Hospitality Manager Certificate
- Cost
- $8,091*
Run the show
Build teamwork in the front and back of the house
One of the best (and worst) things about hospitality work is the adrenaline. You might have a lunch rush, a check-in crunch or two last-minute eight-tops on top of a big banquet. The difference between energizing stress and soul-crushing stress? A great manager.
Train to be that cool-headed, long-sighted planner. Learn menu design, cost control and continuous improvement techniques. Polish your skills in the front and back of the house. Learn how to manage people and inventory. Then, let the rush begin.
What can you do with a Hospitality Manager Certificate?
This certificate prepares you to start work or continue your studies in culinary arts, food science or related fields.
When you earn this certificate, you meet the American Culinary Federation (A.C.F.) initial certification and re-certification requirements for the Sanitation, Nutrition and Supervision courses for the A.C.F. Chefs Certification program. You'll also be qualified to apply for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (N.R.A.E.F.) ManageFirst Diploma, which is a nationally recognized industry credential.
Highlights
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Career Certificate
Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career. -
Program Length: 1.5 Years
Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years. -
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available
Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college. -
Prairie at Brae Loch
Gain hands-on learning at this student-managed restaurant. -
Stackable Credentials
Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials. -
WIOA Program
Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Career Outlook
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Assist patrons at hotel, apartment, or office building with personal services. May take messages; arrange or give advice on transportation, business services, or entertainment; or monitor guest requests for housekeeping and maintenance.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $34,399
- Median
- $44,503
- Senior-Level
- $64,167
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $16.53
- Median
- $21.39
- Senior-Level
- $30.84
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 31.82%
- Certificate
- 9.09%
- Some college
- 27.27%
- Associate Degree
- 22.73%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 9.09%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $37,750
- Median
- $52,556
- Senior-Level
- $80,696
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $18.14
- Median
- $25.26
- Senior-Level
- $38.79
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 26.91%
- Certificate
- 21.94%
- Associate Degree
- 16.66%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 34.49%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $35,869
- Median
- $58,718
- Senior-Level
- $76,486
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $17.24
- Median
- $28.23
- Senior-Level
- $36.77
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 53.79%
- Certificate
- 11.93%
- Some college
- 17.22%
- Associate Degree
- 10.6%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 6.45%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $44,251
- Median
- $62,161
- Senior-Level
- $95,420
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $21.27
- Median
- $29.88
- Senior-Level
- $45.87
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 26.91%
- Certificate
- 21.94%
- Associate Degree
- 16.66%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 34.49%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $35,746
- Median
- $52,533
- Senior-Level
- $83,275
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $17.18
- Median
- $25.25
- Senior-Level
- $40.03
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 26.91%
- Certificate
- 21.94%
- Associate Degree
- 16.66%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 34.49%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $37,933
- Median
- $57,146
- Senior-Level
- $104,890
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $18.23
- Median
- $27.47
- Senior-Level
- $50.42
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 70.56%
- Certificate
- 4.83%
- Some college
- 18.35%
- Associate Degree
- 0.71%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 5.54%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $41,386
- Median
- $52,213
- Senior-Level
- $94,791
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $19.89
- Median
- $25.10
- Senior-Level
- $45.57
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 56.51%
- Certificate
- 6.74%
- Some college
- 30.01%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 6.74%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you
- complete the admission process
- choose an academic program
- enroll in first-semester classes
- get access to helpful resources
Recommended Pathway
This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.
*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Hospitality and Culinary Management at CLC
Get the bigger picture
This certificate is just one possible way to study hospitality and culinary management. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
View the Hospitality and Culinary Management Program Overview
Frequently asked questions
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A Hospitality Manager Certificate takes three semesters. You’ll be prepared for advanced-level employment as a member of a management team in the hospitality industry.
Surrounded by CLC’s passionate teachers, you hone your knowledge of:
- professionalism and teamwork
- menu design and layout
- knife skills
- supervising staff
- controlling hospitality costs
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- Smaller lab class sizes: you get to know and work with your fellow students.
- Relate to the chef: much easier in smaller classes.
- Time to think and process: as you advance in culinary classes, we ask you to reflect on learning and keep developing your skill set.
- Creativity: learn to design the marketing and operations for a restaurant or bakery, including creating the menu, operational charts, and more.
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We’re expanding! You can look forward to a new student-run restaurant, a culinary kitchen, and a multi-purpose kitchen with will hold baking and pastry classes.
Full spectrum of training: You’ll be reading texts and doing homework, listening and participating in lectures, working on projects in teams and individually, guest speakers, field trips, discussion boards and in-person discussions, hands-on labs, quizzes/exams/testing, etc.
A better chef-to-student ratio: Your lab classes are smaller with 10-16 students, and lecture classes are capped at 24-32 students. This means your instructors get to know you better.
Hands-on lab classes: You’ll follow recipes, with chef assistance as needed. In your advanced level and capstone classes, you’ll follow recipes, with the freedom to create plates and menus.
Project-focused courses: In many lecture classes, you’ll work individually and on team projects. A great example is HCM212 Menu Marketing and Management—you’ll design a restaurant/bar/bakery incorporating what you learned in class, supported by research from other reliable sources.
Community involvement and networking: Our program participates in many CLC and community events throughout the year. During Vernon Hills Days and Taste of Grayslake, you and your classmates will create, make, present, and serve the menu with the chef’s supervision.
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Our student profile is varied. Some of your classmates start directly from high school; others have been out of school for a while. Some are starting college work for the first time; others have already earned a bachelor’s degree. You all share a passion for culinary hospitality and a well-run team.
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You’ll most likely start working in entry-level supervisory positions, beginning in the front of the house (FOH):
- front desk manager
- server/hostess/lead
- catering supervisor/catering manager
- banquet captain
Or, you might start in the back of the house (BOH):
- cook
- lead cook
- kitchen supervisor
All these roles can put you on track for earning a higher-level manager position. Many CLC alumni become supervisors and managers within a short time after graduation.
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No. Hospitality is very much an in-person industry. Also, you have to be on-site to smell what’s cooking!
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The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
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