Lodging Professional Certification Program

Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)

Download CHHE Application

Today, a housekeeping manager must be an expert at providing quality service amid growing competition, technological innovation, an increasingly sophisticated and demanding clientele, and liability concerns. Successful managers have outstanding organizational skills, technical proficiency, and a commitment to the highest standards.

The Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive designation (CHHE) provides recognition for these skills, around the world.

The CHHE designation may be used on letterhead, business cards, and other writings. The CHHE lapel pin and wall plaque are the visible symbols of the holder's status and achievement.

Once certified, designees are automatically enrolled in the CHHE 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 CHHE Certification

Candidates may pursue the CHHE 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 5-course curriculum specialization
• In addition, current employment as an executive housekeeper or director of housekeeping operations at 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 an executive housekeeper or director of housekeeping operations at 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; two years of experience in this capacity; two years of full-time experience in housekeeping management.

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 CHHE designation and demonstrating your commitment to professional development the first day on the job. Plan C enables you to take the CHHE 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 CHHE Certification

1. 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.
2. Complete and return the application form by mail or fax, along with all supporting documentation and the application/examination fee.
3. Ask your supervisor to complete and return the CHHE Recommendation/Employment Verification Form that comes with the application. Within three weeks, the Educational Institute will review the application and send notification of acceptance.
4. Successfully complete the CHHE comprehensive exam through a group certification-review class or 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 CHHE comprehensive examination:

• CHHE Study Guide This guide offers a thorough overview of the CHHE exam material, along with practice questions. Highlights include: Housekeeping Management, Human Resources, Hospitality Law, and General Administration.
• CHHE Review Classes and Exam Sessions Participate in an informally led review workshop, then take the CHHE exam. See the calendar.

All review classes and examination sessions are open to individuals enrolled in the CHHE 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 Hospitality Housekeeping Executives (CHHE)

Ms. Irma Araiza, CHHE	Comfort Inn Southbay
Mr. Sergio Delva, CHHE	Hilton Pasadena
Ms. Gwen Gavin, CHHE	Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
Mr. Richard Hidalgo, CHHE	Ramada Inn Suites - Carlsbad
Ms. Maria Acevedo, CHHE	The Traveler Inn & Suites
Ms. Cora Albano, CHHE	Holiday Inn Civic Center
Ms. Linda Foster, CHHE	Tahoe Lakeside Lodge
Ms. Tammi Hill, CHHE	Red Lion Hotel
Mr. Ronald Reyes, CHHE	Le Meridien at Beverly Hills
Mr. Preeti Sharma, CHHE	Best Western Beach Resort
Ms. Janet Zittel, CHHE	Holiday Inn Walnut Creek