Top 11 Houseperson Certifications
Updated 17 min read
Certifications are important for a houseperson in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. They also show potential employers that the individual is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date with industry standards. Certifications can give a houseperson an edge when applying for jobs since they demonstrate to employers that the person is prepared to handle the duties associated with the job. In addition, certifications provide recognition from professional organizations, which can be beneficial for career advancement.
The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Housepersons, and explain how these certifications can help to advance their career.
What are Houseperson Certifications?
Houseperson certification is a designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the hospitality industry. Housepersons are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of public areas, guestrooms, and other areas of the hotel or resort. Certification ensures that housepersons possess the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
The certification process includes testing on topics such as cleaning techniques, safety procedures, customer service skills, and more. This helps ensure that those certified have a solid understanding of how to maintain a high level of cleanliness and customer satisfaction. Additionally, it provides employers with assurance that their houseperson staff is knowledgeable about all aspects of the job.
Having certified housepersons can be beneficial for both employees and employers alike. For employees, having this certification can provide them with an edge when competing for jobs in the hospitality industry. It also allows them to demonstrate their commitment to professionalism in their field of work. For employers, having certified housepersons can lead to increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction ratings, and higher employee retention rates. Additionally, it shows customers that they are dedicated to providing quality service.
Pro Tip: When pursuing houseperson certification, be sure to take a course that covers the basics of cleaning and sanitation. This will ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the necessary safety protocols and procedures for working in a professional environment. Additionally, it's important to stay up-to-date on any new trends or products related to housekeeping, as this knowledge can help you provide better service to customers.
Related: What does a Houseperson do?
Top 11 Houseperson Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Housepersons today.
1. Certified Houseperson (CHP)
A Certified Houseperson (CHP) is an individual who has completed a certification program in housekeeping and hospitality services. This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of housekeeping and hospitality duties in the hotel industry. The program typically requires completion of an online course, which can take anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the school or provider. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals will receive their CHP certificate.
The cost of obtaining a CHP certificate varies by provider, but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD. As part of the certification process, individuals must also pass an exam administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The exam fee is usually included in the cost of the course. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CHP certificate and be qualified to work as a certified houseperson in hotels and resorts around the world.
2. Certified Hospitality Houseperson (CHHP)
Certified Hospitality Houseperson (CHHP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward excellence in housekeeping and hospitality. The CHHP is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), which is the leading provider of hospitality education, training, and professional certification in the United States. The certification program is designed to provide housekeeping personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional service to guests.
The CHHP program consists of two courses: Professional Housekeeper and Professional Room Attendant. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and includes topics such as cleaning techniques, safety protocols, customer service standards, and more. Upon successful completion of both courses, individuals will receive their CHHP certificate from AHLEI.
To obtain the CHHP certification, individuals must first register for the program through AHLEI’s website or by calling 800-752-4567. The cost for both courses is $195 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, individuals can access the online learning platform where they can view lectures, take quizzes, and complete assignments at their own pace. After completing both courses and passing all assessments with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their CHHP certificate from AHLEI.
3. Certified Hotel Houseperson (CHHP)
A Certified Hotel Houseperson (CHHP) is a professional designation that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved mastery of the skills needed to provide excellent housekeeping services in hotels and resorts.
To become a CHHP, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The training program typically takes about 15 hours to complete and covers topics such as cleaning techniques, safety protocols, customer service, and more. After completing the training program, students must pass an exam with a score of at least 70%.
The cost for the CHHP certification varies depending on the provider offering it. The AHLEI offers several different options for obtaining the certification, ranging from self-study courses to online classes. Prices range from $99 - $299 depending on which option you choose.
Once certified, CHHPs can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in hotel housekeeping services and may be eligible for higher wages or promotions within their organization.
4. Certified Resort Houseperson (CRHP)
A Certified Resort Houseperson (CRHP) is a professional designation given by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CRHP certification is designed to help housekeeping personnel understand and apply the principles of hospitality, safety, and cleanliness in order to provide guests with an exceptional experience.
The certification process takes approximately two hours and consists of a self-paced online course. The course covers topics such as housekeeping operations, safety and security, guest service excellence, cleaning techniques and procedures, and emergency preparedness. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass an exam in order to become certified.
The cost for the CRHP certification is $119 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes access to the online course materials and the exam fee.
5. Certified Apartment Houseperson (CAHP)
Certified Apartment Houseperson (CAHP) is a professional designation for apartment housepersons. It is the highest level of recognition for apartment housepersons and demonstrates their commitment to excellence in the field. The certification is offered through the National Apartment Association (NAA).
To get certified, applicants must complete a training program that covers topics such as safety and security, customer service, maintenance and repair, cleaning and sanitation, pest control, and other related topics. The program typically takes between two to four weeks to complete depending on the individual's schedule.
The cost of the CAHP certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, it costs around $500-$600 USD to become certified. This includes registration fees, course materials, and any additional fees associated with taking the exam.
Once an individual has completed their training program and passed their exam, they will receive their official CAHP certificate from NAA. This certificate serves as proof of their professional credentials and should be displayed prominently in order to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field of apartment housekeeping.
6. Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT)
Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT) is a professional certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and operations of commercial and industrial facilities.
The CBMT certification requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in four core areas: facility operations, facility maintenance, energy management, and safety management. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by IFMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as building systems, preventive maintenance, safety regulations, energy conservation, and more.
The CBMT certification process typically takes about 6 months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application form with supporting documents such as proof of education or experience in the field. After submitting the application form, applicants must then register for and take the CBMT exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CBMT certificate from IFMA.
