and training to maintain it. Furthermore, having this type of certification can give housekeepers an edge when applying for jobs or promotions since it shows employers that they have taken initiative to improve their skillset beyond what is required by their current position.

Pro Tip: When considering certification for a housekeeper, make sure to research the requirements and benefits of the program. Many certifications offer specialized training and access to resources that can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, hone your skills, and increase your value as a professional. Certification can also provide greater job security and higher pay.

Related: What does a Housekeeper do?

Top 11 Housekeeper Certifications

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

1. Professional Housekeeper Certification (PHC)

Professional Housekeeper Certification (PHC) is a certification program designed to help housekeepers gain the skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties in a professional manner. The program is administered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA).

The PHC program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires completion of a series of classes and exams. The Basic level focuses on basic housekeeping tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms. The Advanced level covers topics such as laundry management and inventory control. And the Master level focuses on advanced topics such as infection control, safety protocols, and customer service.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the PHC program depending on your schedule and availability.

To get started with the PHC program you must first become a member of IEHA. Membership fees vary depending on your status but range from $50-$125 per year. After becoming an IEHA member you can register for classes through their website or call their office directly for more information.

The cost for each class varies depending on the length and complexity but generally ranges from $100-$400 per course. Additionally, there are exam fees associated with each level which range from $50-$100 per exam.

Overall, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 to complete the entire Professional Housekeeper Certification Program depending on how quickly you progress through it.

2. Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH)

Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of housekeeping. The CPH certification is offered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA). It is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of professionalism in the housekeeping industry.

The CPH certification requires applicants to complete an online application, pass a written examination, and submit three letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues. The exam covers topics such as safety and sanitation procedures, cleaning techniques, customer service, communication skills, and more. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CPH certificate.

The cost of the CPH certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 to become certified. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or submitting documents for review.

The process of becoming a Certified Professional Housekeeper takes approximately 6-8 weeks from start to finish.

3. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)

Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of hospitality housekeeping professionals. It is intended to help employers identify qualified candidates for positions in their housekeeping departments.

The CHHE exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as cleaning techniques, safety and security, customer service, and personnel management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, individuals must first complete an AHLEI approved course or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through a combination of education and experience. After completing the required coursework or demonstrating equivalent knowledge, individuals may then register for the CHHE exam online at www.ahlei.org/chhe.

The cost of the CHHE exam varies depending on whether you are an AHLEI member or non-member:

• AHLEI Member: $125
• Non-Member: $175

4. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). This certification provides recognition to environmental services professionals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the areas of infection prevention, hazardous materials management, environmental safety, and other related topics.

The CEST certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as infection control principles, hazardous materials management, environmental safety protocols, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Candidates must also have at least two years of full-time experience in the field or have completed a NEHA approved training program.

The cost for the CEST exam is $225 for NEHA members and $375 for non-members. After passing the exam, candidates are required to pay an additional fee of $25 to maintain their certification every three years.

Overall, it takes approximately six months to get certified as a CEST technician if you are already familiar with the material covered on the exam.

5. Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) is a professional certification program offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). The CAMT designation is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced apartment maintenance technicians. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to quality and professionalism in the field.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in apartment maintenance or equivalent experience in related fields. The CAMT exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, carpentry and painting, appliance repair, and general maintenance. Applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to receive their certification.

The cost for taking the CAMT exam is $175 USD for NAA members and $225 USD for non-members. If an applicant does not pass the exam on their first attempt, they may retake it up to three times within one year at no additional cost.

Once certified, CAMTs are required to maintain their certification by completing 12 continuing education credits every two years. This can be done through attending workshops or seminars offered by NAA or other approved organizations.

6. Certified Hotel Housekeeping Supervisor (CHHS)

Certified Hotel Housekeeping Supervisor (CHHS) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional achievements of housekeeping supervisors in the hospitality industry. The program is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

To become certified, individuals must have at least two years of experience in hotel housekeeping management, and must pass an exam that covers topics such as housekeeping operations, guest services, cleaning techniques, and safety and security. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CHHS certification exam is $185 for AHLEI members or $235 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive a certificate from AHLEI recognizing their achievement.

7. Certified Green Cleaning Professional (CGCP)

Certified Green Cleaning Professional (CGCP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in green cleaning. It is offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). The CGCP certification ensures that professionals understand the principles of green cleaning, as well as how to apply them in their daily work.

The CGCP certification requires successful completion of an online course and a written exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete, and the exam can be taken at any time after completing the course. The cost for the course and exam is $295 USD.

Upon successful completion of both components, applicants will receive their CGCP certificate and be listed on ISSA’s website as a Certified Green Cleaning Professional. This listing serves as proof of their qualifications to potential employers or clients.

The CGCP certification must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education courses or re-taking the written exam.

