Top 10 Laundry Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a laundry manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications provide evidence of the manager's qualifications, experience, and commitment to professional development. They also show that the manager is up-to-date on industry standards, regulations, and best practices. By having certifications, it gives the employer assurance that the laundry manager has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of managing a laundry facility. Furthermore, certifications can increase a laundry manager’s chances of getting hired or promoted within the organization.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Laundry Managers and explains how they can help to advance a laundry manager's career.

What are Laundry Manager Certifications?

Laundry Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a laundry manager’s knowledge, experience and commitment to their craft. It is designed to help laundry managers gain the skills and knowledge necessary to run an efficient and successful laundry operation. This certification is offered through a variety of organizations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), the International Fabricare Institute (IFI) and the Textile Rental Services Association of America (TRSA).

Earning this certification can help laundry managers demonstrate their expertise in areas such as customer service, linen management, inventory control and safety procedures. It also provides them with valuable industry-specific information on topics like energy conservation, textile care best practices and cost containment strategies. Furthermore, having this certification can enable laundry managers to better understand the complexities of operating a successful business while ensuring that they are providing quality service and products to customers. Lastly, it can be used as an important tool for career advancement opportunities within the hospitality industry.

Pro Tip: When seeking a laundry manager certification, look for courses that provide hands-on training and experience in the laundry industry. This will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage a laundry facility. Additionally, make sure to look for certifications from reputable organizations with a good track record of providing quality education.

Related: What does a Laundry Manager do?

Top 10 Laundry Manager Certifications

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

1. Professional Laundry Manager Certification (PLMC)

Professional Laundry Manager Certification (PLMC) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of laundry professionals. The program is administered by the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA).

The PLMC program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course covers topics such as industry trends, customer service, safety, operations, management, and marketing. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the online course, applicants must pass an on-site assessment in order to receive their certification.

The on-site assessment consists of a written exam and a practical demonstration. During the practical demonstration, applicants are tested on their ability to manage a laundry facility and its staff. The exam is based on the material covered in the online course and is designed to assess an applicant’s knowledge of laundry operations and management.

The cost for the PLMC program varies depending on whether or not you are already a TRSA member. For non-members, it costs $395 for both parts of the program; for members it costs $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees if you need to retake either part of the exam.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program, you will receive your official certification from TRSA with your name engraved on it. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or re-certification exams.

2. Certified Laundry Manager (CLM)

Certified Laundry Manager (CLM) is a professional certification for those who manage laundry operations. It is offered by the Association of Linen Management (ALM). The CLM certification program is designed to provide laundry managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a successful laundry operation.

The CLM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and requires approximately three hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as safety, sanitation, management, operations, and customer service.

To obtain the CLM certification, an individual must pass the CLM exam with a score of 70% or higher. Individuals must also meet certain prerequisites, such as having at least two years of experience in a laundry management role or having completed an ALM-approved training program.

The cost for taking the CLM exam varies depending on whether you are an ALM member or non-member. For members, the cost is $150; for non-members, it is $250. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam depending on where it is taken (e.g., proctoring fees).

3. Certified Professional Laundry Technician (CPLT)

Certified Professional Laundry Technician (CPLT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the knowledge and skills of laundry technicians. The CPLT designation is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the fundamental principles, practices, and techniques of laundry operations.

The CPLT program requires applicants to complete a comprehensive laundry technician training course as well as pass a written exam. The course typically consists of eight modules that cover topics such as safety, sorting, washing, drying, pressing, folding, stain removal and quality control. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants are eligible for the CPLT certification.

The length of the training course varies depending on the provider but typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. It is important to note that some providers may require additional prerequisites such as prior experience in laundry operations or other related fields before allowing enrolment into their program.

The cost for the CPLT program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees for the course itself as well as any materials required for completion such as textbooks or manuals.

In order to maintain their certification status, certified professionals must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education every three years in order to remain current with industry trends and best practices.

4. Certified Hospitality Laundry Manager (CHLM)

Certified Hospitality Laundry Manager (CHLM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of laundry managers in the hospitality industry. The program is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHLM certification requires completion of an online self-study course, followed by a proctored exam. The course covers topics such as laundry operations, quality assurance, safety and security, cost management, and sustainability. It takes approximately 15 hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

In order to be eligible for the CHLM certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in laundry management or related fields in the hospitality industry. They must also submit proof of their work experience with their application.

The cost for the CHLM certification is $299 USD. This fee includes access to the online self-study course and one attempt at taking the proctored exam.

5. Certified Textile Care Professional (CTCP)

Certified Textile Care Professional (CTCP) is a certification program offered by the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the care of textiles. The certification is based on an exam that covers topics such as laundry and dry-cleaning processes, fabric identification, stain removal techniques, and garment care.

The CTCP exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to pass the exam.

To be eligible for the CTCP exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in the textile care industry or have completed a TCATA-approved training program. Additionally, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The cost for taking the CTCP exam is $150 USD.

6. Certified Professional Dry Cleaner (CPDC)

Certified Professional Dry Cleaner (CPDC) is a certification program offered by the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI). The program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the dry cleaning industry. The CPDC certification is an excellent way for dry cleaners to demonstrate their commitment to quality, professionalism, and customer service.

The CPDC certification process involves passing a comprehensive written exam that covers topics such as garment care, fabric identification, stain removal techniques, and safety procedures. The exam also includes a practical component where applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of operating dry cleaning equipment.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPDC certification process. Applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with the required fees. Once approved, applicants must then take and pass the written exam and practical portion of the program.

The cost of obtaining a CPDC certification varies depending on the state or country in which you are located. Generally, it will cost between $150-$500 USD to become certified as a professional dry cleaner.

