Top 10 Housekeeping Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a housekeeping manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that can help them stand out from other applicants. By earning certifications, a housekeeping manager is showing potential employers that they have the skills and experience needed to successfully manage a housekeeping department. Certifications also provide evidence of the housekeeping manager’s dedication to their profession and their commitment to excellence. Additionally, certifications can be used as evidence in court if there are any disputes between the housekeeping manager and their employer or customers. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement by allowing the housekeeping manager to apply for higher-level positions within their organization or at other organizations.

This article reviews the top certifications for Housekeeping Managers and explains how they can help advance a housekeeping manager's career.

What are Housekeeping Manager Certifications?

Housekeeping Manager Certification is a specialized certification program offered by various organizations and institutions that provides training and education to those interested in managing housekeeping departments. This type of certification can be beneficial for those looking to increase their knowledge and skills in this area. The program typically covers topics such as hospitality industry standards, sanitation, safety protocols, management techniques, customer service, budgeting, inventory control and more.

The certification program provides the necessary training and education to help individuals understand the responsibilities of a housekeeping manager. It also helps them develop the skills needed to manage a department efficiently and effectively. With the proper training and understanding of the job duties of a housekeeping manager, individuals will be more prepared to handle any situation that may arise in their departments.

In addition to providing training and education on how to properly manage a housekeeping department, certification programs also provide additional benefits such as access to industry-specific resources, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, discounts on products or services related to housekeeping management, professional recognition from employers or other organizations, and more. By obtaining Housekeeping Manager Certification individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and excellence in their field. As such, having this certification can make individuals more marketable when applying for jobs or promotions within the housekeeping industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a housekeeping manager certification, be sure to research the requirements and costs associated with the program. Additionally, it is important to determine what kind of job opportunities are available upon completion of the certification. Lastly, consider if the certification will provide you with new skills or knowledge that can help you advance your career in this field.

Related: What does a Housekeeping Manager do?

Top 10 Housekeeping Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)

Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in hospitality housekeeping operations, management and leadership.

The CHHE program consists of two parts: an online course and an examination. The online course covers topics such as cleaning methods, safety and security procedures, guest service excellence, and human resources management. The exam tests the knowledge gained in the online course.

To get certified, you must first complete the online course and then pass the examination with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the program is $395 USD for AHLEI members and $495 USD for non-members. The entire process typically takes between 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

2. Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH)

Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the professional housekeeping skills of individuals in the hospitality industry. The CPH certification is administered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA).

The CPH certification program consists of an online course, an on-site exam, and a practical assessment. The online course covers topics such as sanitation, safety, housekeeping operations, cleaning techniques, and customer service. Upon completion of the online course, candidates must pass a written exam and a practical assessment in order to obtain their CPH certification.

The cost for the CPH certification program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for the online course and exam fees. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with travel and lodging if you are taking the exam at a location other than your home.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the entire CPH certification process from start to finish. However, this can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the online coursework and when you are able to take your exam.

3. Certified Hotel Housekeeping Manager (CHHM)

Certified Hotel Housekeeping Manager (CHHM) is a certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHHM certification is designed to provide hotel housekeeping professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to manage a successful housekeeping department.

The CHHM program consists of five courses, which can be taken online or in person. The courses include: Introduction to Hotel Housekeeping Management, Housekeeping Operations, Room Cleaning and Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Safety, and Human Resources Management. Upon completion of all five courses, students must pass an exam in order to receive their CHHM certification.

The cost of the CHHM program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $1,000 while in-person classes may cost up to $2,500. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the exam which is usually around $150.

In total it takes approximately two months to complete the CHHM program depending on how quickly you are able to complete each course.

4. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to provide environmental health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to perform environmental services in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The CEST program covers topics such as hazardous materials management, indoor air quality, water quality, solid waste management, environmental laws and regulations, and more.

The CEST program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. Level I is an entry-level certification that requires successful completion of a written exam. Level II is an advanced certification that requires successful completion of both a written exam and a practical exam.

To obtain the CEST certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the appropriate application form. Applicants must also pay a fee for each level of certification they are seeking. The fees for Level I are $150 for members of NEHA or $200 for non-members; fees for Level II are $300 for members or $400 for non-members.

The CEST exams are administered twice per year at designated testing sites across the United States. The exams typically take about four hours to complete and results are available within two weeks after taking the exam.

5. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is an industry-recognized certification program developed by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHS certification is designed to help hospitality supervisors develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to become better leaders in the hospitality industry.

The CHS program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as customer service, human resources management, financial management, operations management, marketing, and leadership. It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the self-study course. Once completed, individuals must pass a 100-question multiple choice exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their CHS certification.

The cost for the CHS program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 for the self-study course and exam fee combined. Some employers may cover all or part of this cost for their employees who are interested in obtaining the certification.

In addition to the cost of the program itself, individuals should also consider any additional expenses they may incur while studying for the exam such as books or other study materials.

6. Certified Lodging Housekeeper (CLH)

Certified Lodging Housekeeper (CLH) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CLH certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of housekeeping professionals in the hospitality industry. The program focuses on providing housekeepers with the necessary tools to ensure guest satisfaction through effective cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and customer service.

