2024-2025 Credential Information

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.


American Hotel and Lodging Association Certified Guest Service Professional

Credential NameAmerican Hotel and Lodging Association Certified Guest Service Professional
Credential Vendor InfoAmerican Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute
Lauren Robin
Manager, K-12 Sales Academic Market
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3600 | Chicago, IL 60606-6383
lrobin@restaurant.org
312.627.2424
https://www.ahlei.org/Certifications/
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementFH31 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantGwen Turner
gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleFH31 Hospitality and Tourism Management I
Credential as POLFH31 POL = No
Pathway(s)Hospitality and Tourism Management (HOTM)
Cost of Instructor Training$197.96
For one instructor kit. Can be used multiple times. Can also purchase self-paced online course for students.
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
If not a teacher and Registered Academic Instructor, must apply to be a proctor on https://www.ahlei.org/ to access assessments and teaching resources.
Exam Voucher Expiration1 year after purchase and/or 180 days after course key is redeemed
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Food Service Managers (11-9051)
Lodging Managers (11-9081)
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
Employer TransferabilityYes
Industry-based certification
Delivery FormatOn-line or Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Proctoring not required for online exam
Test Site Options and RequirementsNone
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsUpon school adoption of Guest Service Gold, teachers should apply to become a Registered Academic Instructor at https://www.ahlei.org/ and access assessments and teaching resources.
Exam Time Allotment60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
Available for $15.00
Student AccommodationsYes
May be requested
Multilingual Resources*Yes
Spanish version available
Directory NotesTest through district or at DECA Conference - certification through a partnership with American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute (AHLEI)