Lodging Professional Certification Program

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)

Download CHA Application

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.

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.

California Lodging Professionals Who Are Certified Hotel Administrators (CHA)

Ms. Diane Achten, CHA	Vagabond Executive
Mr. Shafi Ahmed, CHA	Vagabond Inn
Mr. Kazi Ahmed, CHA	Good Nite Inn - Redwood City
Mr. Robert Alter, CHA	Sunstone Hotel Management, Inc.
Mr. Juan Aquinde, CHA	Hilton Universal City and Towers
Ms. Christina Bagley, CHA	Marina Dunes Resort
Ms. Maronee Baker, CHA	Vagabond Inn - Ventura
Mr. Robert O. Balmer, CHA	Hilton Burbank Airport
Mr. Ed Barron, CHA	Cathedral Hill Hotel
Ms. Mary Alice Bashford, CHA	Boutique Resorts - Bel Abri
Mr. Mark Beccaria, CHA	Royal Palace Westwood
Mr. Ron Berger, CHA	Radisson Hotel Sacramento
Mr. H. Joel Biggs, CHA	Hotel Managers Group, L.L.C.
Mr. Mohammed Billah, CHA	Vagabond Inn
Mr. Bill Blackburn, CHA	Best Western Corte Madera Inn
Ms. Nancy Blair-Faulkner, CHA	Inn at The Opera
Mr. Tim Bridwell, CHA	Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort
Mr. Dave Britton, CHA	Holiday Inn Torrance
Mr. John Brockelhurst, CHA	San Leandro Marina Inn
Mr. James Buchner, CHA	Klamath River Resort Inn
Ms. Jane L. Bucks, CHA	Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale
Mr. Michael Bullis, CHA	Destination Properties, LLC
Mr. Steve Carter, CHA	Tower 23 Hotel
Mr. Tom Chang, CHA	Garden Inn of Los Gatos
Mr. Brad Charlesworth, CHA, CHSP	Red Lion Hotel Sacramento
Ms. Cheryl A. Chester, CHA	San Diego Central
Mr. Don Clark, CHA	Comfort Inn Resort
Ms. Crickett Clausen, CHA	Monterey Bay Lodge
Ms. Merry L. Crowen, CHA	Carousel Motel
Mr. Dana Cust, CHA	Rim Hospitality
Ms. Michele DeMayo, CHA	Hotel Managers Group, L.L.C.
Mr. Todd Driscoll, CHA	Pacifica Hotel Company
Mr. Jerry D. Easley, CHA	Holiday Inn
Mr. Michael Ensign, CHA	Holiday Inn Express
Mr. Joseph Fan, CHA	Brighton Management
Mr. Bill Feenan, CHA	Pacifica Host Hotels
Mr. Steve Fetters, CHA	Peacock Suites Resort
Mr. Michael Gallegos, CHA	American Property Management
Mr. Mike Getto, CHA	Guesthouse International Franchises
Mr. Jack Giacomini, CHA	Red Lion Hanalei Hotel
Mr. Paul Gibbs, CHA	Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach
Mr. Larry L. Gittins, CHA	Radelow/Gittins Property Management
Mr. Tom Glidden, CHA	La Playa Hotel
Mr. Michael S. Goldstein, CHA	Packard Management Group
Ms. Ruth Grande, CHA	Hotel Mar Monte
Mr. Jim Guthrie, CHA	Spyglass Inn
Mr. Mike Hall, CHA	The Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel
Mr. Michael Hanchett, CHA	Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront
Mr. Michael K. Handlery, CHA	Handlery Hotels, Inc.
Mr. Jon S. Handlery, CHA	Handlery Union Square Hotel
Mr. Dan Hazel, CHA	Choice Hotels
Mr. Hardy Hearn, CHA	Best Western Big America
Ms. Wendy Heineke, CHA	Ocean Park Hotels, Inc.
