Certified Spa Supervisor (CSS)

The Certified Spa Supervisor (CSS) program is a certification for spa supervisors and managers. The certification program was developed by the International SPA Association (ISPA) in partnership with the Educational Institute to provide education and resources for spa supervisors who may be new to their positions or those who are seeking additional education and recognition. The CSS designation may be used on letterhead, business cards, and other writings.

Topics covered:
• Supervision
• Leadership
• Time Management
• Effective Communication
• Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
• Orientation and Training
• Motivation and Team Building
• Staffing and Scheduling
• Improving Employee Performance

Qualifying Candidate
A qualifying supervisor is a person who supervises two or more individuals; has job duties that are at least 20 percent supervisory in nature and include such tasks as scheduling, training, interviewing, disciplining, inspecting, and conducting performance reviews; makes decisions and judgment calls while performing daily duties; and has input on hiring and firing decisions within a spa facility.

Prerequisites
The Certified Spa Supervisor (CSS) application is only available as part of the Supervisory Skill Builders for the Spa Industry program, which must be completed as a prerequisite for certification.

All plans require documented evidence of experience and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. Applicants may pursue the CSS designation through one of two options:

Plan 1 Eligibility | Experience
• Successful completion of the ISPA Supervisory Skill Builders Series, and
• Current full-time employment in a CSS qualifying position with at least three months of full-time experience in one or more such positions.

Plan 2 Eligibility | Early Entry
• Successful completion of the ISPA Supervisory Skill Builders Series, and
• Not currently employed in a CSS qualifying position. Candidate will have six months from the time of successfully passing the CSS exam to secure full-time employment as a qualified supervisor in the spa industry and to have held one or more such positions for a minimum of three months.
 

Application
Candidates must submit an application and meet the necessary prerequisites. All Professional Certification programs must be completed within one year from enrollment. Fee includes
• First exam
• Certificate and lapel pin upon successfulcompletion of the exam

Supervisory Skill Builders for the Spa Industry (Required Study Resource)
This series of nine workbooks provides spa supervisors with insight into the skills and competencies they need to manage their time, communicate effectively, motivate their employees, resolve workplace conflicts, and manage the performance of their direct reports.

Exam
We require that individuals arrange to take their examination under the supervision of an approved proctor, AHLEI's Master Licensee or it's agents.
• Exam consists of 116 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within a two-hour time period.
• Passing score: 70% or higher
• Two retakes are allowed if a candidate does not pass the exam. A retake fee applies, and retake exam must be completed within the six month of enrollment.
• Exam is available online and paper-based.

Recertification: None.