Is the CHAE certification recognized globally?

Yes, the CHAE is internationally recognized as the leading credential for hospitality accountants and financial executives. It is administered by HFTP, a global professional association. The principles it tests, particularly the Uniform System of Accounts, form the financial reporting standard for the global lodging industry, making the credential valuable for professionals working with international brands, management companies, and ownership groups worldwide.

CHAE: Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive Exam Practice Test

140 questions available

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The Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) designation, administered by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) association, is the premier certification for accounting and finance professionals within the global hospitality industry. Earning the CHAE signifies mastery of the specialized financial management, internal controls, and analytical skills required to lead accounting operations in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, and other hospitality enterprises. The certification validates expertise in hospitality-specific areas such as uniform system of accounts (USALI/USAR), revenue management, cost control, asset management, and regulatory compliance. CHAE holders are recognized as strategic business partners who can translate financial data into actionable insights to drive profitability and operational efficiency. This credential is a definitive mark of professional competence, signifying a commitment to the highest standards of financial integrity and strategic leadership in a dynamic and complex industry.

Certification exam

140 Exam questions

Practice bank

140 Practice Questions

2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time

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The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.

qf-import140 practice questionsBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

Financial Statements and Reporting

During the monthly close, the hospitality controller identifies this reporting issue: advance banquet deposit for an event scheduled next quarter. What is the best accounting conclusion?

Treasury, Cash Management, Procurement

The controller is reviewing treasury or procurement controls: AP aging shows many small stale credits from vendors. Which action is best?

Revenue Management Metrics (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy)

In a revenue meeting, the controller reviews this metric issue: hotel occupancy is 80 percent, competitive set occupancy is 75 percent. Which conclusion is most accurate?

Revenue Management Metrics (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy)

In a revenue meeting, the controller reviews this metric issue: market segmentation report mixes negotiated corporate, group, and retail transient. Which conclusion is most accurate?

Treasury, Cash Management, Procurement

The controller is reviewing treasury or procurement controls: property uses purchasing cards for emergency maintenance buys. Which action is best?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

The CHAE credential is a critical differentiator for career advancement in hospitality finance. It provides immediate industry-wide recognition of your specialized expertise, elevating your professional credibility with executives, owners, and peers. Holding the CHAE demonstrates a proven commitment to the field and a deep understanding of the unique financial landscape of hospitality, making certified professionals highly sought after for leadership roles such as Director of Finance, Corporate Controller, and VP of Finance. It is often a preferred or required qualification for senior financial positions within major hotel brands and management companies, directly linking certification to increased earning potential and access to the industry's most prestigious career opportunities.

Exam Blueprint

Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.

01Hospitality Accounting Principles (USALI, USAR)

17-18%

02Financial Statements and Reporting

15-16%

03Budgeting, Forecasting, Variance Analysis

14-15%

04Cost Control and F&B Accounting

12-13%

05Revenue Management Metrics (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy)

12-13%

06Internal Controls and Audit

10%

07Treasury, Cash Management, Procurement

10%

08Hospitality-Specific Tax, Compliance, Ethics

7-8%

Exam Details CHAE

Exam Code CHAE

Vendor qf-import

Exam questions 140

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the CHAE exam?

Candidates must meet specific criteria combining education and professional experience. Requirements include holding a bachelor's degree plus two years of hospitality accounting/finance management experience, OR an associate degree plus three years of experience, OR a high school diploma/GED plus five years of experience. All experience must be in a hospitality accounting or finance role. HFTP provides a detailed application process to verify eligibility.

What is the primary body of knowledge tested on the CHAE exam?

The exam is based on the current edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI) and the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Clubs (USFRC), where applicable. Core domains include Financial Accounting & Reporting, Internal Controls & Auditing, Management Accounting & Decision Support, Taxation & Regulation, Technology, and Strategic Leadership. A detailed exam blueprint is provided by HFTP, outlining the precise weighting of each topic area.

How should I prepare for the CHAE examination?

HFTP offers official study materials, including the CHAE Study Guide and a preparatory course. Successful candidates typically combine self-study of the USALI and recommended textbooks with a thorough review of the official guide. Leveraging professional experience, participating in study groups, and utilizing practice questions are also highly recommended strategies. A disciplined study plan over several months is standard.

What is the format and length of the CHAE exam?

The CHAE exam is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allotted 3.5 hours to complete the exam. The questions are designed to test application, analysis, and evaluation of hospitality accounting concepts rather than simple recall.

How does the CHAE differ from a generic CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential?

While a CPA is a broad-based license for public accounting practice governed by state law, the CHAE is a highly specialized, industry-specific certification. The CHAE focuses exclusively on the financial practices, terminology, systems (like USALI), and operational nuances unique to hospitality. A CPA may understand general GAAP, but a CHAE understands how to apply it within the context of rooms division, food and beverage, and other hospitality revenue centers.

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