Guest House Management Certificate

This course is designed to provide you with the basic skills for starting a career in the B&B and Guest House industry, be it running your own Bed and Breakfast or guest House or looking to be employed in the industry.  The course covers the basic skills you will require and is full of helpful tips and suggestions along with a selection of proven recipes and cooking skills to impress your guests.
Student Profile
This programme is designed for people who wish to start or manage a Guest House or Bed and Breakfast.
Study Method
The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home.  Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support. You will receive tutor support for a year from the date you receive the course.
Qualification
Successful students will receive a UK Open Learning Certificate.
Assessment
Assessment takes the form of a series of tutor marked assignments which you submit to your tutor for marking, there is no word count for these assignments however you must prove to the tutor that you have fully understood the question asked.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this course just an interest in the subject.
Timescale
The programme takes place over a timescale to suit the student.  Once registered, tutor support is available for up to one year or until completion whichever is the soonest. To complete this course it will take in the region of 80 study hours, which can be spread over a 12 month period.
Location
The programme is home or work-based enabling students to complete the course without having to attend scheduled college teaching sessions.
Tutor Support
Throughout the course, students will receive tutor support by email and by post for 12 months.
Course Outline

Module 1 How to prepare a business plan for your guest house

After studying this unit you should be able to:

• 
  Assess your skills and attitude towards service


• 
  Understand the value of the development of a business plan for your guest house


• 
  Write a business plan for your guest house


• 
  Calculate occupancy


• 
  Conduct a basic financial exercise to determine business viability


• 
  Predict and control your monthly cash needs


• 
  Set up an administrative system to assist your book keeper

Module 2 The legal aspects of your guest house

After reading this module, you should be able to:

• 
  Select an appropriate business structure for your guest house


• 
  Choose an accountant and a lawyer for your guest house


• 
  Understand the basic requirements for the name of your guest house


• 
  Identify the different licenses for which you will have to apply


• 
  Establish whether a guest house can be opened on the site you have selected


• 
  State the requirements for setting up signage at your guest house


• 
  Identify the various legal requirements of the Receiver of Revenue


• 
  Identify the legal requirements applicable to your employees


• 
  Identify and explain the various insurance policies available to entrepreneurs

Module 3 Planning the building and its furnishings

After reading this module, you will be able to:

• 
  Build and design your guest house within budgetary and practical limits


• 
  Create a welcoming and comfortable environment for your guests


• 
  Design a unique establishment according to your personal or cultural tastes


• 
  Establish a guest house that is east to maintain and to work in

Module 4 Developing a marketing plan

After reading this module, you will be able to:

• 
  Understand the importance of market research


• 
  Draw up a guest profile


• 
  Identify potential sources of guests and analyse your competitors


• 
  Clearly define the type of accommodation and services you wish to sell


• 
  Price your products


• 
  Position yourself in the accommodation market


• 
  Decide on strategies to promote your guest house


• 
  Understand the value of having a marketing plan for your guest house

Module 5 Dealing with guests
After studying this module, you should be able to:

• 
  Understand how the quality of service can make or break your guest house


• 
  Deal effectively with inquires from prospective guest


• 
  Make reservations efficiently


• 
  Check in your guests, show them to their rooms and introduce them to your facilities


• 
  Establish and maintain sound relationships with all your guests


• 
  Prepare faultless accounts and check out your guests smoothly

Module 6 Superior food services in your guest house
After studying this module, you should be able to:

• 
  Plan a breakfast menu


• 
  Purchase the correct equipment in order to provide an efficient food service


• 
  Purchase and maintain food stocks appropriate to your occupancy and location


• 
  Operate safely and hygienically in your kitchen


• 
  Prepare a wholesome, original breakfast for your guests


• 
  Service and present food and drink with professional skills

Module 7 Maintaining the guest rooms and public areas in your guest house
After studying this module, you should be able to:

• 
  Understand the roles of cleanliness in maintaining the reputation of your guests


• 
  Develop a systematic housekeeping plan for your guest rooms and bathrooms


• 
  Enter a guest room without causing embarrassment to your guest


• 
  Understand the roles of amenities (those ‘little extras’ you should provide to ensure your guests’ comfort) in guest house management and know how to deal with requests for additional amenities


• 
  Maintain basic security in your guest rooms


• 
  Critically inspect your own work, as well as that of your employees, to ensure high standards in your guest house