Top 11 Reservation Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a reservation specialist in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job. Certifications can also provide an advantage when competing for jobs, as they show potential employers that the applicant has taken the initiative to learn more about their field and is committed to professional development. Additionally, certifications may offer access to higher salaries or better positions in some companies. Finally, certifications are often seen as a mark of credibility and can help establish trust with customers and other stakeholders.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Reservation Specialists and explain how they can help advance a reservation specialist's career.

What are Reservation Specialist Certifications?

Reservation specialist certification is a designation that can be earned by individuals who have acquired specialized skills and knowledge related to the hospitality industry. This certification is designed to help individuals who work in the hospitality sector, such as those involved in making reservations, become more knowledgeable about their job and better able to provide superior customer service.

The certification program covers topics such as hotel and resort operations, room rates and availability, reservation systems and procedures, customer service techniques, revenue management principles, and other aspects of the hospitality industry. By completing this program, individuals can gain a greater understanding of how the reservations process works from start to finish and how they can best serve their customers. They will also learn ways to increase efficiency in their job role and strategies for improving customer satisfaction.

Having a reservation specialist certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry. The knowledge gained through this program can also be beneficial for those currently working in reservations or related positions who want to further their career by advancing into management positions. In addition, having this certification on your resume demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the hospitality field and offers potential employers assurance that you have the necessary skills needed for success in this field.

Pro Tip: When considering a reservation specialist certification, make sure to research the program carefully to ensure it meets your career goals and provides the necessary training. Be sure to also look into potential employers who may recognize the certification and its benefits.

Related: What does a Reservation Specialist do?

Top 11 Reservation Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Reservations Manager (CRM)

Certified Reservations Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). The CRM certification is designed to recognize those who have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the hospitality industry. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a person’s expertise in reservations management, revenue management, and customer service.

The CRM program consists of two components: an online learning component and an exam component. The online learning component consists of five courses covering topics such as reservations systems, revenue management, customer service, and group sales. After completing the online learning component, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their CRM certification.

The cost for the CRM program varies depending on whether or not you are an HSMAI member. For non-members, the cost is $895 USD for all five courses and the exam fee. For HSMAI members, the cost is $695 USD for all five courses and the exam fee.

It typically takes about six months to complete all five courses and pass the exam. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you work through each course and how prepared you are for the exam.

2. Certified Hospitality Reservations Specialist (CHRS)

Certified Hospitality Reservations Specialist (CHRS) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHRS designation is designed to recognize hospitality professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the area of reservations and revenue management.

The CHRS program consists of an online study course, followed by a proctored exam. The online study course covers topics such as reservations systems, rate structures, yield management, customer service, and problem solving. The proctored exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of these topics.

To become certified as a CHRS, candidates must complete the online study course and pass the proctored exam with a score of 80% or higher. The entire process typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete.

The cost for the CHRS program varies depending on whether you are an AHLEI member or non-member. For members, it costs $299 USD; for non-members, it costs $399 USD.

3. Certified Hotel Reservations Agent (CHRA)

Certified Hotel Reservations Agent (CHRA) is a certification program designed to equip hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the hotel reservations industry. The CHRA certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHRA certification consists of an online course, an exam, and a practical application. The online course covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, rate management, and reservation systems. The exam tests knowledge of these topics and is administered at AHLEI-approved testing centers. Finally, the practical application requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a simulated hotel reservations environment.

The entire process generally takes around 6-8 weeks to complete. To get started, applicants must register for the CHRA certification program on AHLEI's website and pay the registration fee of $195 USD. After completing the online course and passing the exam, applicants must submit their practical application for review by AHLEI staff members. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will receive their official CHRA certification from AHLEI.

4. Certified Travel Professional (CTP)

Certified Travel Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program for travel agents, tour operators and other travel industry professionals. It was created by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) in 1992 and is recognized as the premier certification program in the travel industry.

The CTP certification requires that applicants have a minimum of two years' experience in the travel industry, successfully complete a comprehensive examination, and adhere to a Code of Ethics. The exam covers topics such as geography, customer service, product knowledge, sales and marketing, safety and security, and technology.

It takes approximately three months to study for the CTP exam. Applicants must purchase an exam preparation guide from ICTA or take an approved course through an ICTA-approved provider.

To become certified, applicants must pass the CTP examination with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, applicants must pay an annual fee of $150 to maintain their certification status.

In addition to providing recognition for experienced travel professionals, having a CTP credential can help increase job opportunities and salary potential in the travel industry.

5. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a certification program offered by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). It is designed to provide professionals in the hospitality industry with a comprehensive understanding of revenue management principles, strategies, and tactics. The CRME certification is the highest level of recognition in the field of revenue management.

The CRME program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as pricing strategies, demand forecasting, market segmentation, yield management, and more. It takes approximately 25 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost for the CRME program varies depending on membership status with HSMAI. For non-members, it costs $1,295 USD for both the online course and exam; for members, it costs $995 USD for both components.

In order to get certified as a CRME, you must first complete all requirements of the program including passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from HSMAI within 4-6 weeks.

6. Certified Tourism Professional (CTP)

Certified Tourism Professional (CTP) is an international professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the tourism industry. The CTP certification is administered by the International Association of Tourism Professionals (IATP).