8. National Association of Residential Property Managers Certification (NARPM)

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification is a professional designation for property managers who specialize in residential real estate. The certification recognizes knowledge and experience in the field, and provides an opportunity to demonstrate expertise to potential employers and clients.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including at least two years of experience in residential property management or related fields, completion of NARPM's Professional Designation Course (PDC), and passing the NARPM Certification Exam. The PDC course is offered online and takes approximately 40 hours to complete. It covers topics such as ethics, legal issues, marketing, tenant relations, maintenance and repair, risk management, accounting principles, and more. After completing the PDC course and passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants will receive their NARPM Certification.

The cost for the PDC course is $399 for members of NARPM ($499 for non-members). In addition to this fee, there is an annual membership fee of $199 ($299 for non-members). Once certified, there are no additional fees required to maintain the certification.

Overall, it typically takes about three months from start to finish to obtain a NARPM Certification.

9. International Sanitary Supply Association Certification (ISSA-CPC)

The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Certification Program (ISSA-CPC) is a comprehensive, industry-recognized certification program designed to provide professional development and recognition for individuals working in the cleaning industry. The program consists of two levels of certification: Certified Professional Cleaner (CPC) and Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS).

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as safety, infection control, cleaning techniques, equipment operation, and customer service. The exam can be taken at any ISSA-approved testing center or online. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the ISSA-CPC certification varies depending on the level of certification sought. For CPC certification, the cost is $195 USD for members and $295 USD for non-members. For CPS certification, the cost is $395 USD for members and $495 USD for non-members.

Once certified, individuals will receive a digital certificate that can be used as proof of their credentials when applying for jobs or promotions in the cleaning industry. They will also have access to exclusive resources from ISSA such as continuing education courses and discounts on products and services related to the cleaning industry.

10. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Hospitality Housekeeping Management Certificate Program

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Hospitality Housekeeping Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage housekeeping operations in a hotel or lodging setting. The program is offered online and consists of six courses, each focusing on a different aspect of hospitality housekeeping management. The courses cover topics such as cleaning techniques, linen management, safety and security, customer service, budgeting and scheduling, and quality assurance. Students must complete all six courses within one year in order to earn the certificate.

To get the certificate, students must first register for the program online through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute's website. Once registered, students will have access to all course materials, including lectures, quizzes, assignments, and exams. After completing all six courses with a passing grade of 70% or higher on each exam, students will receive their certificate from AHLEI.

The cost of the program varies depending on how many courses are taken at once; however, it typically ranges from $600-$900 USD for all six courses.

11. National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers Certification for Housekeepers and Janitors

The National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE) Certification for Housekeepers and Janitors is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the housekeeping and janitorial services industry. This certification helps to ensure that those working in this field are knowledgeable about the latest cleaning techniques and safety practices.

The NABIE certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as infection control, safety protocols, environmental regulations, and cleaning methods. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge by completing a series of tasks related to housekeeping and janitorial services.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. After passing the online exam, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of experience in the field or a letter from an employer verifying employment history. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will be scheduled for their practical assessment.

The cost for the NABIE Certification for Housekeepers and Janitors varies depending on where you live; however, it typically ranges from $200-500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Housekeeper Certificate?

In today’s competitive job market, having a housekeeper certificate can help you stand out from the crowd and give you an edge when applying for housekeeping positions. A housekeeper certificate is a great way to demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn about proper cleaning techniques, as well as understand how to properly use different cleaning supplies and equipment. It also shows that you are organized and detail-oriented, which are important qualities for successful housekeepers.

Having a housekeeper certificate can also make it easier to get hired by employers. Employers often look for candidates who have some type of certification or training in their field of work, so having a housekeeper certificate can be a valuable asset during the hiring process. Additionally, many employers require their employees to have certain certifications before they start working, so having one can ensure that you meet all of their requirements.

Finally, having a housekeeper certificate can provide you with additional professional development opportunities. Many organizations offer continuing education courses or seminars related to the field of housekeeping, which can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. In addition, taking part in these types of programs may qualify you for promotions or increased pay raises in your current position.

Overall, having a housekeeper certificate is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show potential employers that you are serious about your career. Even if it isn’t required for the job you are applying for, having one could give you an edge over other applicants and open up more professional development opportunities down the line.

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FAQs About Housekeeper Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for housekeepers?

Answer: Common certifications available for housekeepers include the National Association of Hotel & Lodging Housekeeping Executive Certification, Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH) certification, and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute's Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive Certification.

2. How do I become certified as a housekeeper?

Answer: To become certified as a housekeeper, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the specific certification program you choose to pursue. This typically includes having a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience in the hospitality industry. You must also complete an accredited training course and pass an examination to earn your certification.

3. How long is a housekeeping certification valid?

Answer: The validity of a housekeeping certification varies depending on the type of credential you earn and the organization that issued it. Most certifications must be renewed every two to three years by completing continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a housekeeper?

Answer: Becoming certified as a housekeeper offers several benefits, including increased pay potential, greater job security, enhanced professional credibility, and improved career advancement opportunities. Additionally, some employers may require their employees to be certified in order to work in certain positions or departments within their organization.

5. What is the cost of obtaining a housekeeping certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a housekeeping certification varies depending on the type of credential you pursue and the organization from which you receive it. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $50-$500 for tuition fees plus any additional expenses for books or materials needed for study purposes.