Mr. Ken Ho, CHA	Grant Plaza Hotel
Mr. William J. Hoffman, CHA	Trigild Corporation
Mr. Charlie Holladay, CHA	Ramada Plaza Hotel
Mr. Paul Hortobagyi, CHA	Le Merigot Beach Hotel & Spa
Mr. Daniel Howery, CHA	Ambrose Hotel
Mr. Bruce Hraba, CHA	Waterford Hotels & Inns
Mr. Rod Hurt, CHA	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Anaheim
Mr. Jeffrey Irving, CHA	Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento
Mr. Michael W. Jackson, CHA	Good Nite Inn, Inc
Mr. Don Johnson, CHA	Vagabond Inns, Inc.
Mr. Tarun Kapoor, CHA	Kapoor & Kapoor
Mr. Dan Karki, CHA	Quality Inn
Mr. William Karpiak, CHA	Ramada Plaza Hotel
Mr. Shahid Kayani, CHA	Holiday Inn Los Angeles Int'l Airport
Mr. Steve Klein, CHA	Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
Mr. Peter Klinger, CHA	Lion's Gate Hotel
Mr. Greg Knoell, CHA	Hilton Garden Inn
Ms. Winnie Kwok, CHA	Crowne Plaza San Jose/Silicon Valley
Mr. Randy Lacy, CHA	Pacific Hotel Management
Mr. Randy Langley, CHA	Sheraton Sunnyvale Hotel
Ms. Bonnie Laverty, CHA	Four Seasons Resort Aviara
Mr. Ralph Lee, CHA	Ramada Plaza Hotel International
Mr. Ken Leone, CHA	Larkspur Hospitality
Mr. Christopher Link, CHA	Best Western Sonora Oaks
Mr. John Lloyd, CHA	Pine Inn
Mr. Kirk Lok, CHA	Lok Group of Companies
Mr. Tony Lovoy, CHA	Holiday Inn On The Bay
Mr. Gordon Luster, CHA	Warner Center Marriott
Mr. Ron MacConnell, CHA	Four Points Hotel by Sheraton
Mr. Thomas Mackey, CHA	Clarion Del Mar Inn
Ms. Mary MacLeod, CHA	Holiday Inn Auburn
Mr. Joe Maddux, CHA	Westlodge Hospitality, Inc.
Mr. Patrick Mandas, CHA	Choice Hotels
Mr. Patrick Mandas, CHA	Choice Hotels International
Mr. John Marko, CHA	Kawada Hotel
Mr. David Martin, CHA	Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Inc.
Ms. Shirley Masia, CHA	Best Western Black Oak Motor Lodge
Mr. John Mavros, CHA	Preferred Hotel Management Corp.
Ms. Traycee L. Mayer, CHA	Holiday Inn Buena Park Hotel
Mr. Jim McCullough, CHA	La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort
Mr. Jeffrey D. Michaels, CHA	Best Western Lighthouse Hotel
Ms. Kay Morter, CHA	Holiday Inn Express/Hotel Virginia
Mr. Patrick Mullin, CHA	Courtyard by Marriott - Oxnard
Mr. Bill Murray, CHA	Four Points by Sheraton
Mr. Tom Myskowski, CHA	Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
Mr. John Nethercutt, CHA	Country Inn & Suites
Mr. Jesse Norris, CHA	Sands Suites and Motel
Mr. Norman Onaga, CHA	Carriage Inn
Mr. Dietrich Pahnke, CHA	The Oaks at Ojai
Ms. Sandy Parker, CHA	Best Western Sutter House
Mr. Scott Patel, CHA	Dynasty Suites Riverside