The CTP program evaluates a candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the tourism industry. It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the program. To become certified, applicants must first pass a written exam that covers topics such as destination marketing, customer service, hospitality management, and business operations. Once they pass the exam, they must also submit a portfolio of their work experience and demonstrate their commitment to continuing education in the field of tourism.

The cost for taking the CTP exam varies depending on where it is taken. In Canada, it costs $500 CAD plus taxes. In the US, it costs $400 USD plus taxes.

7. Certified Airline Reservation Agent (CARA)

Certified Airline Reservation Agent (CARA) is a certification program designed to provide airline reservation agents with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively handle customer inquiries, book reservations, and process ticketing transactions. The program is offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and provides a comprehensive overview of the airline industry, including customer service best practices, ticketing procedures, fare rules, and airline policies.

The CARA certification program consists of an online course that takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as customer service fundamentals, ticketing procedures, fare rules, and other airline policies. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CARA agent, you must first register for the IATA CARA certification program through their website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the final exam when you are ready.

The cost of the CARA certification program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

8. Certified Cruise Line Reservationist (CCLR)

Certified Cruise Line Reservationist (CCLR) is a certification program offered by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in cruise line reservation sales and customer service. The certification is valid for three years and requires renewal every three years.

To become certified, individuals must complete an online course, pass a written exam, and submit a portfolio of their work. The online course consists of five modules covering topics such as cruise line policies, procedures, products, services, and sales techniques. Upon completion of the course and passing the written exam with at least 80% accuracy, individuals are eligible to submit their portfolio for review by CLIA’s Certification Committee. If approved, they will receive their CCLR certification.

The cost for the CCLR certification program varies depending on the individual's membership status with CLIA. For non-members, the fee is $299 USD; for members it is $199 USD.

9. Certified Vacation Planner (CVP)

Certified Vacation Planner (CVP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). This certification program is designed to help travel professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality service to their clients. The CVP program helps travel agents become more knowledgeable, efficient, and successful in their roles as vacation planners.

The Certified Vacation Planner program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as destination planning, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and more. The exam tests the applicant’s understanding of these topics.

The entire process takes approximately six weeks to complete. After completing the online course, applicants must register for the exam with ASTA and submit payment for the exam fee ($150). Once registered, applicants have 90 days to take the exam at a testing center near them.

The cost of becoming a Certified Vacation Planner is $150 for the exam fee plus any additional fees required by your local testing center.

10. International Association of Travel Agents Network (IATAN) Certification

The International Association of Travel Agents Network (IATAN) is a professional organization that provides certification to travel agents and other related professionals. IATAN certification is an important credential for any professional in the travel industry, as it demonstrates a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience.

To obtain IATAN certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in the travel industry and must pass an exam administered by IATAN. The exam covers topics such as customer service, sales and marketing, and travel regulations. It typically takes between six to twelve weeks to complete the application process and receive certification.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain criteria such as having a valid passport or visa, completing an ethics course, and submitting proof of insurance coverage. The cost of obtaining IATAN certification varies depending on the type of application submitted; however, most applications cost approximately $100 USD.

11. American Society of Travel Agents Certification Program (ASTA-CP).

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Certification Program (ASTA-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize travel professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the travel industry. ASTA-CP provides travel professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online course that covers a variety of topics related to the travel industry, such as customer service, ethics, safety, marketing, and more. The course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Upon completion of the course, applicants must then pass an exam administered by ASTA in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, and product knowledge.

The cost for the ASTA-CP certification program is $299 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and the exam fee. In addition, there is an annual renewal fee of $99 USD which must be paid each year in order to maintain active certification status.

Overall, obtaining ASTA-CP certification can provide travel professionals with recognition from their peers as well as potential employers that they possess a high level of knowledge and expertise in their field.

Do You Really Need a Reservation Specialist Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need a Reservation Specialist Certificate to work in the hospitality industry. However, having such a certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to increase their knowledge and skills in the field. With such a certificate, you will gain valuable knowledge of the various types of reservation systems used in the hospitality industry, as well as learn how to effectively use them. You will also gain an understanding of customer service principles and techniques that are necessary when dealing with customers and guests.

In addition, having a Reservation Specialist Certificate can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the hospitality industry. It shows employers that you have made an effort to increase your knowledge and abilities related to reservations, which is essential for any successful hotel or restaurant operation. Finally, it demonstrates that you are committed to your craft and take your job seriously by investing time and money into furthering your education in this field.

Overall, although obtaining a Reservation Specialist Certificate is not required to work in the hospitality industry, it can be beneficial if you want to increase your knowledge and skills related to reservations while also making yourself more competitive against other job applicants.

Related: Reservation Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Reservation Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Reservation Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Reservation Specialist Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual's knowledge and skills in making reservations for hotels, airlines, rental cars, tour packages, and other travel services.

2. Who is eligible for a Reservation Specialist Certification?

Answer: Individuals who have experience in the travel industry or those with knowledge of customer service and booking procedures can be eligible for certification.

3. How do I obtain a Reservation Specialist Certification?

Answer: To obtain certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Association of Certified Travel Agents (NACTA). The exam covers topics such as customer service skills, geography, reservation systems, and airfare rules and regulations.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Reservation Specialist?

Answer: The certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish depending on the individual's prior experience in the travel industry.

5. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Reservations Specialist?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a certified Reservations Specialist include having access to job opportunities within the travel industry, increased confidence when dealing with customers, improved communication skills when making reservations, and expanding one's knowledge of booking procedures and customer service techniques.