|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your basic questions.
Certification
 |
What is a Certificate of Completion? |
|
|
 |
A Certificate of Completion is issued to individuals who pass the comprehensive final exam for one of the distance learning courses included in the library. |
|
What is the advantage of gaining a Certificate of Completion? |
|
|
|
The distance learning courses included in the library cover important knowledge needed by employees holding or seeking specific positions at their property. Receiving a Certificate of Completion demonstrates that you possess the knowledge required for these positions. |
|
Can anyone take a certification exam? |
|
|
|
Yes, anyone can take a certification exam. Individuals who successfully pass the certification exam will receive either a Certificate of Knowledge or a Professional Certification designation, depending on their qualifications. The Certificate of Knowledge is not available for CHA/CLM and line-level certifications. |
|
What is the difference between Professional Certification and a Certificate of Knowledge? |
|
|
|
Professional Certification is issued to individuals who pass the certification exam and meet all other certification requirements, including required experience in a qualifying position.
A Certificate of Knowledge is issued to individuals who pass the certification exam but are not as yet employed in a qualifying position or do not meet the minimum experience requirement in a qualifying position.
|
|
What is the advantage of gaining a Certificate of Knowledge for a position not held by the employee? |
|
|
|
The Certificate of Knowledge provides employees with incentive to cross-train in other positions and demonstrates readiness for those positions. It shows that employees possess the knowledge required for a position that they aspire to obtain and gives them a competitive advantage for promotion. |
|
How do employees apply for a Certificate of Knowledge? |
|
|
|
They follow the same application and exam process as Professional Certification. Criteria for each are designated on the certification application. Check the box that applies to their situation and have the General Manager or Property Coordinator sign the application to verify the information provided. The Educational Institute will issue the appropriate Certificate of Knowledge or Professional Certification credentials after candidates have passed the exam. |
|
Once a Certificate of Knowledge is obtained, how does an employee get a Professional Certification designation? |
|
|
|
If the employee is hired into a qualifying position and meets the experience requirement within two years of achieving the Certificate of Knowledge, he or she can provide the appropriate documentation and exchange the Certificate of Knowledge for the corresponding Professional Certification designation. |
|
How long is a Professional Certification designation valid? |
|
|
|
Supervisory and line-level certifications never expire. Managerial, department head, and executive level certifications are valid for five years. Recertification is required to maintain Professional Certification at these levels. |
|
Why is recertification required in order to maintain a Professional Certification designation at the managerial level and above? |
|
|
|
Recertification is required to demonstrate that candidates have maintained a current level of knowledge and experience for the certification designation and to expand their knowledge to include new and evolving concepts pertinent to their leadership roles in the industry. |
|
Is there any additional cost involved in transferring a Certificate of Knowledge to a Professional Certification designation? |
|
|
|
No additional fees are required to exchange a Certificate of Knowledge for a Professional Certification designation. |
<back to top>
Career Path
|
What career path should an employee follow? |
|
|
|
The following diagram illustrates recommended Professional Certification career paths. A library’s certifications vary based on size and service level. Not all certifications shown in the diagram may be included.
(click on chart for larger view)
|
|
Can an employee follow a career path other than the one(s) outlined? |
|
|
|
Yes. The materials included in the Unlimited Training LibraryTM can be used to prepare employees for any career path they choose. |
<back to top>
Testing
|
How does a Property Coordinator request certification and/or distance learning course exams? |
|
|
|
For line-level certification exams, indicate the quantity of exams needed on a completed Certification Exam Order Form.
For all other certification exams, attach the appropriate completed Certification Application(s) and indicate the quantity of exams needed on a completed Certification Exam Order Form.
For distance learning course exams, complete and submit a separate Course Exam Order Form for each student for whom exams are being requested.
|
|
What if an employee fails a certification exam? |
|
|
|
Two exam re-takes are allowed for supervisory level and above certifications within a six-month timeframe, based on the date of enrollment in the certification program. Retake fees apply. |
|
What if an employee fails the two certification exam re-takes? |
|
|
|
Candidates who fail the exam three times must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Wait one year from the date of the last exam
- Retain employment at the Unlimited Training LibraryTM property
- Re-enroll in the certification program by the Property Coordinator
|
|
What if an employee fails a distance learning course exam? |
|
|
|
Distance learning course exams can be retaken up to three times. The first retake is complimentary, while fees apply for further retakes. |
<back to top>
Proctoring
|
What is a proctor? |
|
|
|
A proctor is the person appointed by the Property Coordinator or General Manager to:
- Receive the exam packet from the Property Coordinator
- Administer the exam, staying in the room throughout the entire exam
- Place all test materials into the envelope and return to the Property Coordinator
|
|
Who can be a proctor? |
|
|
|
The following is a list of those who qualify to be a proctor:
- A Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)
- A Director of Training/Property Coordinator*
- An immediate supervisor*
- A state lodging association executive
- A hospitality educator
- A member of the clergy
*Director of Training/Property Coordinator and immediate supervisor are not able to act as proctors for candidates taking the CHA exam.
|
|
What are the procedures for administering the exam? |
|
|
|
Each proctor will receive detailed instructions on how to administer the test with the exam. Prior to administering the test, the proctor must read the materials thoroughly. The materials include:
- An exam-specific proctor instruction sheet
- Candidate Certification Test Agreement form
- A Proctor Certification Test Agreement form to be signed and placed in the exam packet/envelope
|
|
How long does it take to proctor an exam? |
|
|
|
The length of time varies by certification. For example, executive level exams last longer than line-level positions due to the amount of content being tested. General exam timelines are:
- 4 Hours—All executive and department head level certifications, CHT
- 3 Hours—CFDM, CHRM, CRM, CHM, CMM, CHSP
- 2 Hours—CHS, CLSS, CLSO
- Less than 2 Hours—All line-level certifications
|
|
What must the exam packet/envelope contain when submitted to the Educational Institute? |
|
|
|
The proctor and the Property Coordinator should check to ensure the following are included in the packet/envelope:
- Exam test booklet
- Scantron answer sheet
- Any scrap paper used during the exam
- Candidate Certification Test Agreement form
- Proctor Certification Test Agreement form
|
<back to top>
© 2008 American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
|
