Top 11 Reservations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a reservations manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience. Certifications show that the individual has taken the time to learn about the industry and is qualified to handle various tasks related to it. This can help them stand out when applying for jobs, as employers often look for individuals with specialized knowledge and certifications when making hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can provide reservations managers with access to professional networks, conferences, and other resources that can help them stay up-to-date on trends in the industry. With this knowledge, they can better serve their employers by providing more informed advice and recommendations.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Reservations Managers and explain how they can help to enhance a reservations manager's career.

What are Reservations Manager Certifications?

Reservations Manager Certification is a professional certification program for individuals who are responsible for managing the reservation systems of hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses. It is designed to provide industry-specific training and education that equips Reservations Managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage reservations in a competitive market.

The certification program consists of both online and classroom components that cover topics such as customer service, sales strategies, pricing models, marketing techniques, financial management, inventory management, and technology. Through this program, Reservations Managers gain an understanding of how each component works together to create an effective reservations system. With this knowledge and understanding, they are better equipped to manage their organization’s reservations more efficiently.

In addition to providing Reservations Managers with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage their organization’s reservations systems, the certification also provides them with additional credentials which can help them advance in their careers. The credentials demonstrate that they have taken the time to gain specialized expertise in the area of reservations management. This can be beneficial when seeking promotions or higher-level positions within the hospitality industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a reservations manager certification, make sure to research what courses and skills are necessary for the certification. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education credits and resources to help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Reservations Manager do?

Top 11 Reservations Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Hospitality Reservations Manager (CHRM)

Certified Hospitality Reservations Manager (CHRM) is a professional certification program for hospitality professionals who specialize in reservations and revenue management. The CHRM certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHRM certification is designed to help hospitality professionals develop the skills necessary to manage reservations and maximize revenue. It covers topics such as hotel operations, customer service, pricing strategies, yield management, distribution channels, and more. The program includes a comprehensive online course with interactive exercises and an exam.

The CHRM certification program takes approximately two months to complete. To get certified, you must first complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from AHLEI.

The cost of the CHRM certification is $499 USD for members of AHLEI or $599 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials and resources, as well as the exam fee.

2. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for meeting and event professionals. It is the premier industry credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of meetings, events, and hospitality.

To become a CMP, you must meet certain requirements such as having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in the meetings and events industry, completing an approved CMP educational program, and passing an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategic planning, risk management, logistics, financial management, and more.

The process to become a CMP takes approximately one year to complete. You must first register with the Events Industry Council (EIC) to begin the application process. Once registered, you can start working on your application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as proof of work experience and education transcripts. After submitting your application form and documents, you will receive an email from EIC confirming that your application has been accepted for review.

Once your application has been accepted by EIC for review, you can begin preparing for the exam by studying course materials provided by EIC or through third-party providers. You will also need to pay an examination fee before taking the exam which is currently $395 USD ($495 USD if registering late). The exam is offered twice per year at various locations around the world.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements set forth by EIC, you will be awarded the Certified Meeting Professional designation which will be valid for five years after which time it must be renewed by retaking the exam or completing continuing education credits.

3. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification issued by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize hospitality professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in hotel operations and management. The CHA certification is considered to be one of the most respected credentials in the hospitality industry, and it can open doors to career advancement opportunities.

The CHA certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as hotel operations, customer service, human resources, finance, marketing, and technology. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. In order to qualify for the CHA certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in hotel management or related fields.

To get the CHA certification, you must first register with AHLEI and pay a fee of $350 USD. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. Once you have completed the exam successfully, you will receive your official certificate from AHLEI within four weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also agree to abide by AHLEI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct in order to maintain their CHA status.

4. Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)

The Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) is a professional certification program offered by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have attained a high level of expertise in revenue management and related disciplines. The CRME credential is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the principles, practices, and techniques of revenue management.

In order to be eligible for the CRME certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in hospitality revenue management or related fields, such as sales & marketing, pricing & yield management, or operations. They must also successfully complete the HFTP's online CRME exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pricing strategies, forecasting techniques, financial analysis methods, and technology applications.

The cost to take the CRME exam is $250 USD for HFTP members and $350 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken at any time during the year; however it must be completed within one year from registration date. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CRME certificate from HFTP.

The CRME credential is valid for three years from the date of issuance. To maintain certification status after this period, certified professionals must complete 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years by attending approved educational programs or workshops related to revenue management and related disciplines.

5. Certified Hotel Sales Executive (CHSE)

Certified Hotel Sales Executive (CHSE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in hotel sales. The program was created by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is endorsed by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

The CHSE certification program consists of a comprehensive online course, an exam, and an application process. The online course covers topics such as sales management, customer service, revenue management, and more. The exam is administered at approved testing centers throughout the United States and must be passed with a minimum score of 80% in order to receive the certification.

The application process includes submitting proof of completion of the online course, passing scores on the exam, and a signed Code of Ethics form. Upon successful completion of these requirements, applicants will receive their CHSE certification card in the mail.

The cost for the CHSE certification program varies depending on whether you are an AHLA member or not. For non-members, it costs $399 for the online course plus $100 for the exam fee; for members it costs $299 for the online course plus $100 for the exam fee. It typically takes about two weeks to complete both parts of the program and receive your certification card in the mail.

6. Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA)

Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) is a globally recognized certification program for hospitality industry professionals. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hotel industry and its operations, including finance, marketing, technology, operations and human resources. The CHIA certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHIA certification requires successful completion of an online exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as financial management, marketing strategy, customer service and technology in the hospitality industry. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the hospitality field or have completed an AHLEI-approved training program.