Mr. Kanti Patel, CHA	Super 8
Mr. Vijay Patel, CHA	Millwood Inn
Mr. Tom Patton, CHA	Ramada Limited
Mr. Michael Payton, CHA	Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Airport
Mr. Andy Poon, CHA	Holiday Lodge
Mr. Shashi Poudyal, CHA	Doubletree Guest Suites Santa Monica
Ms. Barbara Pressman, CHA	Stanford Terrace Inn
Mr. Jeffrey K. Protzman, CHA	Doubletree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County
Ms. Barbara Ratcliffe, CHA	Biltmore Hotel & Suites - Silicon
Mr. Robert A. Rauch, CHA	Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego
Ms. Pam Richardson, CHA	Lake San Marcos Resort
Mr. Stephen A. Robbins, CHA	BBJ Linen
Ms. Julie Robey, CHA	Crowne Plaza Hotel
Mr. Sam Sahrai, CHA	Good Nite Inn, Inc
Ms. Regina Samy, CHA	Windsor Capital Group
Mr. Craig Schwan, CHA	Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf
Mr. Trent Selbrede, CHA	San Diego Central
Mr. Jay Slattery, CHA	The Hotel Durant
Dr. Robert W. Small, CHA	Calif Polytechnic State University
Mr. Craig Smith, CHA	Monterey Downtown Travelodge
Mr. Rick Smock, CHA	Best Western Beach View Lodge
Mr. Kevin Swenink, CHA	Pacifica Hotel Company
Ms. Liz Tavernese, CHA	Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
Ms. Tracey Thompson, CHA	Ramada Inn Suites - Carlsbad
Mr. Max Tucker, CHA	Best Western Big America
Mr. Chuck Valentino, CHA	Vagabond Inns, Inc.
Mr. Lysle Wagner, CHA	Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Mr. Michael Warner, CHA	Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf
Mr. Robert Webster, CHA	Hanford Hotels, Inc.
Mr. Carlton Werner, CHA	Pacifica Host Hotels
Mr. John Wilms, CHA	Best Western El Rancho Inn & Suites
Mr. Reed Youmans, CHA	Hallmark Suites
Mr. Nelson Zager, CHA	Pier 3 Entertainment
Ms. Karima Zaki, CHA	Hilton San Francisco
Mr. Jeff Zarrinnam, CHA	Hollywood Hotel, A Ramada
Mr. Mark Zimmerman, CHA	Olympic Village Inn
Mr. Joselito Abelardo, Jr., CHA	Sleepy Raccoon Motel
Mr. Curt S. Abramson, CHA	Dolce Hayes Mansion
Ms. Pamela K. Amante, CHA	Beachcomber Motel
Mr. Brion Amendt, CHA	Newport Channel Inn
Mr. Alex Amini, CHA	Villager Motel
Mr. Paul Andrew, CPM, CHA	Andrew Hotel Management, Inc.
Mr. Gary Baker, CHA	Oxford Suites
Mr. Peter Barrett, CHA, CAC	Barrett Hospitality Search
Mr. B. Clyde Billman, CHA	Motel 6 South Lake Tahoe
Ms. Rachel Blake, CHA	Embassy Suites Hotel
Mr. Roger Bloss, CHA	Best Value Inn Brand Membership
Ms. Cyhnthia A. Bree, CHA	Best Western Amador Inn
Mr. Edward Brown, CHA	Historic Santa Maria Inn
Mr. Barney Buppert, CHA	Vistera, Inc.
