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Did you know that a new position opens in the hospitality and tourism sector every 2.5 seconds? Indeed, it’s considered among the supersectors for its sheer size and scope. Think about it: In 2023, about 16.6 million people were employed in the industry in the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdowns resulted in severe job losses. But the industry’s on the path to recovery now. The projected employment growth is 5% (2023-2033), or about 822,700 jobs.


But it isn’t the time to be complacent either. Every job usually has hundreds, if not thousands, vying for it. Your bachelor’s degree will drown in a sea of bachelor’s degrees.

What, then, can you do to stand out? Earn one or two hospitality and tourism certifications. Do so while you’re still in college or soon after graduation.

Consider the CHTMP, CMP, and ServSafe certifications if you’re starting. The CTA and CHA credentials are also recommended. 

Related:

Why Certifications Matter in Hospitality and Tourism

Earning hospitality and tourism certifications has its challenges. You’ll spend significant time, effort, and money on earning a single certification.

Certifications matter in the hospitality and tourism industries for these reasons.

Stand out from your competition in jobs.

Many entry-level jobs demand a combination of education, work experience, and specific skills. If you have a bachelor’s degree with limited experience, you’ll not stand out. With a certification, you’ll distinguish yourself from your peers and experienced workers.

In particular, industry certifications:

  • Convey your specialized knowledge and skills in a specific area within the industry
  • Showcase your initiative in continuing education and professional development beyond the classroom
  • Signify your practical skills for certain jobs, such as event management

Get your career on the fast track.

These certifications boost opportunities for faster career advancement in hospitality and tourism. You’ll be more competitive for leadership roles, such as hotel managers. Global job opportunities are abundant, too, due to their worldwide recognition.

Certified Hospitality & Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP)

The Certified Hospitality & Tourism Management Professional CHTMP credential is well-recognized in the industry. Many organizations award it but the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) is the most popular. The credential prepares professionals for management positions in the industry.

As a CHTMP candidate, you’ll learn the following industry-specific knowledge and skills.

  • Core management skills, including operations, finance, and marketing management
  • Leadership and team management skills, including communication and conflict resolution
  • Problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills
  • Guest experience and customer service skills
  • Cultural competence and global perspective

The CHTMP credential is among the best certifications for tourism careers for these reasons.

  • Enhanced leadership and team management abilities
  • Comprehensive management skills development
  • Increased competitiveness
  • International recognition

The following are the eligibility requirements and process to earn the CHTMP credential.

  • Enroll in an AHLEI’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program (HTMP). This is a two-year program with a 360-hour curriculum.
  • Complete at least 100 hours of unpaid or paid work experience in qualifying areas. These include accommodations, food and beverage, transportation, and attractions. Alternatively, students can complete the Knowledge Matters Virtual Business Hotel online simulation.
  • Pass the CHTMP certification exam.

Use official study guides, textbooks, and practice tests to prepare for the exam.

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

The Events Industry Council (EIC) awards the Certified Meeting Professional CMP certification. This is intended for professionals who want to stand out in the events industry. The credential demonstrates expertise in effective event planning and management.

The CMP credential is among the top hospitality certifications because of these career advantages.

  • Enhanced credibility as a professional event planner and manager
  • Increased access to high-paying job opportunities, such as conference managers, events directors, and event managers
  • Higher earning potential than their non-certified counterparts. Experienced meeting, convention, and event planners can earn more than $99,010/year (May 2023, BLS)
  • Increased competitiveness for global jobs since the CMP credential is recognized worldwide

The three options to meet eligibility requirements are the following:

  • Option 1:
    • 36 months of full-time work experience in the hospitality and tourism industry in the past five years
    • Resume/CV with the completed application form
  • Option 2:
    • 24 months of  full-time work experience in the hospitality and tourism industry in the past five years
    • At least an associate’s degree in hospitality/tourism/event management
    • Resume/CV with a completed application form
  • Option 3:
    • 36 months as a full-time instructor in hospitality/tourism/event management programs
    • Official course outline and syllabus

Then, you must submit your applications via the CMP portal and pay the application fee. Once you’re approved, you can sit for the CMP certification exam. Again, use the official study guides, textbooks, and other resources. The CMP exam consists of nine domains with 165 multiple-choice questions.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) awards the ServSafe Food Handler certification. This is an entry-level certification required in most states for professionals involved in food handling. Holders have skills in safe food preparation principles and practices, among others.