Overall, obtaining your CPDC certification can provide you with many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher wages, and recognition from customers that you are an expert in your field.

7. Certified Linen and Uniform Services Manager (CLUSM)

Certified Linen and Uniform Services Manager (CLUSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of linen and uniform services managers. The CLUSM certification is offered by the International Association of Laundry and Dry Cleaning Professionals (IALDCP).

The CLUSM certification program consists of an online self-assessment exam, followed by a two-day workshop. The exam covers topics such as safety, customer service, operations management, quality control, financial management, and human resources management. After completing the exam, you must attend the two-day workshop to review material covered in the exam and complete additional activities.

To get certified as a CLUSM, you must first submit an application package to IALDCP. This package includes an application form along with proof of your education or experience in laundry/dry cleaning services. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to take the online self-assessment exam. You must pass this exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to be eligible for the two-day workshop.

The cost for becoming certified as a CLUSM varies depending on your location and other factors such as whether or not you are a member of IALDCP. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD for all related fees including registration fees for both the online assessment test and the two-day workshop.

In total it can take up to 6 weeks to become certified as a CLUSM after submitting your application package to IALDCP.

8. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Laundry Management Certificate Program

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s (AHLEI) Laundry Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive online course designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful laundry operation. The program covers topics such as laundry operations, linen inventory management, proper care of linens, and customer service. It also provides an overview of the latest technologies used in laundry operations.

The program consists of four modules that can be completed in as little as six weeks or up to 12 months depending on the individual's learning pace. Each module includes interactive activities, quizzes, and assignments that help students develop their understanding of the material. Upon completion of all four modules, students will receive a certificate from AHLEI recognizing their achievement.

To get the certificate, individuals must first register for the program on the AHLEI website and pay the fee of $299 USD. After registration is complete, they will be given access to the online learning platform where they can begin studying and completing assignments at their own pace. Once all four modules have been completed successfully, students will receive their certificate via email within five business days.

The cost for this program is $299 USD which includes access to all four modules plus a certificate upon successful completion.

9. International Fabricare Institute's Master Drycleaner/Launderer Program

The International Fabricare Institute's (IFI) Master Drycleaner/Launderer Program is a certification program that recognizes industry professionals who have achieved excellence in the drycleaning and laundry industry. The program is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated the highest levels of knowledge, skill, and professionalism in their field.

In order to become a Master Drycleaner/Launderer, an individual must complete a series of courses and exams administered by IFI. The courses cover topics such as fabric care, garment construction, fabric identification, stain removal techniques, pressing methods, customer service skills, and business management. Upon successful completion of all coursework and exams, the individual will be awarded the Master Drycleaner/Launderer designation.

The program typically takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, participants are required to attend classes either online or in person at one of IFI's training centers located throughout the United States.

The cost for enrolling in the program varies depending on the location of the training center and whether or not you choose to take classes online or in person. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1500 USD depending on your chosen method of instruction.

Once you have completed all requirements for becoming a Master Drycleaner/Launderer, you will receive a certificate from IFI recognizing your achievement as well as recognition within the industry as an expert in your field.

10. National Association of Institutional Linen Management’s Certified Institutional Linen Manager Program

The National Association of Institutional Linen Management’s (NAILM) Certified Institutional Linen Manager Program is a professional certification program for individuals working in the institutional linen management industry. The program was created to recognize and promote excellence in the field. It provides a way for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of professional practice.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as linen inventory management, purchasing, laundering, and safety practices. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost of the program is $395, which includes access to the online course and exam materials. There are no additional fees or charges associated with becoming certified.

Once certified, individuals can use the NAILM Certified Institutional Linen Manager designation on their resumes and business cards, as well as on other marketing materials. This designation serves as recognition that they have achieved a certain level of expertise in linen management and are committed to maintaining high standards of practice in their work.

Do You Really Need a Laundry Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a laundry manager certificate depends on the specific job you are applying for. If the job requires a laundry manager certificate, then it is necessary to obtain one in order to be considered for the position.

In some cases, employers may require a laundry manager certificate even if the job does not necessarily require it. This may be because they want to ensure that all of their employees have certain qualifications and/or skills, and having a laundry manager certificate can demonstrate that an applicant has experience with managing laundry operations.

If you are not sure whether or not your job requires a laundry manager certificate, it is best to contact the employer directly and ask about their specific requirements. Additionally, you may want to research the job market and see if other employers in your area are looking for candidates with this type of certification. Doing so will help you determine whether or not obtaining a laundry manager certificate would be beneficial for your career goals.

Related: Laundry Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Laundry Manager Certifications

1. What is a Laundry Manager Certification?

Answer: A Laundry Manager Certification is an official credential that demonstrates an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a commercial laundry facility. It requires passing an exam that tests their understanding of topics such as laundry processes, production scheduling, safety procedures, and cost control.

2. How long does it take to earn a Laundry Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to earn a Laundry Manager Certification will vary depending on the individual's experience level and how much time they are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years of preparation before taking the exam.

3. What are the benefits of earning a Laundry Manager Certification?

Answer: A Laundry Manager Certification provides proof of competency in managing a commercial laundry facility, which can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. It also provides access to professional development resources and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

4. Where can I find information about preparing for the Laundry Manager Certification exam?

Answer: Preparation materials for the certification exam can be found online through various sources such as websites dedicated to laundry management or certification programs offered by industry organizations like The Association for Linen Management (ALM). Additionally, many colleges offer courses specifically designed for those seeking certification in this field.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the Laundry Manager Certification Exam?

Answer: Yes, there are certain prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam including having at least two years of experience working in a commercial laundry facility or completing an accredited program in laundry management or related field. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of completion of any required coursework prior to taking the exam.