Mr. Robert E. Bussinger, CHA	Hospitality Consultants International
Mr. Patrick Caffery, CHA	La Quinta Inn
Mr. Greg Case, CHA	Embassy Suites Hotel - Arcadia
Mr. Scott Castle, CHA	Crowne Plaza Foster City
Mr. Anil Chagan, CHA	Equitable Hotels
Ms. Susie Chang, CHA	Hometown Inn
Mr. Jerry Chang, CHA	Quality Inn & Suites
Mr. Sherman Chiang, CHA	Royal Inn Motel
Mr. Robert Chyr, CHA	Berkeley Travel Inn
Mr. Jason Clouet, CHA	Clarion Oakland
Mr. Rick Cobb, CHA	Comfort Suites
Mr. Moy Comans, CHA	Motel 6 Los Angeles Airport
Ms. Allison Cooper, CHA	Quality Inn & Suites
Mr. David Cornish, CHA	Courtyard by Marriott
Mr. Jay Dee Cutting, CHA	Lexington Management Corporation
Mr. Philip F. Cutting, CHA	Douglas Wilson Companies
Mr. Sergio Davies, CHA	Humphrey's Half Moon Inn
Mr. Dhaval Desai, CHA	Super 8 - El Cajon
Mr. James M. Deskus, CHA	Redlands, CA
Ms. Aman Dhillon, CHA	Holiday Inn Express Manteca
Mr. Bruce Dingman, CHA	Robert W. Dingman Company
Mr. Jim Dowling, CHA	Gerstle Park Inn
Mr. Mark Dudys, CHA	Holiday Inn Express
Ms. Pat Duncan, CHA	Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills
Mr. Sam Ebeid, CHA	Inn at Morro Bay
Mr. Eric Eisenberg, CHA	Hollywood Guest Inn
Mr. Tom Evans, CHA	Point Reyes Country Inn & Cottages
Mr. Ron Georgenson, CHA	Royal Pacific Motor Inn
Mr. Farhad Gholizadeh, CHA	Best Western Sunset Plaza Hotel
Mr. Jack Giusto, CHA	El Camino Inn Daly City
Ms. Jane Gorney, CHA	BON Management Group, Inc.
Mr. Dave Grabeal, CHA	Hampton Inn & Suites
Mr. James Green, CHA	InnSuites Hotel San Diego
Mr. Matthew Hamann, CHA	Six Continents Hotels
Mrs. Chris Haven, CHA	Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center
Mr. Dennis Hazelton, CHA	Holiday Inn Express
Mr. Richard A. Hill, CHA	W Hotel Silicon Valley
Mr. Douglas Hong, CHA	GuestHouse Inn & Suites
Mr. Peter H. Hui, CHA	Hospitality Unlimited Investments, Inc
Mr. Larry Jackman, CHA	Jackman Enterprises
Mr. Gordon Jackson, CHA	Sterling Hotels Corporation
Mr. Ram P. Jeereddy, CHA	Best Western Buena Park
Mr. Jake P. Johns, CHA	Central Travelodge
Mr. Al Johnson, CHA	Canyon Club Hotel
Mr. Charlie Johnson, CHA	Doubletree Carson Civic Plaza
Mr. James Jones, CHA	Days Inn - Long Beach/City Center
Mr. Ali Kasikci, CHA	The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Mr. Richard Keaton, CHA	America Best Value Inn Seabird Lodge
Ms. Michelle Kelly, CHA	The Seal Beach Inn and Gardens
Mr. Asrar Khan, CHA	Vagabond Inn
Mr. Neal Khatri, CHA	Best Western Town House Lodge
Mr. Jon King, CHA	Madera Valley Inn
Ms. Aloha Knaefler, CHA	Whale Media, Inc.
Mr. Kevin Konopasek, CHA	The Dana on Mission Bay
Mr. Peter Kwong, Jr., CHA	Best Western Dragon Gate Inn
Mr. Brian Lamers, CHA	Best Western Catalina Canyon Resort &
Mr. Robert Laskowski, CHA	Best Western Redondo Beach Inn
Mr. Steve Laslo, CHA	Best Western Hollywood Hills
Mr. Wesley D. Lavender, CHA	Staybridge Suites
Mr. Gino Lazzara, CHA	Holiday Inn Civic Center
Mr. Merrick W. Leckey, CHA	International Innkeepers, Inc.