The ServSafe certification is beneficial for both the holders and society.

  • Protects public health, especially in the food and beverage sector
  • Promotes restaurant and other related businesses
  • Boosts consumer trust in establishments
  • Increases your career prospects and work advancement opportunities
  • Contributes to higher earning potential
  • Improves your job performance and productivity

Possible well-paying jobs with the certification and a bachelor’s degree include:

  • Food and beverage manager
  • Catering manager
  • Restaurant manager
  • Quality assurance specialist

Earning the ServSafe certification involves these steps.

  • Enroll in and complete the required courses, which can be in-person or online. These include Basic Food Safety and Personal Hygiene, among others.
  • Pass the certification exam, usually a set of 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • Receive your certification, either printed or digital.

You must renew your ServSafe certification, if you want, every three years.

Additional Hospitality and Tourism Certifications

Consider these two hospitality and tourism certifications, too, for career advancement purposes.

Certified Travel Associate (CTA)

The Travel Institute awards the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) credential. If you’re a professional interested in travel planning, it’s an excellent choice. The credential emphasizes expertise in:

  • Travel products and services
  • Destination information, including safety and costs
  • Customer service 
  • Booking processes

With a CTA credential, you can work as a travel agent, consultant, or coordinator.

To qualify, you must meet these eligibility requirements:

  • Have at least one year of relevant industry experience OR complete the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test
  • Complete the training program

The proctored TAP test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in two hours.

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) awards the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) credential. This is an advanced certification for hotel management professionals. The credential conveys expertise in many areas of hotel management, including:

  • Operations management
  • Guest services and room management 
  • Human resources
  • Marketing and sales
  • Financial management
  • Revenue management

You must be a general manager, owner/operator, or a corporate executive in a lodging business to qualify. The certification is essentially a 200 multiple-choice, four-hour exam.

Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Goals

Choosing from among many hospitality certification programs is tricky. Here are tips to make the right choice for yourself.

  • Consider the crucial factors that affect the value of a certification in your case.
  • What’s your current or desired job in the industry?
  • What are your career goals? What are your personal strengths and interests?
  • What’s your education level and work experience?
  • Choose an industry certification that aligns with your goals, education, and work experience. Ensure that you meet eligibility requirements first.
  • Consider earning many hospitality and tourism certifications and stack them. You can, for example, earn the CTA and CHA credentials to combine travel and operations expertise.

Whatever your choice, you must leverage your certifications. Think of them as tools and, as such, will work only when you use them well.

How Certifications Impact Job Prospects and Salaries

The importance of certifications in tourism lies in their impact on job prospects and income potential. Again, certifications convey specialized knowledge and practical skills for the job. Employers value these traits among applicants and give these applicants preference.

Certified professionals also earn 10%-20% higher incomes than their non-certified counterparts. Travel consultants with the CTA credential report higher compensation, too.

Conclusion

The best certifications for hospitality management and tourism boost the value of your bachelor’s degree. You’re more qualified for entry-level positions than your non-certified peers. Plus, you’re on the fast track toward career advancement. Indeed, the benefits of earning hospitality and tourism certifications outweigh the challenges.

But be sure to choose certifications based on your interests and goals. Take your time in choosing because your choice in certifications will impact your career.

Adopt a philosophy of continuous learning and professional development, too. The ever-evolving hospitality and tourism industry demands lifelong learning to stay competitive.

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