The CLH certification is available to individuals who have completed at least one year of full-time employment in a hotel or lodging establishment. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as cleaning methods and procedures, safety protocols, customer service principles, and more. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

The cost for the CLH certification exam is $125 USD for AHLEI members or $175 USD for non-members. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also pay a one-time registration fee of $50 USD in order to receive their official CLH certificate. Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every two years in order to maintain their status as a Certified Lodging Housekeeper.

7. Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH)

Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the housekeeping industry. It is offered through the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA). The CEH program consists of two parts: an online course and a written exam.

The online course covers topics such as sanitation, safety, cleaning techniques, and management. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course. Upon successful completion of the online course, students are eligible to take the written exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as housekeeping operations, personnel management, and financial management.

To get certified as a CEH, applicants must have at least two years of experience in housekeeping or a related field. They must also submit proof of their experience in the form of letters from employers or other references. After submitting all required documentation and passing the written exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their CEH certification.

The cost for taking the CEH program varies depending on whether you choose to take it through IEHA or another organization offering it. Generally speaking, it costs $200-$400 for the online course plus an additional fee for taking the written exam ($50-$100).

8. Professional Room Attendant Certification (PRAC)

Professional Room Attendant Certification (PRAC) is a certification program designed to ensure that hotel room attendants have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties in a professional manner. It is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The PRAC program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as cleaning techniques, safety procedures, customer service, and guest relations. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. After completing the course, students must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, students must register for the PRAC program through AHLEI's website. The cost of registration is $99 USD. Once registered, students will be given access to the online course and exam. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, students will receive their Professional Room Attendant Certification from AHLEI.

9. Cleaning Management Institute Certification (CMI-C)

The Cleaning Management Institute (CMI-C) certification is an industry-recognized program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to manage a successful cleaning operation. It is designed to help those in the cleaning industry understand the principles of effective management, as well as how to develop and implement a successful cleaning strategy.

The CMI-C certification consists of three courses: Cleaning Management Principles, Cleaning Operations & Practices, and Cleaning Quality Assurance. Each course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Participants must also pass a written exam at the end of each course in order to receive their certification.

In order to get your CMI-C certification, you must first register for the program online or through a local training provider. Once registered, you will be provided with access to online learning materials and exams. You must then complete all three courses within 12 months from registration date in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of the CMI-C certification varies depending on which training provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$800 USD per person for all three courses and exams combined.

10. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certification (AHLEI-CHM).

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hotel Manager (CHM) certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations and management. It is designed to give hotel professionals the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage a hotel or lodging property.

The CHM certification requires completion of three courses: Hospitality Operations, Human Resources Management, and Financial Management. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person. The cost for each course is $199 USD.

Once all three courses have been completed, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their CHM certification. The exam fee is $99 USD and it can be taken online or in person at an AHLEI testing center.

In total, the CHM certification process typically takes about three weeks from start to finish.

Do You Really Need a Housekeeping Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals. For some, a Housekeeping Manager Certificate may be necessary in order to gain employment in this field, while for others it may not be required. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not obtaining a Housekeeping Manager Certificate will benefit them in their chosen career path.

In most cases, employers prefer candidates who have received some form of formal training and education in housekeeping management. A Housekeeping Manager Certificate can demonstrate knowledge of the industry standards and best practices for managing personnel and equipment. In addition, many employers also look for candidates with specific skills such as budgeting and scheduling that are taught through certificate programs.

For those who are considering a career in housekeeping management but do not have any previous experience or training, obtaining a Housekeeping Manager Certificate can provide them with an edge over other applicants. It can help demonstrate an understanding of the role as well as show commitment to learning more about the industry and its various components. Furthermore, it can provide valuable networking opportunities with potential employers who are looking for qualified individuals in this field.

In short, deciding whether or not one needs a Housekeeping Manager Certificate is largely dependent on personal preference and career goals. Those who wish to pursue a career in this field should carefully consider their options before making a decision regarding certification.

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FAQs About Housekeeping Manager Certifications

1. What is a Housekeeping Manager Certification?

Answer: A Housekeeping Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage housekeeping operations in a commercial, healthcare or hospitality setting.

2. How do I become certified as a Housekeeping Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Housekeeping Manager, you must complete an accredited program and pass an exam. Programs typically include courses in management principles, sanitation and safety, operational procedures and budgeting.

3. Is a Housekeeping Manager Certification required for employment?

Answer: While certification is not always required, it can be beneficial when seeking employment as many employers prefer candidates who have obtained certification in their field of expertise.

4. How long does it take to complete a Housekeeping Manager Certification program?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete the program varies depending on the specific requirements of the program you choose, however most programs can be completed within one year or less.

5. What are the benefits of obtaining a Housekeeping Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining certification provides recognition for your knowledge and skills in managing housekeeping operations which may lead to greater career advancement opportunities as well as increased earning potential. Additionally, certification may also provide access to additional resources such as continuing education courses and networking opportunities with other professionals in your field.