Mr. Charles Lee, CHA	Comfort Suites - Palm Desert
Mr. Luis Leon, CHA	Bay Landing Hotel
Mr. Robert Levine, CHA	Best Western Island Palms Hotel
Mr. Robert Lind, CHA	Best Western Kings Inn
Mr. Gary Liss, CHA	Cypress/Anaheim Courtyard Marriott
Mr. Ted Lyman, CHA	Essentially Yours Industries
Mr. Jorge Martinez, CHA	Holiday Inn Express
Mr. Herb Meyer, CHA	Best Western John Jay Inn Salinas
Mr. Dennis Monte, CHA	Best Western Innsuites Hotel Ontario
Mr. Rich Nasiri, CHA	Best Western Executive Suites
Mr. Boyd Nelson, CHA	Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg
Mr. Scott Nevius, CHA	La Quinta Inn
Mr. Steve Noble, CHA	Best Western Ruby Inn
Ms. Besty Olson, CHA	Best Western Carmel Mission Inn
Mr. Norman Onaga, CHA	Best Western Carriage Inn
Mr. Dinu Patel, CHA	Highlands Inn
Mr. Henry M. Patel, CHA	Econo Lodge Crescent City
Mr. BJ Patel, CHA	Hampton Inn SFO
Mr. Victor Patel, CHA	Hampton Inn
Mr. Tarun S. Patel, CHA	Pacific Hospitality Company
Mr. Jayeshkumar I. Patel, CHA	Oceanview Motel
Mr. Vijay Patel, CHA	Holiday Inn Express - Redwood City
Mr. Nilesh Patel, CHA	La Posada Motel
Mr. Paul Payne, CHA	Rodeway Inn Sierra Nevada
Ms. Akkie Pelsma, CHA	AmeriSuites
Mr. Byron Perryman, CHA	Best Western Beach Resort
Mr. Jerry Rankin, CHA	Comfort Inn
Ms. Judith C. Ricker, CHA	Courtland-Dane Management Group,
Mr. CJ Rizzo, CHA	Classic Party Rentals
Mr. William H. Roof, CHA	Courtesy Inn
Mr. Kurt Samhaber, CHA	Los Angeles
Ms. Regina B. Samy, CHA	Embassy Suites Hotel
Ms. Cristina Santos, CHA	Comfort Suites
Ms. Marjorie B. Schmaehl, CHA	The Seal Beach Inn and Gardens
Mr. Robert Schanfald, CHA	San Francisco Marriott
Ms. Elisabeth Scharbaum, CHA	chic-hotel
Ms. Cathy Schwartz, CHA	Holiday Inn Select North Miramar
Mr. Ken Scripsma, CHA	K.E. Scripsma & Associates
Mr. Ray Serafin, CHA	Sheraton Pasadena Hotel
Mr. Pranav Shah, CHA	Howard Johnson Hotel
Mr. Jon Sherry, CHA	Residence Inn by Marriott
Mr. Peter Shimondle, CHA	Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Mr. Robert A. Smith, CHA	Radisson Hotel Chatsworth
Mr. John Sprague, CHA	Sea Crest Resort Motel
Ms. Maggie Tai, CHA	Best Western West Covina Inn
Mr. Steven Teed, CHA	Cow Hollow Motor Inn
Mr. Sunil Thadani, CHA	Quality Inn & Suites
Mr. Mario Trejo, CHA	San Vicente Inn
Mr. Gerry Vadnais, CHA	Crowne Plaza Hotel Concord
Mr. John Wang, CHA	Quality Inn
Mr. Andrew Warren, CHA	Holiday Inn Carlsbad By The Sea
Mr. Ken Westmyer, CHA	Holiday Inn Express
Mr. Timothy G. Wible, CHA	Westwind Inn, Travis Air Force Base
Mr. Leslie Williams, CHA	Orr Hot Springs
Mr. Karl Yared, CHA	Comfort Inn Fairfield
Mr. Kenji Yoshimoto, CHA	USA Placement, Inc.
Ms. Shanda Zinn, CHA	Comfort Inn East at the Pavilion