High School

A well-rounded high school education is a good starting point for the career of concierge. Speech and writing classes will help you learn how to effectively communicate with hotel guests and coworkers. Fluency in another language, especially French, Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish, can also be extremely helpful in this field.

Postsecondary Training

A college degree is not required to be a concierge. In fact, many successful and established concierges have a variety of educational and employment backgrounds—from managers to artists to teachers. However, in today's competitive job market it pays to have an edge. A well-rounded education, such as a liberal arts degree or a degree from a concierge program, can only help. Some colleges, such as Cornell University and Michigan State University, offer degrees in hotel administration.

Certification

The International School of Hospitality (ISH) offers an Art of Concierge certificate program. Topics include 5-star guest relations skills for quality concierge service; creating comprehensive itineraries for guests; making recommendations for food, leisure, and entertainment; interacting with diverse guests (including those from foreign countries); and safety and security. Visit https://tisoh.edu/programs/hotel-management-programs/aoc for more information. The ISH is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. 

Other Education or Training

At the National Concierge Association's annual educational conference, concierges can participate in workshops and seminars to improve their skills and stay up to date on industry developments. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers a variety of online continuing education courses. 

Certification or Licensing

Though not a requirement, certification is viewed by many as a measurement of professional achievement. The National Concierge Association (NCA) grants the NCA certified concierge credential to NCA members "based on consistency of concierge services excellence, continuing education within the hospitality industry, community involvement, and activity in the organization." The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), Les Clefs d'Or USA, and the International School of Hospitality offer the certified hotel concierge credential to those who successfully complete the Art of Concierge certificate program with the International School of Hospitality, meet experience and employment requirements, and pass an examination. Contact these organizations for more information. 

High school juniors and seniors who are interested in working in the hospitality industry can take advantage of the AHLEI's Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. The two-year program combines classroom and online learning with work experience in the hospitality industry. Graduating seniors who pass examinations, complete 360 hours of classroom learning, and accrue 100 hours of paid or unpaid work experience at hotels, restaurants, or other tourism industry employers receive the certified hospitality and tourism management professional designation.Visit https://www.ahlei.org/academic/high-school/hospitality-and-tourism-management-program for more information.

Concierges should have experience working with the public in a service industry. Effective concierges have a thorough knowledge of the area near their hotel, including its restaurants, theaters, and other tourist attractions. They must also know how to make reservations for automobiles, airplanes, and other transportation; and they must possess the skills to arrange dinners and cocktail parties for their guests. Concierges must enjoy variety, because no day is exactly like the next; they must pay attention to detail and strive for perfection in carrying out the requests of hotel guests.

Decorum is a key word in this industry. A good concierge is always well-groomed and dressed neatly. No matter how difficult the situation, concierges should always be polite and pleasant. They never gossip about the guests. If a guest has a strange request, the concierge should always be very discreet so as not to embarrass the guest or the hotel. A great concierge has the right attitude and a genuine interest in making a difference in a guest's stay.