Lodging Professional Certification Program

Certified Rooms Division Executive (CRDE)

Download CRDE Application

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

The Certified Rooms Division Executive (CRDE) designation provides recognition for these skills, around the world.

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

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

Because individual backgrounds vary widely in the hospitality industry, applicants may pursue the CRDE 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 Rooms Division Management Specialization
• In addition, current employment as a rooms division manager, resident manager, front office manager, senior assistant manager, or executive assistant manager 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 a rooms division manager, resident manager, front office manager, senior assistant manager, or executive assistant manager 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; two years of experience in this capacity; two years of full-time experience in rooms division 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 CRDE designation and demonstrating your commitment to professional development the first day on the job. Plan C enables you to take the CRDE 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 CRDE Certification

1. 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.
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 CRDE 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 CRDE 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 CRDE comprehensive examination:

• CRDE Study Guide This guide offers a thorough overview of the CRDE exam material, along with practice questions. Highlights include: Front Office, Guest Service, Housekeeping, Accounting and Financial Management, Security and Maintenance, Human Resources, and Hospitality Law.
• CRDE Review Classes and Exam Sessions Participate in an informally led review workshop, then take the CRDE exam. See the calendar for review class and exam sessions scheduling.

All review classes and examination sessions are open to individuals enrolled in the CRDE 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 Rooms Division Executives (CRDE)

Mr. Michael Afloarei, CRDE	Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale
Mr. Jean-Pierre Alotte, CRDE	Lodge at Tiburon
Mr. Armin Betz, CRDE	Crowne Plaza San Jose/Silicon Valley
Mr. Juan Bueno, CRDE	Crowne Plaza Irvine
Mr. Max Childs, CRDE	Best Western Corte Madera Inn
Mr. Mark Chute, CRDE	Holiday Inn Buena Park Hotel
Mr. Alexander Delgado, CRDE	Hilton Pasadena
Ms. Lu Fletcher, CRDE	Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront
Mr. Sileshi Mengiste, CRDE	Le Meridien Hotel San Francisco
Ms. Leslie Minton, CRDE	Crowne Plaza Hotel
Ms. Channa Perera, CRDE	Holiday Inn Hollywood
Mr. Michael Reardon, CRDE	Hotel Mar Monte
Mr. Marco Romero, CRDE	The Westin Bonaventure & Suites
Mr. Jim Sichta, CRDE	Broughton Hospitality Group
Ms. Amber Snoeck, CRDE	Hollywood Hotel, A Ramada
Mr. Martin Uiberlacker, CRDE	Crowne Plaza San Jose/Silicon Valley
Mr. Kevin L. Valentine, CRDE	Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
Mr. Randall Williams, CRDE	Bel Age Hotel Westwood
Ms. Pam Wright, CRDE	Phoenix Hotel
Ms. Sylvia Hendrick, CRDE	Residence Inn by Marriott
Mr. Don Kaaukai, CRDE	Clarion Hotel
Mr. David Kellberg, CRDE	Homestead Studio Suites
Ms. Barbara Larkin, CRDE	Days Inn Hotel Circle
Mr. Jim Sichta, CRDE	Hotel Huntington Beach
Mr. Bahgat Tadros, CRDE	Clocktower Inn
Mr. Kirk Wooldridge, CRDE	The Village at Squaw Valley
Ms. Aline Yeranossian, CRDE	The Grafton on Sunset