The cost of obtaining a CBMT certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of IFMA. For members, the cost is $499 USD; for non-members, it is $699 USD.
7. Certified Janitorial Professional (CJP)
Certified Janitorial Professional (CJP) is a certification program offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the janitorial industry. The CJP certification is earned through completing the ISSA’s online training course, which covers topics such as cleaning methods, safety protocols, and customer service. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and costs $99. Once completed, applicants must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to earn their CJP designation. Upon passing the exam, applicants receive their certificate and can use the “CJP” designation after their name.
8. Certified Cleaning Professional (CCP)
Certified Cleaning Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the cleaning industry. The program provides training, education, and certification for individuals who are interested in becoming certified as a cleaning professional.
The CCP program consists of three levels: Basic Cleaning Professional (BCP), Advanced Cleaning Professional (ACP), and Master Cleaning Professional (MCP). Each level requires different amounts of training, education, and experience. To obtain the BCP level, candidates must complete an online course that covers topics such as safety, infection control, equipment maintenance, cleaning techniques, and customer service. After completing the online course, candidates must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher.
The ACP level requires more advanced training and education than the BCP level. Candidates must complete two additional courses on topics such as green cleaning practices and chemical safety. They must also pass an exam with a score of 90% or higher. The MCP level requires even more advanced training and education than the ACP level. Candidates must complete three additional courses on topics such as sustainability and quality control. They must also pass an exam with a score of 95% or higher.
The cost for each level varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD per course/exam combination. It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of certification depending on how quickly you can study and take exams.
9. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)
Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the environmental services industry. The CEST certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals working in the field of environmental services.
The CEST certification program is administered by the National Environmental Training Association (NETA). To become certified, candidates must complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hazardous materials management, safety and health regulations, waste management, air pollution control, water pollution control, and other related areas.
The cost to become certified is $350 USD. This includes the cost of the exam and all associated fees. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification. Candidates should plan on spending at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam in order to be successful.
To get started with the CEST certification program, interested individuals should contact NETA directly to learn more about the requirements and how to apply.
10. National Sanitation Foundation Certification in Cleaning and Maintenance
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification in Cleaning and Maintenance is a certification program designed to recognize cleaning and maintenance professionals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the areas of cleaning, sanitation, and safety. The program is based on industry standards for best practices in the cleaning and maintenance field.
To become certified, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as safety protocols, proper use of equipment, cleaning procedures, and legal regulations. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants will receive their certification from NSF International. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam.
The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of course taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 to become certified. It typically takes about two weeks to complete the coursework required for certification.
In order to get NSF Certification in Cleaning and Maintenance, individuals must first register with NSF International and pay any applicable fees. Once registered, they can select a course that meets their needs and begin studying for their certification exam. After successfully completing the coursework and passing the exam, they will receive their certificate from NSF International.
11. International Sanitary Supply Association Certification in Cleaning and Maintenance
The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) is a global trade association that provides education, training, and certification for cleaning and maintenance professionals. ISSA Certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who work in the cleaning and maintenance industry.
It takes approximately three months to complete the ISSA Certification process. The first step is to register for the exam by submitting an application form and fee. After registering, you will receive access to the online study materials which include videos, practice tests, and other resources. Once you have completed your studies, you can schedule a time to take the exam at an approved testing center.
Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official ISSA Certification card along with a certificate of completion. You will also be listed as an ISSA Certified Professional on their website.
The cost of obtaining ISSA Certification varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. For example, the cost for a Cleaning Technician certification is $150 USD while a Master Cleaner certification costs $350 USD.
Do You Really Need a Houseperson Certificate?
A houseperson certificate is a document that proves you have successfully completed a training program in housekeeping. It is usually required by employers to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a houseperson, or someone who cleans and maintains hotel rooms and other areas of the hotel.
The answer to whether or not you need a houseperson certificate depends on your goals. If you are looking for a job in a hotel or resort, then having this certification may give you an edge over other applicants who do not have it. This is because employers want to hire people who are knowledgeable about how to properly clean and maintain their property. Having the certification shows that you have taken the time to learn proper cleaning techniques and understand what is expected of a houseperson in their role.
However, if you are simply looking for part-time work while going to school or working another job, then having this certificate may not be necessary. Many hotels will still consider hiring people without the certificate if they feel like they can trust them with their property and customers’ safety. In addition, some hotels may require additional certifications, such as food safety or CPR, so make sure to ask about any specific requirements before applying for any jobs.
In conclusion, whether or not you need a houseperson certificate largely depends on what type of job you are seeking and what qualifications are required by your potential employer. While having one can definitely give you an advantage when applying for certain jobs, it is not always essential in order to get hired.
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FAQs About Houseperson Certifications
1. What is a Houseperson Certification?
Answer: A Houseperson Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates superior knowledge and understanding of the housekeeping services industry. It involves completing an approved course of study, passing an exam, and meeting certain requirements.
2. Who should consider getting a Houseperson Certification?
Answer: Anyone who works in the housekeeping services industry or wants to start their own business providing such services should consider getting certified. This certification will show employers and customers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality service.
3. How long does it take to get certified as a Houseperson?
Answer: Depending on the program, most Houseperson Certifications can be earned in 6-12 months. The time frame may vary depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and pass all necessary exams.
4. How much does it cost to become certified?
Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Houseperson varies depending on the program chosen, but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD for the course materials and examination fees.
5. What are some of the benefits of becoming certified as a Houseperson?
Answer: Benefits of becoming certified include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, more respect from peers and customers, better job security, access to exclusive training materials, and recognition within the industry as an expert in housekeeping services