Housekeeper

UPDATED FOR 2025

Housekeepers play a key role in the hospitality industry by maintaining cleanliness and order in guest rooms, hallways, and public spaces. They, as housekeepers, restock supplies, respond to and address guest requests, follow strict sanitation protocols, and help create a safe, welcoming atmosphere in hotels, resorts, and other properties. Excellent attention to detail and reliability are essential for success in thi...

Category Hospitality / Tourism / Restaurants
State New Jersey (NJ)
Housekeeper

No state license is required to work as a housekeeper in New Jersey. However, obtaining certifications such as Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) or Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Manager (CHHM) from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute can increase your employability and demonstrate your professional competency. Certification fees range from $200 to $450, depending on the program and membership status.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED (Recommended)

While not always required, most employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. This provides basic communication and organizational skills.
2

Get On-the-Job Experience

Apply for entry-level housekeeping or cleaning jobs in hotels, resorts, or hospitals. Gain hands-on experience with daily routines, cleaning standards, the safe use of cleaning chemicals, and customer service on the job. Many hotels offer paid training during your first weeks of employment.
3

Complete a Housekeeping Training Program

Many hotels offer in-house training, but you can also take online courses (such as Udemy Hotel Housekeeping Training, ~$25) or attend community college programs. Training covers cleaning techniques, sanitation, time management, guest interaction, and safety protocols.
4

Obtain a Professional Certification (Optional, but Beneficial)

Boost your career by obtaining a certificate like the Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) or Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Manager (CHHM).
  • 1. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE)
  • Certification cost: $200–$450 depending on program and membership.
  • Eligibility: Relevant housekeeping experience is required.
  • Qualifying Positions: Executive level or management level in housekeeping operations at a lodging hospitality company
  • Position Examples: Executive Housekeeper, Director/Assistant Director of Housekeeping, Manager/Assistant Housekeeping Manager
  • Time in Position: One year Department Head experience
  • Cost: USD 530.
  • Exam: 150 questions. 3 hours, 70% passing score.
  • Format: Study online materials and pass an online exam.
  • 2. Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Manager (CHHM)
  • Qualifying Position: A person who supervises three or more property-staff individuals; has job duties that are at least 40 percent managerial in nature and which include such tasks as leading hotel operations, budgeting and forecasting, recruiting hotel staff, scheduling, and making decisions and judgment calls while performing daily duties.
  • Time in Position: 6 months with the following experience: Supervisor, Manager, Department Head or Executive Certification eliminates time requirement
  • A degree from an accredited academic institution eliminates time requirement
  • Successful completion of Hospitality Manager learning suite eliminates the time-in-position requirement
  • Passing Score. Must have taken the Certified Hospitality Manager Exam and achieved a score of 70% or higher.
  • Cost. USD 446.
Certification demonstrates your skills to employers and may qualify you for higher positions or management roles.
5

Apply and Advance Your Career

Use your experience and any certifications to apply for housekeeping positions in hotels, resorts, or cruise lines in New Jersey. With more experience and credentials, you can move up to supervisor, executive housekeeper, or even management positions.