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Top 10 Housekeeping Supervisor Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications are important for a housekeeping supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, skill and experience. Certified housekeeping supervisors have proven their expertise in the industry and are more likely to be considered for higher-level positions. Employers look for candidates who have certifications in order to ensure that their staff is knowledgeable and well-trained in the necessary skills. Certifications also allow supervisors to stay up-to-date on industry best practices, which can make them more effective at their jobs. Finally, certifications can provide supervisors with access to networking opportunities and other resources that can help them advance their career.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Housekeeping Supervisors and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Housekeeping Supervisor Certifications?

Housekeeping supervisor certification is a professional qualification designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a housekeeping team. Through this certification, supervisors gain an understanding of housekeeping fundamentals, such as cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and staff management. This certification also provides supervisors with the ability to identify and address any issues that may arise within their team.

The benefits of having a housekeeping supervisor certification include improved efficiency in managing staff and operations, better customer service, increased employee morale due to recognition for superior performance, and improved safety standards among employees. By demonstrating their expertise in the field of housekeeping through certification, supervisors can gain credibility and respect from their peers and colleagues. Furthermore, having a recognized certification can be beneficial when seeking promotions or new job opportunities. Housekeeping supervisor certifications are beneficial for both employers and employees; they provide employers with qualified candidates who have the knowledge needed to lead successful teams while providing employees with the skills they need to excel in their role as a supervisor.

Pro Tip: When considering a housekeeping supervisor certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications needed for the specific program you are interested in. This will ensure that you have the best chance of success when applying and that you are adequately prepared for any assessments or exams that may be required.

Related: What does a Housekeeping Supervisor do?

Top 10 Housekeeping Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)

Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have attained the highest level of expertise in hospitality housekeeping. This certification program is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHHE program consists of a comprehensive online course, which covers topics such as guest service, hotel operations, and housekeeping management. The course also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice and essay questions.

The CHHE program takes approximately two months to complete, depending on how quickly the individual is able to complete the online course and pass the exam. To get started on the program, individuals must first enroll in AHLEI’s online learning platform. Once enrolled, individuals will have access to all of the materials needed for the course and can begin studying at their own pace.

The cost for enrolling in the CHHE program is $599 USD for members or $799 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all of the materials needed for completing the course and taking the exam.

2. Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH)

Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of housekeepers. The CPH designation is awarded by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) to individuals who have met certain educational and experience requirements.

To become a Certified Professional Housekeeper, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time paid housekeeping experience in a hotel or similar setting, or having completed an accredited training program in housekeeping. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by IEHA.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cleaning techniques, safety and health protocols, infection control procedures, customer service skills, and hospitality industry regulations. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $175 USD for members of IEHA and $225 USD for non-members.

Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their CPH certification from IEHA. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses offered through IEHA or other approved providers.

3. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The CEST certification is designed for environmental services professionals who are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy environment in healthcare facilities. This includes cleaning, disinfecting, and monitoring environmental conditions to prevent the spread of infection.

The CEST certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as infection control principles, environmental services operations, regulatory compliance, and safety. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of one year of experience in environmental services or a related field. Applicants must also complete an approved training program prior to taking the exam. Training programs can be found through organizations such as NEHA or the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES).

The cost of the CEST certification varies depending on which organization provides the training program. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 to become certified.

4. Certified Hotel Housekeeping Manager (CHHM)

Certified Hotel Housekeeping Manager (CHHM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage hotel housekeeping operations. The CHHM certification is offered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA).

The CHHM certification program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in hotel housekeeping management, or two years of experience with a college degree. Applicants must also pass an online assessment that covers topics such as cleaning methods, sanitation standards, and safety procedures.

The cost of the CHHM certification is $195 for IEHA members and $295 for non-members. The cost includes the online assessment and all other materials needed for the exam. It typically takes 3-6 weeks to receive your results after submitting your application.

Once you have completed all requirements, you will be awarded your CHHM certification which will be valid for five years from the date of issue. You will be required to renew your certification every five years in order to maintain it.

5. Certified Lodging Housekeeping Executive (CLHE)

Certified Lodging Housekeeping Executive (CLHE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of housekeeping. The CLHE certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CLHE certification requires applicants to complete a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction, including topics such as cleaning and disinfecting procedures, safety and security, guest service, and operational efficiency. In addition, applicants must pass an online exam covering these topics.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete the CLHE certification program. Applicants can register for the program online or through their local AHLEI chapter. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$900 USD.

6. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s (AHLEI) Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)

The Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This certification is designed to recognize hospitality professionals who demonstrate exceptional customer service skills and knowledge. The CGSP program provides individuals with the opportunity to validate their expertise in guest service, as well as gain recognition for their commitment to providing superior customer service.

The CGSP certification requires completion of an online course and passing of a proctored exam. The online course consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership, and customer service standards. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the online course, individuals must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their CGSP certification.

The cost for the CGSP program is $395 USD and includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the proctored exam. Additional attempts at the exam are available for a fee of $95 USD per attempt.

Upon successful completion of both the online course and proctored exam, individuals will receive their CGSP certification from AHLEI which is valid for two years from date of issuance.

7. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s (AHLEI) Certified Room Inspector (CRI)

The Certified Room Inspector (CRI) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to help hospitality professionals improve their ability to inspect guest rooms and identify potential problems. The CRI certification program is designed for front desk agents, housekeeping supervisors, and other hospitality staff who are responsible for inspecting guest rooms.

The CRI certification requires approximately 8 hours of online study and a passing score on the exam. The online course covers topics such as identifying common room defects, inspecting guest rooms, and making recommendations for corrective action. Participants must also complete an online assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the course.

The cost of the CRI certification program is $225 USD, which includes access to the online course material and the exam fee. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive an AHLEI certificate in Certified Room Inspector.

8. National Sanitation Foundation’s Food Safety Manager Certification Program

The National Sanitation Foundation’s Food Safety Manager Certification Program is a comprehensive program that provides food safety managers with the tools and knowledge they need to ensure the safety of food products. The program consists of a two-day training course, an exam, and a certificate of completion.

The two-day training course covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, proper storage and handling techniques, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, HACCP principles, and more. During the course, participants learn how to identify potential hazards in their operations and develop strategies for preventing them. At the end of the course, participants take an exam to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

To get certified through this program, individuals must first register for the two-day training course. The cost of registration varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$250. After completing the training course successfully, individuals can then take the exam which costs an additional $50. Upon passing the exam with a score of 75% or higher, individuals will receive their Food Safety Manager Certification from NSF International.

Overall, it takes approximately three days (two days for training plus one day for testing) to get certified through this program and it costs around $200-$300 in total fees.

9. National Sanitation Foundation’s ServSafe Allergens Certification Program

The National Sanitation Foundation’s ServSafe Allergens Certification Program is a comprehensive food safety training program for foodservice operators. The program focuses on the safe handling of allergens in the foodservice industry, with specific emphasis on identifying, preventing and managing potential allergen-related risks. The program is designed to help foodservice operators understand the risks associated with allergen contamination and how to reduce them.

The program consists of an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 2 hours to complete and covers topics such as: allergen identification, labeling requirements, storage and preparation techniques, communication strategies and more. After completing the online course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification. The exam is 90 minutes long and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions.

To get certified through the ServSafe Allergens Certification Program, individuals must register for the course through the National Sanitation Foundation’s website or contact their local health department for more information. The cost of the program varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $50-$100 USD per person.

10. National Sanitation Foundation’s HACCP Certification Program

The National Sanitation Foundation’s (NSF) HACCP Certification Program is a food safety certification program that helps the food industry meet the requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. The program provides third-party verification that a food processing facility has implemented and maintains an effective HACCP system, which meets the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other international standards.

The NSF HACCP Certification Program is designed to help food processors, manufacturers, and suppliers ensure that their products are safe for consumption. It involves an audit of a company's HACCP system, including its policies, procedures, records, and other related documents. The audit also includes an onsite inspection of the facility to verify compliance with all applicable regulations.

It typically takes six months to obtain NSF HACCP Certification. During this time, companies must submit their application materials for review by NSF's expert auditors. After the application is approved, an onsite inspection will be conducted by one or more auditors to assess compliance with all applicable regulations and standards. Once all requirements are met, companies will receive their certification from NSF International.

The cost of obtaining NSF HACCP Certification varies depending on the size and complexity of a company's operations and can range from $2,000 to $20,000 USD or more. Companies should contact NSF International for specific pricing information for their individual needs.

Do You Really Need a Housekeeping Supervisor Certificate?

In today's competitive job market, it is important to have an edge over other job seekers. One way to do this is by obtaining a housekeeping supervisor certificate. This type of certification can help to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of housekeeping and hospitality services.

A housekeeping supervisor certificate will demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to effectively manage a staff of housekeepers and lead them through their daily tasks. It will also show employers that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to be an efficient leader in the workplace. The certificate will also provide proof that you are committed to providing quality customer service as well as maintaining a safe and clean environment for guests.

Having a housekeeping supervisor certificate can also be beneficial if you plan on pursuing a career in hospitality management or hotel operations. Most employers require some form of certification when hiring for these positions, so having one can give you an advantage over other applicants who may not have such credentials.

Overall, obtaining a housekeeping supervisor certificate is beneficial for anyone looking to work in the hospitality industry or pursue an advanced degree in hotel management or hospitality operations. The certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in customer service and provides proof that you possess the skills necessary for successful leadership roles within the industry.

Related: Housekeeping Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Housekeeping Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Housekeeping Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Housekeeping Supervisor Certification is a professional qualification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an individual in managing housekeeping operations. It includes topics such as budgeting, scheduling, customer service, safety, and more.

2. How do I get a Housekeeping Supervisor Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Housekeeping Supervisor Certification, you must complete an accredited training program. This program typically involves classroom instruction, online courses, and hands-on experience in a simulated or real-life setting.

3. What are the benefits of getting a Housekeeping Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Having a Housekeeping Supervisor Certification can improve your career prospects by demonstrating to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills for this type of position. Additionally, it can open doors to higher pay and more advanced roles within the industry.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific program you choose as well as your own learning speed and commitment to completing the coursework requirements. Generally speaking, most programs take between 6 months and 1 year to complete.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Yes, some certification programs may require applicants to have prior work experience or education in order to be eligible for certification. Additionally, applicants may need to pass exams or demonstrate mastery of certain topics before being certified.

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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