Top 10 Restaurant Host Certifications

Certifications for a restaurant host are important in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide proof of skills, knowledge, and training. Certification can give an individual an edge over other applicants by verifying that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to excel in their role. It also demonstrates to employers that the applicant has taken initiative and is willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. Certifications also provide evidence of continuing education in areas such as food safety, customer service, or hospitality management. This helps employers identify candidates who are up-to-date on industry standards and regulations. Ultimately, certifications make a restaurant host more attractive to potential employers by showing that they are well-qualified for the position.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Restaurant Hosts and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Restaurant Host Certifications?

Restaurant host certification is a type of training program that equips restaurant hosts with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide excellent customer service. The program typically covers topics such as hospitality, communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution. It also teaches hosts how to handle difficult customers in an appropriate manner, as well as how to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. By completing a restaurant host certification program, restaurant hosts can develop their skills and become more confident in their roles. This can help them better serve customers, improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, and increase revenue for the restaurant. Additionally, having certified staff may also attract more customers to the restaurant due to its reputation for quality service.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a restaurant host certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry. Make sure you research different certifications available and select one that is specific to the type of restaurant you are applying for. Additionally, take advantage of online courses or seminars that will help you become more knowledgeable about customer service, food safety, and other important topics related to hosting.

Related: What does a Restaurant Host do?

Top 10 Restaurant Host Certifications

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

1. Professional Host Certification

Professional Host Certification is a certification program designed to help hospitality professionals become better hosts. It is an online course that provides training and education on the fundamentals of hosting, including customer service, communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. The certification is offered through the Professional Host Alliance (PHA), an organization dedicated to helping hospitality professionals develop their skills and knowledge in hosting.

The Professional Host Certification program consists of four modules: Introduction to Hospitality, Customer Service Basics, Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving, and Advanced Hospitality Skills. Each module contains video lessons and activities designed to help participants understand the topics covered. The program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

To get certified, participants must first register for the program on the PHA website. Once registered, they will receive access to all four modules. Participants must then complete each module within 30 days of registration in order to receive their certificate of completion.

The cost of Professional Host Certification is $99 USD per person. This fee covers access to all four modules as well as a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the course.

2. Restaurant Host Training Certification

Restaurant Host Training Certification is a certification program designed to help restaurant hosts become more knowledgeable and proficient in their job duties. The certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and is available to all restaurant hosts, regardless of experience level.

The certification consists of four modules: Introduction to Hosting, Customer Service and Hospitality, Professionalism and Safety, and Food Safety. Each module includes topics such as customer service skills, safety protocols, food safety regulations, hospitality standards, and professional communication. The course typically takes about 10 hours to complete.

In order to get certified, you must first register for the course online or by mail. Once you have registered for the course, you will be able to access the online learning materials and take the final exam. After successfully passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your certificate of completion from NRAEF.

The cost for the Restaurant Host Training Certification varies depending on whether you are taking it as an individual or as part of a group. An individual registration costs $75 while a group registration costs $50 per person (minimum 5 people).

3. Certified Restaurant Host

Certified Restaurant Host is a certification program designed to help restaurant hosts gain the knowledge and skills they need to provide exceptional customer service. The program is offered by the National Restaurant Association and provides an online course, as well as an in-person assessment. The online course takes approximately three hours to complete, and covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, individuals receive their Certified Restaurant Host certificate.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take the online course or attend an in-person assessment. For the online course, it typically costs around $150 USD for members of the National Restaurant Association and $200 USD for non-members. For those attending an in-person assessment, there may be additional fees associated with travel and lodging expenses.

To get certified as a restaurant host, you must first complete the online course or attend an in-person assessment. Once you have completed either option successfully, you will receive your certificate from the National Restaurant Association. With this certification in hand, you can demonstrate to employers that you have gained valuable knowledge about providing excellent customer service in a restaurant setting.

4. Advanced Restaurant Host Certificate

Advanced Restaurant Host Certificate is a certificate program designed to give experienced restaurant hosts the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their profession. The program covers topics such as customer service, hospitality, menu knowledge, communication, problem-solving, and more. It typically takes between four and six weeks to complete the course, depending on the individual's availability and commitment.

In order to get the Advanced Restaurant Host Certificate, individuals must first complete an online application and provide proof of prior restaurant experience. Once accepted into the program, participants will be required to attend weekly classes or workshops that cover various topics related to restaurant hosting. After completing all of the coursework, participants will be tested on their knowledge of restaurant hosting before receiving their certificate.

The cost of the Advanced Restaurant Host Certificate varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 for completion of the entire program.

5. Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP)

Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The program is designed to provide hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the industry. It focuses on areas such as customer service, operations management, marketing, finance and accounting, human resources, and technology.

The CHP certification requires candidates to complete a series of online courses that cover topics such as hotel operations and management, hospitality law, customer service excellence, hospitality marketing, financial management and more. Candidates must also pass an exam at the end of each course in order to receive their certification. The entire program typically takes about 12 months to complete.

In order to get certified as a CHP, applicants must first register for the program through AHLEI's website. Registration fees vary depending on whether you are an individual or group applicant. Individual applicants will pay $1,295 USD for registration while group applicants will pay $2,595 USD for registration. Once registered, applicants can begin taking courses online at their own pace.

