Download CHT Application 
Recognize training individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, managerial,
and training development abilities in the hospitality field with the CHT professional
certification program. This is the first professional designation for hospitality trainers
at the department head level. Those who earn the CHT are perceived as highly competent,
respected professionals who are knowledgeable in their positions.
Qualifications for CHT Certification
Plan A - Education Emphasis
• A two-year hospitality or human resources degree from an accredited institution.
Current full-time employment as a training executive, director or department head at a
lodging hospitality company (corporate or property-level)- with at least two years of
full-time experience in one of more such positions.
Plan B - Experience Emphasis
• Current full-time employment as a training executive, director or department head
at a lodging hospitality company (corporate or property-level)- with at least three years
of full-time experience in one or more such positions.
Educators: You can meet Plan B requirements if you are currently teaching hospitality
management courses on a full-time basis at an accredited academic institution, have two
years of experience in this capacity, and have two years experience in hospitality training.
Plan C - Early Entry
• Current full-time employment as a training executive, director or department head at
a lodging hospitality company (corporate or property-level). Please see below details on Plan
C program, if this is the plan you choose.
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 CHT designation and demonstrating your commitment
to professional development the first day on the job. Plan C enables you to take the CHT 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.
What does the certification fee cover?
The certification fee per applicant is $350 for AH&LA members; $425 for non-members. Fee includes
application, and exam administration, plus CHT Study Guide*, designation, lapel pin, and certificate.
*The CHT Study Guide covers a broad-based body of knowledge, encompassing all levels of training within
the hospitality organization. It focuses on identifying key elements in the learning process and
recognizing the steps in developing a comprehensive training program. It also includes a self-inventory to
help candidates target their preparation.
How to Apply for CHT 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 CHT 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 CHT comprehensive exam through a group certification-review class or
through an approved proctor. (Consult the calendar for information on review
classes and examination sessions.)
For more information, call EI at 888-575-8726 or 407-999-8100 or email
certification@ei-ahla.org.
California Lodging Professionals Who Are Certified Hospitality Trainers (CHT)
