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Top 11 Maid Certifications

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

Updated 18 min read

Certifications for a maid in the job market are important for many reasons. Firstly, they can demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the profession and their knowledge of cleaning techniques, products, and safety protocols. They can also help employers to easily identify qualified candidates. Certifications provide assurance that the maid is up-to-date on industry standards and has received formal training in the field. Furthermore, certifications can also be used to showcase a maid’s skills and reliability to potential employers. Lastly, certifications can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs and negotiating pay rates with employers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Maids and explain how they can help them advance their careers.

What are Maid Certifications?

Maid certification is a process by which maids are trained and evaluated to ensure they meet certain standards of quality. The certification process typically includes a series of tests, interviews, and background checks to ensure the maids have the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job. This helps employers know that they’re hiring someone who is well-qualified and capable of performing their duties properly. Maid certification also helps protect consumers from being taken advantage of by unqualified or untrained individuals who may not be able to provide the level of service they expect. Additionally, it provides assurance to customers that their home will be cleaned safely, effectively, and efficiently.

Pro Tip: When looking for a maid service, make sure to check that the company is certified by a reputable organization. This certification will ensure that the maids have been trained properly and are up-to-date on industry best practices. Additionally, it will provide assurance that the company has met safety and quality standards.

Related: What does a Maid do?

Top 11 Maid Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH)

Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH) is a certification program developed by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional housekeepers. The CPH program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH), Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH), and Certified Master Housekeeper (CMH).

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CPH program. To become certified, applicants must successfully complete a series of courses in areas such as safety, sanitation, cleaning techniques, management principles, customer service, communication skills, and more. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by IEHA.

The cost for the CPH program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 for all three levels. This cost includes registration fees for the courses and exams as well as any materials needed for completion of the program.

In addition to the CPH certification itself, IEHA also offers additional certifications such as Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) and Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT). These certifications are designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field.

2. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)

Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHHE certification is designed to provide housekeeping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful in their roles. It is specifically tailored for those who are responsible for managing hotel and lodging housekeeping operations, including supervisors, managers, directors, and executives.

The CHHE certification program consists of four courses that cover topics such as housekeeping operations, safety and sanitation, customer service, and communication. Each course takes approximately three hours to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, candidates must pass an exam to earn their CHHE certification.

To get the CHHE certification, candidates must first register with AHLEI and pay a registration fee of $195 USD. After registering, they can access the online courses at any time. Once they have completed all four courses and passed the exam, they will receive their official CHHE certificate via email within two weeks of passing the exam.

3. National Association of Professional Housekeepers (NAPH) Certification

The National Association of Professional Housekeepers (NAPH) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the housekeeping industry. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their housekeeping staff are knowledgeable and skilled in providing quality service.

To be eligible for NAPH Certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the housekeeping field, as well as a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education credits. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in areas such as cleaning techniques, safety and sanitation, customer service, and communication skills.

It typically takes up to six months to complete the certification process. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form and accompanying documents to NAPH for review. Once approved, applicants will be required to take an online exam that covers topics related to housekeeping operations and principles. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official NAPH Certification.

The cost for NAPH Certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the association. For non-members, the fee is $250; whereas members pay $200 for certification.

4. International Executive Housekeeper Association (IEHA) Certification

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) Certification is a professional certification program for housekeeping professionals. It is designed to recognize the highest level of expertise and knowledge in the field of housekeeping. The certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge, developed by IEHA, that covers all aspects of housekeeping operations including sanitation, safety, customer service, and more.

To receive the IEHA Certification, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas covered by the IEHA body of knowledge. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the housekeeping field or related area to be eligible for certification.

In order to get certified, applicants must first register with IEHA and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are an individual or part of an organization seeking certification. For individuals, it costs $250 USD; for organizations it costs $500 USD. After registering and paying the fee, applicants will receive access to study materials and can then schedule their exam date online through their account on the IEHA website.

Once applicants have passed their exam they will receive their official IEHA Certification card in the mail within four weeks. This card is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking a recertification exam every five years thereafter.

5. Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

The Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of maintenance technicians working in the apartment industry. The CAMT certification is offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA), a non-profit trade organization that represents more than 8 million rental units across the United States.

To become certified, an individual must complete a minimum of 80 hours of classroom training and pass an exam administered by NAA. The curriculum covers topics such as electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems, carpentry, painting, appliance repair, safety protocols and preventative maintenance.

The cost for the CAMT program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in-person. Online courses typically range from $300-$400 while in-person classes can cost upwards of $1,000. It usually takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

In addition to completing the coursework and passing the exam, applicants must also have at least one year of experience as a maintenance technician in an apartment building or complex before they can apply for certification. Once certified, individuals must renew their credentials every three years by completing continuing education courses and paying a renewal fee.

6. National Cleaning Professionals Network (NCPN) Certification

The National Cleaning Professionals Network (NCPN) Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive training and assessment process for professional cleaners. It is designed to ensure that all certified professionals have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and effectively perform their job duties.

To become certified, applicants must complete a series of online courses and assessments, as well as pass an in-person practical exam. The NCPN Certification Program consists of four levels: Basic Cleaner, Professional Cleaner, Advanced Cleaner, and Master Cleaner. Each level requires different levels of experience and knowledge to be successfully completed.

The time it takes to get the NCPN Certification depends on the level of certification desired. For example, the Basic Cleaner level can be completed in approximately 4-6 weeks while the Master Cleaner level may take up to 12 months or more depending on the individual's prior experience and skill set.

In order to get certified through NCPN, applicants must first register for an account on the NCPN website. After registering for an account, applicants will need to purchase a course package which includes access to all required courses and assessments needed for certification. The cost of a course package varies depending on the level of certification desired; however, most packages range from $200-$500 USD.

Once registered and purchased a course package, applicants will need to complete all required courses and assessments before they can take their in-person practical exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official NCPN Certification card which is valid for two years from date of issue.

7. Professional Home and Office Cleaners International (PHOCI) Certification

Professional Home and Office Cleaners International (PHOCI) Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that provides professional home and office cleaners with the skills and knowledge they need to provide quality cleaning services. The certification is designed to ensure that certified professionals have the necessary training, experience, and qualifications to perform their job effectively and safely.

The PHOCI Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a practical exam. The online course covers topics such as safety, sanitation, cleaning products, equipment use, customer service, and more. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their skills in a real-world setting.

The PHOCI Certification process typically takes around 4-6 weeks depending on the applicant’s availability. To get started, applicants must first register for the program by completing an application form on the PHOCI website. Once registered, applicants will be required to complete the online course before taking the practical exam.

The cost of the PHOCI Certification program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD for both parts of the program (online course & practical exam).

8. Green Clean Institute (GCI) Certification

Green Clean Institute (GCI) Certification is a certification program for janitorial and cleaning professionals that focuses on green cleaning. It is designed to ensure that cleaning service providers are knowledgeable in the use of green cleaning products, processes, and procedures.

To obtain GCI Certification, applicants must complete an online course and pass a final exam. The online course covers topics such as green cleaning principles, product selection and use, safety protocols, and best practices. After completing the course and passing the exam, applicants will receive their GCI Certification.

The cost of GCI Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. For basic certification, which includes access to the online course and final exam, the cost is $99 USD. For advanced certification, which includes additional training modules and materials, the cost is $199 USD.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the coursework and pass the final exam. Generally speaking, most people can complete all requirements within two weeks or less.

9. American Institute of Cleaning Sciences (AICS) Certification

The American Institute of Cleaning Sciences (AICS) is a professional organization that provides certification for individuals and companies in the cleaning industry. AICS certification is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of cleaning.

AICS certification involves completing an online course, passing an exam, and submitting evidence of relevant work experience. The online course covers topics such as safety, infection control, cleaning techniques, equipment maintenance, and customer service. It typically takes around 40 hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

To get certified by AICS, you must first register with their website and pay a fee of $195 USD. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the exam. After successfully completing the exam, you must submit evidence of two years’ worth of relevant work experience before your certification will be approved.