The cost to take the CHIA exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. The online exam costs $395 USD while the in-person exam costs $495 USD. The fee includes access to study materials and a voucher for one retake if necessary. It typically takes about three hours to complete the exam and results are available immediately after completion.

Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee of $150 USD.

7. Certified Room Division Executive (CRDE)

Certified Room Division Executive (CRDE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to provide hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful room division. The program covers topics such as housekeeping, front desk operations, guest relations, revenue management, sales and marketing, information technology, and human resources.

The CRDE program consists of two courses: Certified Room Division Manager (CRDM) and Certified Room Division Supervisor (CRDS). The CRDM course focuses on the management of the room division while the CRDS course focuses on the supervision of staff in this area. Both courses must be completed in order to receive your certification.

The CRDE program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time you will need to attend classes or online sessions in order to learn the material covered in each course. Once you have completed all of the required courses, you will need to pass an exam administered by AHLEI in order to become certified.

The cost for the CRDE program varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD for both courses combined.

8. Certified Global Business Travel Professional (CGBTP)

Certified Global Business Travel Professional (CGBTP) is a certification program designed to recognize travel professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the global business travel industry. This certification is offered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s leading business travel organization.

The CGBTP certification requires applicants to complete an online course, pass an exam, and demonstrate their experience in the global business travel industry. The course covers topics such as international travel regulations, risk management, cultural awareness, and customer service. It takes approximately eight hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

To apply for the CGBTP certification, applicants must first become members of GBTA. Membership costs vary depending on individual or corporate membership status. After becoming a member, applicants can register for the CGBTP Certification Program at GBTA's website for $395 USD. Once registered, applicants will be able to access all of the materials needed to prepare for and take the exam.

Once applicants have successfully passed their exam, they will receive their official Certified Global Business Travel Professional certificate from GBTA. This certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain active status as a CGBTP certified professional.

9. Certified Lodging Security Officer (CLSO)

Certified Lodging Security Officer (CLSO) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of security professionals in the hospitality industry. The CLSO certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CLSO certification requires successful completion of an online course, which covers topics such as hotel security operations, legal issues, risk management, and emergency preparedness. The course takes approximately 16 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, students must pass a proctored exam with a minimum score of 70%.

The cost for the CLSO Certification program is $395 USD for AHLEI members and $495 USD for non-members. In addition to the cost of the certification program, there is also a fee for taking the proctored exam.

10. Certified Lodging Manager (CLM)

Certified Lodging Manager (CLM) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the hospitality industry. The CLM certification provides recognition of an individual’s expertise in hotel operations, management, and customer service.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CLM program. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application, pass a background check, and submit proof of their two-year degree or higher from an accredited college or university. After that, they must successfully pass the CLM exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hotel operations and management, customer service, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, human resources management, legal issues related to hospitality industry, safety and security procedures, technology applications in hospitality industry, food service operations and more.

The cost for the CLM program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in person at one of AHLEI’s approved training centers. Online courses cost around $1,000 while in-person courses range from $2,000-$3,000. In addition to the course fee there are also fees associated with taking the exam which can range from $200-$400 depending on location.

11. International Association of Professional Conference Managers Certification Program (IAPCM CP).

The International Association of Professional Conference Managers Certification Program (IAPCM CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of conference management. The program is open to all professionals, regardless of their experience or background, who are interested in becoming certified as a professional conference manager.

The IAPCM CP consists of two components: an online assessment and a written exam. The online assessment is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of conference management principles and practices. The written exam tests the applicant’s ability to apply those principles and practices in real-world scenarios.

In order to become certified through the IAPCM CP, applicants must complete both components successfully within one year. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have at least two years of experience working in the field of conference management.

The cost for the IAPCM CP varies depending on where you live and what type of membership you choose. For example, members living in North America pay $295 USD for individual membership and $395 USD for group membership.

Once an applicant has completed both components successfully, they will receive their certification from the IAPCM CP which will be valid for three years from the date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Reservations Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Reservations Manager Certificate depends on the career path you plan to pursue. A certificate in Reservations Management can provide an advantage when it comes to getting a job in hospitality, travel, or tourism-related industries. It can also help you stand out when competing for promotions within those fields.

However, there are certain skills and knowledge that are necessary to be successful in this field. A certificate alone may not be enough to get you hired or promoted without the right experience and qualifications. For example, many employers look for applicants with prior experience in customer service, sales, marketing, or management. Additionally, a thorough understanding of business operations and computer systems is important for reservations managers.

If you have the relevant experience and qualifications but lack the certification, it is still possible to find success in this industry. However, if you’re looking to break into reservations management or advance your career within it, then a Reservations Manager Certificate could give you an edge over other candidates by demonstrating your commitment to the field and providing proof of your skillset.

Related: Reservations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Reservations Manager Certifications

1. What is a Reservations Manager Certification?

Answer: A Reservations Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an individual in managing reservations for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in all aspects of reservations management, from customer service to booking systems.

2. How do I get certified as a Reservations Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Reservations Manager, you must successfully complete an accredited training program or pass an examination administered by an industry-recognized organization. You may also need to have relevant work experience in the field.

3. What are the benefits of having a Reservations Manager Certification?

Answer: Having a Reservations Manager Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence and professionalism in the hospitality industry. It can also lead to career advancement opportunities and higher salaries within the field.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Reservations Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on the specific certification program you choose and your prior experience with reservations management. Generally speaking, most programs require at least 40 hours of study time and up to 6 months of practice before taking the final exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a Reservations Manager?

Answer: Most certifications require that candidates have at least two years of experience working in the hospitality industry, such as in hotel front desk or restaurant reservations departments. Additionally, many programs will require applicants to pass certain exams or show proof of completion of related courses before they can be eligible for certification.