Overview

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, a hallmark within the spa industry, signifies an understanding of basic supervisory skills and indicates a deep commitment and belief that continued education is fundamentally important in professional growth.

Course Prerequisite

The Certified Spa Supervisor 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.

Because individual backgrounds vary widely in the hospitality industry, applicants may pursue the CSS designation through one of two options: Plan 1 emphasizes an experience; Plan 2 emphasizes early entry. All plans require documented evidence of experience and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Plan 1 Eligibility -- Experience

• Successful completion of the ISPA Supervisory Skill Builders Series
• 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
• Currently not employed in a CSS qualifying position*. However I understand that if I am accepted in the CSS program I will have six months from the time I successfully pass 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.

*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.