The cost of AICS certification includes the $195 registration fee plus any additional costs associated with obtaining two years’ worth of work experience in the field.

10. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification is an independent testing and certification organization that helps ensure the safety of products used in food, water, air, and consumer goods. NSF Certification is a voluntary process that requires manufacturers to demonstrate their products meet specific standards for safety, quality, performance, and sustainability. The NSF Certification process typically takes four to six weeks depending on the complexity of the product and its associated standards.

To get an NSF Certification, manufacturers must submit a complete application package including product information such as technical drawings, test results, and other documentation. The package is then reviewed by a team of experts who evaluate the product against applicable standards. If it meets all requirements, the manufacturer will receive an NSF Certificate of Compliance.

The cost of obtaining an NSF Certification varies depending on the type of product being certified and its associated standards. Generally speaking, the cost can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

11. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute's Certified Guest Room Attendant Program (CGRA).

The Certified Guest Room Attendant Program (CGRA) is a certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This program is designed to teach hotel staff the necessary skills and knowledge to provide outstanding guest service in a hotel environment.

The CGRA program takes approximately 10 hours to complete, and it can be completed either online or in-person at an AHLEI-approved training center. The program consists of six modules that cover topics such as housekeeping fundamentals, cleaning techniques, customer service, and safety and security. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion from AHLEI.

To get certified, you must first register for the CGRA program online or at an approved training center. Once registered, you will have access to all of the course materials needed to complete the certification. You will then need to take an online exam that tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. After passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will be awarded your CGRA certification.

The cost for this certification varies depending on where you take it; however, typically it costs around $250 USD for both the course materials and exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Maid Certificate?

When it comes to hiring a maid, many people wonder if they really need to get a maid certificate. While this is not always required, there are certain circumstances in which having one can be beneficial.

First and foremost, having a maid certificate can help protect you from any potential legal issues that may arise as a result of hiring someone who is not legally allowed to work in your country or state. This document serves as proof that the person you have hired has the necessary qualifications and training to do the job safely and effectively. Without the certificate, you could find yourself in hot water should something go wrong during the course of your employment with the individual.

In addition to providing protection from legal issues, having a maid certificate can also provide peace of mind for both you and your employee. Knowing that you have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that your employee is qualified to perform their duties will give them greater confidence in their ability to do so. It also gives them an added sense of security knowing that they are employed by someone who has taken steps to ensure their safety and well-being on the job.

Finally, having a maid certificate can help make sure that your employee receives proper payment for their services. In some cases, employers may be reluctant to pay employees without proof of their qualifications or experience. Having this document will demonstrate that they have met all requirements and are entitled to receive payment for their work.

Overall, while it is not always required to obtain a maid certificate when hiring someone for domestic work, there are several benefits associated with doing so. It provides protection from potential legal problems, gives peace of mind for both parties involved, and helps ensure proper compensation for employees’ work. Taking this step can help make sure that everyone involved has an enjoyable experience working together without any unnecessary complications or stressors getting in the way.

Related: Maid Resume Examples

FAQs About Maid Certifications

1. What is a maid certification?

A maid certification is a type of training and/or certification program designed to teach house cleaners the essential skills needed to provide quality service. It covers topics such as cleaning techniques, safety protocols, customer service, and other aspects of being a professional house cleaner.

2. How do I get certified as a maid?

You can obtain maid certification through an approved training program or course. Many specialized programs are available online or through local organizations that provide classes on the subject.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

The length of time required for a complete certification varies depending on the program you choose and how much prior experience you have in the field of house cleaning. Generally speaking, most programs require between 8-16 hours of instruction and practice before completion.

4. Are there any costs associated with obtaining a maid certification?

Yes, there may be certain fees associated with obtaining a maid certification depending on your chosen program or course provider. These fees can range from application fees to tuition costs for courses and materials.

5. What are the benefits of having a maid certification?

Having a maid certification demonstrates your commitment to providing quality service and shows potential customers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to clean their homes properly and safely. Additionally, having this type of qualification may also make you more attractive to employers looking for experienced cleaners in their area.

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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