Certification
In difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to you personally and to your employer to know that you are the best of the best in your field. Certification provides an individual not only with a personal sense of accomplishment, but serves as individual leverage in current and future career opportunities. A certification serves as a key differentiator in illustrating one's understanding and commitment to an industry or a competency.
To provide professionals in the hospitality industry with the opportunity to prominently showcase and market their talents and expertise, HSMAI and HSMAI University offer four prestigious certification programs. Explore the information below to learn more about them including the qualifications and procedures to apply, and to download applications.
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Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)
Certified in Hospitality Sales Competencies (CHSC)
Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME)
Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME)
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has developed a prestigious certification in revenue management -- the CRME. Individuals working in revenue management in the hospitality industry, if they meet the minimum qualifications, can take an online examination offering them a chance to confirm their knowledge, experience, and capabilities in their field.
The study guide that examination candidates will use, covered by the examination fee, is Defining Revenue Management: Top Line to Bottom Line, published by the HSMAI Foundation. The special report published in 2006 was researched and written by Kathleen Cullen and Caryl Helsel, partners, Inspire Resources, a hospitality consulting firm, and developed with the help and advice of HSMAI's Revenue Management Special Interest Group Advisory Board.
The CRME designation is recognition that you are:
- A professional in the field of revenue management and clearly conversant with its intricacies and importance;
- Competent to develop an infrastructure to support revenue management within the framework of an organization;
- Able to maximize revenue opportunities and optimize profits by managing revenue;
- Capable of making informed decisions to accept or reject pieces of business to meet overall organizational goals.
- Proficient at the art and science of revenue management.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A CRME DESIGNATION?
- Print an application from the HSMAI Website (www.hsmai.org)
- Complete the point schedule preparation to see if you qualify.
- Mail it to HSMAI University, 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102. Or email it to hsmaiu@hsmai.org.
Once your application has been approved by HSMAI University:
- Submit payment and you will receive the study guide Defining Revenue Management: Top Line to Bottom Line.
- Notify HSMAI U when you're ready to take the examination and receive a URL and password to take the online exam.
A minimum of 50 total points are required from the following sections:
- Professional Experience - A minimum of 1 point and a maximum of 10 points may be applied for revenue management experience in the lodging industry, to be verified by HSMAI.
- Scope of Last Calendar Year Responsibilities - A minimum of 3 points and a maximum of 25 points may be applied for revenue management experience, to be verified by your supervisor's signature.
- Higher Education Coursework - A minimum of 20 points is required.
- HSMAI University Courses/Webinars & Non-Academic Coursework - No minimum required.
- Association Service - A minimum of 1 point and a maximum of 10 points may be applied, to be verified by HSMAI.
CRME FEES
For HSMAI Member Candidates: A non-refundable fee of $75.00 USD will be payable with the filing of the application. HSMAI member candidates who meet the criteria for certification will be charged $295. For each re-examination, a non-refundable fee of $40.00 USD will be assessed.
For Non-HSMAI Member Candidates: A non-refundable fee of $100.00 USD will be payable with the filing of the application. HSMAI member candidates who meet the criteria for certification will be charged $395. For each re-examination, a non-refundable fee of $40.00 USD will be assessed.
Certified in Hospitality Sales Competencies (CHSC)
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has developed a prestigious certification in hospitality sales. Individuals working in sales in the hospitality industry, if they meet the minimum qualifications, can study for and take an on-line examination offering them a chance to confirm their knowledge, experience, and capabilities in their field.
A CHSC designation will indicate that you are a professional who has attained an expertise in your career, increasing your value to your employers, maximizing your confidence, and improving the industry by raising performance standards, practices, and ethics. The certification is recognition that you have demonstrated:
- a high level of performance and knowledge;
- a commitment to impeccable standards and ethics;
- an understanding of what it takes to compete and succeed in the hospitality industry; and
- a strong leadership ability and management skills.
You may use the CHSC designation on your letterhead, business cards, and other documents. Your wall plaque will be recognized by your supervisors and peers as testimony to your credibility and know-how in a demanding and volatile business.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A CHSC DESIGNATION?
Eligibility
- In order to meet the criteria as a candidate, applicants for the designation of CHSC (Certified in Hospitality Sales Competencies) must be currently and actively employed in the lodging industry.
