Choosing between HOA, CHOP, or CHOM can be overwhelming for aspiring hospitality professionals. Without aligning credentials to your experience level, you risk wasting time on advanced courses you aren't eligible for. Or you can also miss out on foundational skills that are essential for career entry and promotions later while working. Read this blog to know which certification you should go for!
The global hospitality market expanded to approximately $4.9 trillion as of 2024, showing that despite a few stagnant trends, the market is still developing. Therefore, the demand for certified professionals can also be considered a growing trend. But, if you are planning to start a career in hospitality operations management, you will have to come across this one question: Which certification should I go for, CHOP/CHOM or HOA?
For graduates entering hospitality, the simplest answer would be Hospitality Operations Administrator (HOA) by GIPMC. Because it is designed for entry-level and early-career professionals, while CHOP/CHOM are more suitable for mid-level to senior operational managers who already have supervisory experience.
For professionals switching industries, employers assessing training pathways, or supervisors benchmarking credentials, this blog will show which certification will match your experience level.
The (CHOP)™/(CHOM)™ certification program is a specialized and internationally recognized qualification required for managing operational functions within the hospitality industry. It covers topics including:
This certification also addresses major industry challenges like seasonal demand fluctuations, sustainability initiatives, health and safety compliance, and integration of hospitality technologies (PMS, CRM, and digital check-in).
GIPMC's HOA certification is a professional credential that is built to develop, validate, and recognize skills relevant to operational and administrative tasks that support hospitality service environments.
It prepares professionals to work effectively within hotels, resorts, restaurants, and hospitality service organizations. HOA emphasizes practical operational readiness and enables professionals to support daily operations, maintain service standards, coordinate departments, and contribute to consistent guest satisfaction.
|
Criteria |
CHOP (OMI) |
CHOM (IHI) |
HOA (GIPMC) |
|
Target Level |
Mid-level Professional |
Supervisory/Manager |
Entry to Early-Career |
|
Experience Required |
Operations background in hospitality |
6 months to 1 year in supervisory/management |
None (open access) |
|
Format/Mode |
Online, self-paced program, 50 MCQs, 1.5 hours |
Online, credential-based |
Online proctored 90 scenario-based MCQs, 120 minutes |
|
Curriculum Focus |
Operational efficiency, leadership, tech, sustainability |
Hotel operations management, F&B, rooms division |
Front/back office, SOP compliance, guest experience |
|
Issuing Body |
Operations Management Institute (OMI) |
International Hospitality Institute (IHI) |
GIPMC (ISO 9001:2015 Certified, BQF Member) |
|
Global Recognition |
Growing, newer credential |
International Hospitality Industry |
Global; ISO accredited, BQF member |
|
Best For |
Ops managers, multi-dept leaders |
Hotel managers, assistant GMs |
Graduates, new entrants, career changers |
Table 1: Certification Comparison Matrix
As you can see, HOA certification is the only one in this comparison that is made to be fully accessible to those entering the industry without prior professional experience.
Built for professionals already working in the field, managing diverse operational functions in restaurants, hotels, resorts, or event venues. Ideal candidates for this certification include:
Not suitable for beginners or career changers starting afresh.
There is no experience barrier to avail this certification, and it is suitable for people already working in or aspiring to work in hospitality roles, including the following:
This is the best option for people who are looking for a structured operational foundation, particularly for hospitality service roles.
Hospitality certifications are not one-size-fits-all courses. They are designed in a way that aligns with the stage of your career you are in. The courses are not something that you just want to learn. To get the best outcomes, consider the following three-stage framework:
Start with the HOA certification from GIPMC. If you are a graduate starting with a clean slate, get this certification. It will help you with the operational knowledge you will need to avail the CHOP/CHOM-eligible roles, without waiting for years without a credential.
Now, if you have already completed your HOA exam and got certified, it's time to elevate your career with the (CHOP)™/(CHOM)™. First, gather experience at a professional level to get the CHOP certification. Then, whether you are already in hotel operations or preparing to step into leadership, getting the CHOM certification can validate your competence and improve your understanding of hospitality management.
Lastly, you can go for the CHA®: Certified Hotel Administrator by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), which validates high-level expertise in:
This is for hotel general managers and senior-level executives who want to further elevate their skills.
However, if you do not begin your career with the right certification and credentials like GIPMC's HOA, you might not even be able to reach stages 2 and 3 mentioned in this strategic ladder.
Here's a deeper list of situations that will help you understand what to choose based on your career stage.
|
Choose |
If You Are |
|
HOA |
A hospitality graduate, A career changer entering the industry, A frontline hospitality worker wanting a formal credential, Someone in an administrative support role in a hotel or resort, A professional in an emerging market where foundational credentials are valued by employers |
|
CHOP |
A mid-level hospitality operations professional managing cross-functional teams, Already working in hotel or resort operations with 2+ years of experience, Focused on efficiency, cost control, and technology integration |
|
CHOM |
Currently employed as an assistant GM, director of operations, or a department manager, specifically working within hotel operations (instead of just broader hospitality services) |
Table 2: Decision Matrix
The right certification is the one that matches your current level of expertise, not where you wish you were! Whatever you decide for your career, starting with HOA is the best option for both beginners and those who are aiming for other certifications. Whether you are in London, Dubai, India, or the US, GIPMC's HOA will open the door to a globally recognized hospitality career. Enroll in our HOA Certification today!
Most global certifications, including GIPMC's HOA, are administered in English. You should know professional-level English (written and spoken) to navigate scenario-based questions and technical hospitality terminology effectively.
While HOA covers the operational theory of PMS and CRM, it focuses on universal standards rather than specific software. This helps ensure that your skills are transferable across different hotel brands.
Most hospitality credentials require periodic renewal or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points every few years. For example, GIPMC's HOA needs renewal 3 years after it is awarded.
While salaries vary by region, being a Certified Hospitality Operations Administrator often allows you to negotiate higher starting pay by showing your operational readiness to your employers.
These specific certifications are theoretical and assessment-based. However, we recommend combining them with practical internships to bridge the gap between administrative knowledge and hands-on service.
