Today's successful
general managers and top hospitality professionals must have effective
human resources and property management expertise, sound judgment
,and practical skills. They must keep pace with change, improve
their knowledge, and share their experience with others.
The Certified
Hotel Administrator (CHA) designation provides recognition for
these skills. Recognized worldwide, the CHA designation is the
premier symbol of professional achievement for lodging executives.
It's an honor awarded to professionals whose leadership and managerial
abilities are exemplary--professionals who, by combining education
and experience with dedication to the industry, have achieved
a high level of expertise.
The CHA designation
may be used on letterhead, business cards, and other writings.
The CHA lapel pin and wall plaque are the visible symbols of the
holder's status and achievement.
Once certified,
designees are automatically enrolled in the CHA Recertification
Program, which recognizes and rewards continuing efforts toward
hospitality career growth. A portfolio to help track professional-development
activities is provided. Every five years, the Certification Commission
will recertify those who qualify based on their accomplishments.
A new, jeweled lapel pin (reflecting the number of years certified)
and certificate are awarded at the time of each recertification.
CHA Now Available in Spanish. Call 407-999-8100 for details or download an application.
Qualifications for CHA Certification
Because individual
backgrounds vary widely in the hospitality industry, applicants
may pursue the CHA designation through one of three options: Plan
A emphasizes an education background; Plan B emphasizes industry
experience;and Plan C emphasizes early entry. All plans require
documented evidence of managerial experience and successful completion
of a comprehensive examination.
Plan A Eligibility -- Education Emphasis
- At least
a 2-year hospitality degree from an accredited institution or
successful completion of the Educational Institute's Hospitality
Management Diploma
and
- Current employment
as a general manager, owner/operator, or corporate executive*
(see below) in a lodging hospitality company, with at least two
years of full-time experience in one or more such positions.
Plan B Eligibility -- Experience Emphasis
- Current employment
as a general manager, owner/operator, or corporate executive*
(see below) in a lodging hospitality company, with at least three
years of full time experience in one or more such positions.
- Educators
Only: Currently teaching hospitality management courses on
a full-time basis at an accredited academic institution; three
years of experience in this capacity; three years of full-time
experience in a management position in a lodging hospitality company.
Plan C Eligibility -- Early Entry
Plan C requires
a candidate to hold a qualifying position at the time of application.
Plan C does not have an education requirement, but a degree will
reduce the length of time you are required to spend in a qualifying
position.
Through Plan C you can begin working on your CHA designation and
demonstrating your commitment to professional development the
first day on the job. Plan C enables you to take the CHA certification
test up to three times so you can gauge your progress and knowledge
against an industry proven standard. You no longer need to wait
to see if you meet the benchmark of industry quality. You can
prove it, and pursue a strong professional development regimen.
This plan will allow individuals who are in qualifying positions
to pursue their certification even if they are lacking in experience.
A Plan C candidate who is in a qualifying position:
- May sit
for the examination BEFORE meeting the experience requirement.
- May take
the examination up to 3 times.
- May sit for
the examination while in the process of completing a hospitality
degree.
- Will be required
to submit documentation of employment at the time the experience
requirement is met.
*A corporate
executive is defined as an individual, employed by a firm responsible
for the operation of three or more properties, who serves as a
regional or corporate director of operations, or has ultimate
corporate responsibility for rooms, marketing, accounting and
finance, food and beverage, human resources, or engineering.
How to Apply for CHA Certification
- Print, complete and return
the application
form by mail or fax, along with all supporting documentation and
the application/examination fee. You must have Adobe Acrobat to
view this application form. Click Adobe
Acrobat to download program.
- Ask your supervisor to
complete and return the CHA Recommendation/Employment Verification
Form that comes with the application. (Owners/operators may use
a CHA, regional/area director, or corporate executive as a reference.)
Within three weeks, the Educational Institute will review the
application and send notification of acceptance.
- Successfully complete
the CHA comprehensive exam through a group certification-review
class or through an approved proctor. (Consult the calendar
for information on review classes and examination sessions.)
Streamlining Exam Preparation Time
A number of
resources are available to help prepare for the CHA comprehensive
examination:
- CHA
Study Guide This guide offers a thorough overview of the
CHA exam material, along with practice questions. Highlights
include: Human Resources, Accounting/Cost Control, Rooms
Division, Engineering and Property Management, Food and Beverage,
Marketing and Sales, Management and General Administration.
See Section 3 of the application for ordering information or
call (407) 999-8100.
- CHA
Review Classes and Exam Sessions Participate in an informally
led review workshop, then take the CHA exam. See the calendar for review class and exam sessions
scheduling.
All Review classes and examination sessions are open to individuals
enrolled in the CHA program unless otherwise stated. Individuals
who are enrolled in other certification programs are welcomed to
take their examination at any of the public sessions listed. Upon
registering for a review class and examination session, a letter
of confirmation will be sent to you providing you with more details
on the particular program. A typical review class seminar begins
at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at noon. After a break for lunch, the
comprehensive examination will be proctored. For additional information,
contact the Institute by calling (888) 575-8726 All review classes
and examination sessions are subject to change without notice. Some
programs require a nominal registration fee payable to the sponsoring
organization. Please refer to this website for up-to-date listings
of review classes and examination sessions.
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Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)
