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
Lodging Manager (CLM) designation provides recognition for these
skills. Recognized worldwide, the CLM designation is the lodging
industry's highest acknowledgment of professionalism for managers
at economy and limited-service operations.
The CLM designation
may be used on letterhead, business cards, and other writings.
The CLM lapel pin and wall plaque are the visible symbols of the
holder's status and achievement.
Once certified,
designees are automatically enrolled in the CLM 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.
Qualifications for CLM Certification
Because individual backgrounds vary widely in the hospitality industry,
applicants may pursue the CLM 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 or owner/operator of an economy-lodging/limited-service
property, 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 or owner/operator of an economy-lodging/limited-service
property, with at least three years of full time experience
in one or more such positions.
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 CLM designation and
demonstrating your commitment to professional development the
first day on the job. Plan C enables you to take the CLM 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 CLM Certification
- Download
application or request
by mail, phone, or fax.
You must have Adobe Acrobat to view this application form. Click
Adobe
Acrobat to download program.
- Complete
and return the application form by mail or fax, along with all
supporting documentation and the application/examination fee.
- Ask your
supervisor to complete and return the CLM Recommendation/Employment
Verification Form that comes with the application. (Owner/operators
may use a CHA, CLM, 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 CLM comprehensive exam through a group certification-review
class or through an approved proctor. (Consult the calendar
or information on review classes and examination sessions.)
Streamlining Exam Preparation Time
A number of
resources are available to help prepare for the CLM comprehensive
examination:
- CLM
Study Guide This guide offers a thorough overview of
the CLM exam material, along with practice questions. Highlights
include: Human Resources, Rooms Division, Engineering and
Property Management, Marketing and Sales, Management and General
Administration.
- CLM
Review Classes and Exam Sessions Participate in an informally
led review workshop, then take the CLM exam. See the calendar.
All review classes and examination sessions are open to individuals
enrolled in the CLM 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 Lodging Manager (CLM)
