Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the Credential Information.

Certified Guest Service Professional

Credential Name	Certified Guest Service Professional
Credential Vendor Info	American 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://ahlei.servsafebrands.com/academic-overview/high-school-overview/hospitality-and-tourism-management/student-credentials
Implementation Year	2024-2025
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	FH31 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Gwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	FH31 Hospitality and Tourism Management I
Credential as POL	FH31 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 Requirements	Required 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 Expiration	1 year after purchase and/or 180 days after course key is redeemed
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Administrative Services Managers (11-3012) Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling (11-9072) First-line Supervisors of Entertainment And Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services (39-1014) First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers (35-1012) Food Servers, Nonrestaurant (35-3041) Food Service Managers (11-9051) Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop (35-9031) Lodging Managers (11-9081)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes
Employer Transferability	Yes Industry-based certification
Delivery Format	Online or Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	Yes Proctoring not required for online exam
Proctored Requirements	Upon 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.
Test Site Options and Requirements	None
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Available for $15.00
Student Accommodations	Yes May be requested
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Spanish version available
Directory Notes	Guest Service Gold Tourism is the recommended training program to prepare for the Certified Guest Service Professional in this course.

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.

^ 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.