Professional
hotel suppliers must possess a level of expertise that extends
beyond the role of salesperson and order taker. This expertise
prepares them to serve as advisors who help customers make better
business decisions.
The Master
Hotel Supplier (MHS) designation recognizes that expertise. This
unique recognition program -- the highest honor for professional
excellence offered to suppliers of products and services to the
hospitality industry -- is designed to expand knowledge and reward
achievements.
The Educational Institute, in collaboration with the AH&LA Allied Executive Committee, has updated the MHS program to better meet the needs of hospitality suppliers. The revised MHS program now offers three distinct preparation tracks, focusing on the specific competencies of various categories of vendors. The categories are:
- Designer. This includes architects, interior designers, environmental equipment and systems vendors.
- Food and Beverage. This includes vendors of food products, beverage products, restaurant equipment and furnishings, paper products, and uniforms.
- Supplier. This includes general suppliers of small equipment, furnishings, housekeeping supplies, guest courtesy supplies, paper products, and uniforms.
Those who
earn the MHS designation gain greater visibility in the hotel
supply market, attention from clients, respect from peers, potential
career advancement, and higher self-esteem.
The MHS lapel
pin and certificate are recognized throughout the world and the
hospitality industry.
Qualifications
for MHS Certification
MHS candidates
must be currently employed as a supplier of products or services
to the hospitality industry, with at least one year of full-time
experience in one or more such positions.
How
to Apply for MHS Certification
- Download
application and print,
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 MHS Recommendation/Employment
Verification Form that comes with the application. Within three
weeks, the Educational Institute will review the application
and send notification of acceptance.
- Successfully
complete the MHS 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
- The MHS Study Guide Candidates accepted into the MHS program receive a study guide to help prepare for the examination. Each guide provides all the information needed to understand how a supplier's product or service integrates with the many functions of a lodging operation. MHS candidates will receive the appropriate study guide for the MHS track they have indicated on their application. The study guide includes information on general hospitality operations, as well as information specific to the track selected (designer, food and beverage, or supplier). Included are sample exam questions and specific tips for supplying products and services to the hospitality industry.
All
review classes and examination sessions are open to individuals
enrolled in the MHS 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.
Recertification
Another new addition to the MHS program is the introduction of recertification. Once a supplier has earned the MHS designation, he or she begins earning points toward recertification in five years. Click here for details about this process.
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Master Hotel Supplier (MHS) 