Upon completion of all courses and passing all exams with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their Certified Hospitality Professional certificate from AHLEI. They will also become eligible for membership in the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and gain access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on AHLA conferences and events.

6. National Restaurant Association Serving It Right Certification

The National Restaurant Association’s Serving It Right Certification is a program designed to educate foodservice professionals and servers about responsible alcohol service. The certification is recognized in many states as a requirement for those working in the restaurant industry who serve or sell alcoholic beverages.

The program consists of an online course that takes approximately four hours to complete. The course covers topics such as state laws, recognizing signs of intoxication, identifying false identification, and strategies for preventing over-service. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, individuals must register for the Serving It Right Certification program on the National Restaurant Association website. The cost for the program is $25 per person and includes access to the online course and exam. Once registered, individuals will have 30 days to complete the course and take the exam before their registration expires.

Once an individual has successfully completed the online course and passed the exam with a score of 80% or higher, they will be issued a digital certificate that can be printed out or stored electronically on their device. This certificate serves as proof of successful completion of the Serving It Right Certification program and is valid for three years from its issue date.

7. Food Service Manager Certification

Food Service Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide food service managers with the necessary training and education to ensure that they are properly managing their restaurant or food service business. The certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and is recognized in many states across the United States.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete and consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a hands-on practicum. The online course covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, customer service, financial management, menu planning, and more. After completing the course, students must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of these topics. Finally, students must complete a hands-on practicum in order to demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.

In order to get Food Service Manager Certification, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have at least two years of experience working in a restaurant or food service business. Additionally, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of experience and payment for the program fee. The cost of the program varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD.

Once certified, Food Service Managers are expected to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years in order to stay up-to-date on best practices in the industry.

8. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to help protect public health and ensure that foodservice professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle food. The certification is valid for five years from the date of completion.

To get ServSafe Manager Certification, individuals must complete an 8-hour course and pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher. The course covers topics such as food safety regulations, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, cross contamination prevention, temperature control, pest control and more.

The cost of ServSafe Manager Certification varies depending on the provider offering the course and exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $125-$200 to take the course and sit for the exam.

9. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Manager Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Manager Certification is a program designed to provide food safety professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a food safety program. The certification is based on the FDA Food Code and other food safety regulations, and requires successful completion of an approved course and an exam.

To obtain the NRFSP Manager Certification, you must complete a two-day course in food safety management that covers topics such as HACCP principles, sanitation, temperature control, pest control, personal hygiene and other topics related to food safety. After completing the course, you must pass an exam administered by the NRFSP. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of food safety management.

The NRFSP Manager Certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To maintain your certification, you must take continuing education courses every five years to stay current on changes in food safety regulations and practices.

The cost of obtaining the NRFSP Manager Certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether or not you need to purchase materials such as textbooks or study guides. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay between $400-$600 for the entire process including both the course and exam fees.

10. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize hospitality supervisors who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of hospitality operations, service excellence, and leadership. The CHS certification is valid for three years and requires recertification every three years.

To become certified as a CHS, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least one year of supervisory experience in the hospitality industry. In addition, applicants must successfully complete an AHLEI-approved training program that covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, team building, and communication.

The cost of the CHS certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for an online self-study course or up to $2,000 USD for an instructor-led classroom course.

Once all requirements are met and payment is processed, applicants can take the online exam which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Upon successful completion of the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their CHS certification.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Host Certificate?

Whether or not you need a restaurant host certificate depends upon your particular situation. Generally, a restaurant host certificate is not required for employment. However, if you are interested in pursuing a career as a professional restaurant host, then it may be beneficial to have one.

A restaurant host certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this field. It can also demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession. This type of certification can help employers see that you are serious about being a successful restaurant host and that you are willing to put in the effort required to excel in this role.

In addition, having a restaurant host certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may view this as evidence of your qualifications and experience. Furthermore, having a certificate can make it easier for employers to verify that you have the skills necessary for this job.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a restaurant host certificate depends on your individual goals and interests. If becoming a professional restaurant host is something that interests you, then obtaining one could be worth considering. On the other hand, if it is not something that interests you then there is no need to pursue it further.

Related: Restaurant Host Resume Examples

FAQs About Restaurant Host Certifications

1. What is a restaurant host certification?

Answer: A restaurant host certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the field of hospitality. It is designed to provide an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a restaurant host, as well as providing training on customer service, communication, problem solving and other related topics.

2. How do I get certified as a restaurant host?

Answer: Most certifications require individuals to complete a specific course or program from an accredited institution or organization. Additionally, some employers may require additional training or experience before granting certification.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining restaurant host certification?

Answer: Depending on the institution offering the certification program, there may be certain prerequisites such as food safety training or customer service experience. Be sure to check with the institution when applying for their certification program.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a restaurant host?

Answer: The time it takes to receive your certification will depend on the type of program you are enrolled in and how quickly you complete all necessary requirements. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6 months to 1 year.

5. What are the benefits of having a restaurant host certification?

Answer: Having a restaurant host certification can help demonstrate your expertise in hospitality and customer service to potential employers, which can give you an edge over non-certified applicants when seeking employment opportunities in this field. Additionally, some certifications may provide access to additional resources or discounts on professional development courses that can further enhance your knowledge and skillset in this area.