Lodging Professional Certification Program

Certified Lodging Manager (CLM)

Download CLM 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 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

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 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.
4. 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.

California Lodging Professionals Who Are Certified Lodging Managers (CLM)

Ms. Lisa Cummings, CLM	Comfort Suites
Ms. Kerstin Jones, CLM	Best Western Bayshore Inn
Ms. Angela L. Fechner, CLM	Vagabond Inn
Mr. Steve Hong, CLM	Holiday Inn Express
Mr. Vikas Patel, CLM	Econo Lodge Santa Clara
Mr. Larry Thornburg, CLM	Comfort Inn