Our Highest Level of Career Recognition
As the global body for hospitality professionals, the Institute of Hospitality’s Professional Recognition Awards (PRAs), are the highest level of professional recognition offered.
Designed to celebrate and reward professionals who have achieved significant growth as individuals and who have successfully impacted their organisation, achieving a PRA demonstrates an individual’s passion for achieving excellence.
As the awarding body, the Institute’s PRAs have been meticulously tailored to provide a level of professional recognition for hospitality professionals to help them elevate their careers and inspire personal growth, setting them apart from other global hospitality professionals.
Achieving a PRA demonstrates an individual meets the highest professional standards at their level and is a powerful endorsement of their skills, impact and commitment to professional excellence.
The PRA pilot programme was supported with funding from the Savoy Educational Trust.
Successful achievement of an award will provide a range of benefits including:
1. Award in Hospitality Management and Leadership
Focuses on the core, essential skills and knowledge for entry-level managers, suggesting a strong foundation for future growth
2. Certificate in Hospitality Management and Leadership
Highlighting the next step in skill development, this name conveys a deeper level of expertise in both leadership and management, aimed at mid-level managers or those expanding their role
3. Diploma in Hospitality Management and Leadership
This title signals mastery at the executive level, focusing on strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership for senior managers or those aiming for high-level leadership roles
The Institute of Hospitality PRAs are delivered in partnership with Thrive Hospitality Training.
1. Select the Professional Recognition Award Level
Choose the level you want to apply for e.g. Award, Certificate, Diploma
2. Complete the Application
Complete the application form below and attach a reflective statement of your career to date and your CV
3. Initial Application Assessment
Your application, reflective statement and CV are assessed by the Institute’s panel of Fellows
4. Application Assessment Successful
You will receive a written email confirmation that your application has been accepted and a case study to examine. You can then proceed to Step 6 (payment)
5. Pay for Your PRA Assessment
Once your application has been assessed you will be sent a link to our shop to pay your fee (£400 GBP inc VAT). Please ensure you wait until your application form has been assessed and you have received written confirmation, before paying for your online assessment.
6. Book Your Online PRA Assessment/Discussion
Once you have paid for your PRA in our shop you will be redirected to THRIVE Hospitality, our partner’s website, to book a date and time for your online PRA Assessment.
7. Attend Your Online PRA Assessment/Discussion
The assessment discussion will be undertaken by a highly qualified Fellow of the Institute and will consist of a professional discussion based on the case study previously provided and your own experiences. The outcome of the assessment is usually provided on the same day.
8. Professional Award
Once you have received successful confirmation you will be provided with an Institute of Hospitality PRA Certificate recognising your professional award and a digital badge to use on your personal stationery and social media.
At least two industry peers and Fellows of the Institute will undertake this assessment by reviewing your reflective writing and CV, followed by a professional discussion, exploring your opinions, reflections, and solutions to a comprehensive and appropriate industry case study.
The conversation normally runs for 45 minutes and after a deliberation interval, you will be called back into the meeting to discuss and be provided with the decision. The decision is final. A further application can be made, full details of which will be provided.
The IoH Management Standards provide a valuable reference tool and checklist to enable individuals and organisations to achieve success and professionalism in their hospitality management career.
More information on the management standards can be found here.
This should be a minimum of 500 words and no more the 1,000 words and can be submitted as a PDF or Word Doc. A career reflective statement is a personal and professional reflection in which you assesses your growth, experiences, accomplishments, and learning within their career. It often involves examining past roles, key milestones, and skills acquired, along with evaluating challenges and successes.
Once your application has been confirmed and you have received the case study, you will need to pay for your professional discussion before accessing the calendar to book your professional discussion. Once you have paid on the Institute’s website you will be sent a link to our partner, Thrive Hospitality Training. Evening sessions will also be available to try and accommodate working patterns and international time zones.
The PRA costs GBP £400 Inclusive of VAT, which includes the professional discussion and certificate. You will receive one free re-sit if required.
If you are an employer and looking for a cohort of learners to receive a PRA, please contact us to discuss options.
Have more questions? Please email us
"Being part of the pilot process for the Institute’s Professional Recognition Awards (PRA) was an incredible experience. The interview and discussion provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on my 22-year journey in hospitality, celebrate my achievements, and envision new possibilities for growth. Recognition like this not only elevates hoteliers’ profiles but also showcases the exceptional talent within hospitality on a global stage. Such awards serve as powerful reminders that working hard and having a passion can lead to extraordinary opportunities, inspiring others to view hospitality as a preferred career choice."
Umesh Dalal MIH
General Manager
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge
“The Institute’s pilot of their Professional Recognition Awards (PRA) was a humbling experience; it was a chance for me to discuss my career in hospitality and I was left feeling very proud of my personal achievements, my progression in hospitality and the success I have had. Recognition is such an important part of your journey not only to receive it but to leave feeling proud of yourself, which is exactly how I felt.”
Deanne Hope-Fowler
Deputy General Manager
Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
“The IoH Professional Recognition Awards (PRA) are a powerful way for managers to gain external recognition for their commitment to personal development. Development is not always a course or programme with a certificate.
The Institute’s PRA’s give the opportunity for a manager to demonstrate their lived experiences, talents, and the opportunity through their role to impact business and personal success. This is a fitting opportunity for Hospitality professionals to gain recognition in such a varied and dynamic sector.”
Edward Gallier FIH
Head of Learning & Development Leonardo Hotels (UK and Ireland)
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