- To be eligible for the CHSC, candidates must complete a pre-qualification application and then pass an examination.
- The pre-qualification component includes industry and industry-related experience, association service, and educational aspects, with a required total of 50 points attainable from any combination of the following:
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 5 points may be applied for sales-related experience in the lodging industry, to be verified by HSMAI.
- Association Service: A minimum of 10 points may be applied according to the outlined allotment system for HSMAI activities, industry, and community service.
- Education: A minimum of 20 points may be applied from a combination of outlined academic and continuing education sources. Courses taken as a full-time college student and student work experience do not apply in the areas of Experience and Association Service since a specific number of points are granted for college attendance and completion under the Education section.
Point Schedule Preparation
A pre-qualification point schedule is a part of the application.
Examination Component
The examination component of the certification requirement consists of an on-line written examination. Following verification and approval of the pre-qualification point schedule, HSMAI will notify the candidate and, upon payment (see 'Fees' below), a password to access an on-line study guide (or a book) will be sent to the applicant.
When the applicant is ready, he or she will be given a password to take the on-line exam. The purpose of the on-line examination is to test the candidate's capacity to apply knowledge and skill acquired through study and experience in developing solutions to problem situations and the ability to communicate thoughts and decisions in writing. Therefore, a passing grade is successfully answering 70% of the questions. The candidate will know immediately if they have successfully completed the examination.
CHSC FEES
For HSMAI Member Candidates: A non-refundable fee of $75.00 USD will be payable with the filing of the application. HSMAI member candidates who meet the criteria for certification will be charged $295.00 USD. For each re-examination, a non-refundable fee of $40.00 USD will be assessed.
For Non-HSMAI Candidates: A non-refundable fee of $100.00 USD will be payable with the filing of the application. Candidates who meet the criteria for certification will be charged $395.00 USD, which includes a six-month HSMAI membership for successful candidates. For each re-examination, a non-refundable fee of $40.00 USD will be assessed.
In the event that a candidate fails to successfully satisfy or complete any component, no refunds will be made. The applicant may resubmit new material as may be necessary for reconsideration at any time. Should any information submitted for a component be unacceptable to HSMAI, the candidate will be sent an explanation and the candidate may then resubmit updated details.
I'm Ready!
Take the first step today! To access a PDF version of the CHSC application, go to www.hsmai.org.
Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME)
Get your CHME.
HSMAI's Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME) is a designation earned by those professionals who have effectively demonstrated the credibility, knowledge, expertise and confidence that has become increasingly necessary in today's fast-moving and ever-changing hospitality industry.
Being named a CHME is a prestigious honor that carries with it new opportunities and increased recognition. Not only will your leadership capabilities be more visible, but your ability to develop and execute highly successful marketing programs will be evident as well. A new level of respect and admiration from your peers will also arise as a result of your designation.
CHME is not attainable for everyone. There are specific requirements that must meet high standards in order to become a candidate for certification, beginning with three pre-examination requirements.
Study Tools
A study guide is available to CHME candidates as part of their enrollment package. The Guide will assist candidates in preparing for the CHME exam. In addition, it lists recommended publications and provides tips for writing the research paper.
CHME Study Sessions
HSMAI provides CHME study sessions were candidates come together to review marketing competencies that are included on the exam. Industry professionals who have earned their CHME teach the courses. Contact HSMAI for dates and locations of future study sessions.
Pre-Examination Requirements
The first pre-examination requirement is a summary of your professional experience. The second is a summary of your association service - not just in HSMAI, but in other related customer/industry associations as well. The final requirement is a summary of your education, which should include your college background, as well as industry-related educational programs, seminars and conferences in which you have been involved.
To qualify as a candidate, you must be actively employed within the hospitality industry. This includes lodging, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, convention and visitors bureaus, and other related segments, such as vendors and suppliers.
Pre-examination also includes the assignment of points based on what experience, association service and education you have listed on the summaries that you complete. A total of 250 points is required, with a maximum of 125 points in each of the three summaries.
After the pre-examination, you must them complete two things: a written, proctored examination and an original research paper of no less than 2,500 words. The paper's subject must first be approved by a staff administrator from the HSMAI certification commission.
How to Apply
Click here to learn more about CHME