Program Overview

Housekeeping NC II is a technical-vocational program is designed to prepare students for housekeeping jobs in hotels, motels, and resorts. The program equips students with skills in housekeeping services, guest rooms’ preparations, laundering and cleaning.

The Housekeeping NC II program teaches students bed making, inventory and replenishing room supplies, performing basic repairs in either room or guest’s personal belongings, sorting clothes according to the cleaning process, selecting laundry process according to degree of spoilage, color and type of fabric and more. Students will also be taught on how to provide valet/butler services to clients and guests.

The Housekeeping NC II program is supervised and accredited by TESDA (a government agency that regulates vocational courses), and TESDA-accredited education institutions may offer this program. Housekeeping NC II program may also be incorporated in undergraduate courses such as BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM).

Course Structure

As designed by TESDA, the Housekeeping NC II curriculum is divided into following modules:

• Basic Competencies (18 hours)
  • Participate in workplace communication
  • Work in team environment
  • Practice career professionalism
  • Practice occupational health and safety procedures
• Common Competencies (18 hours)
  • Develop and update industry knowledge
  • Observe workplace hygiene procedures
  • Perform computer operations
  • Perform workplace and safety practices
  • Provide effective customer service
• Core Competencies (400 hours)
  • Provide Housekeeping Services to Guest
  • Prepare Rooms for Guest
  • Clean Premises
  • Provide Valet Service
  • Laundry Linen and Guest Clothes

Lessons in the program are delivered to students through lectures and demonstrations. After the end of each module discussion, students are assessed through written and oral examinations, practical exams and direct observation with questioning.

Is Housekeeping a profession?

Housekeeping is not considered a profession, because housekeeping jobs can be learned in a matter of weeks, even without any formal education. However completing the Housekeeping NC II can help you get hired in your first job, because employees may require it, or give graduates priority over other candidates.

Entry Requirements for Housekeeping NC II

The basic requirements for trainees of Housekeeping NC II as set by TESDA includes the following:

• Can communicate in English, verbally and written
• Physically and mentally fit
• With good moral character
• Can perform basic mathematical computation

Schools and training centers offering the program may include additional requirements.

What skills, traits and attitude are needed for housekeeping?

• Comfortable in serving other people
• Endurance – the ability to withstand tiresome work for long hours.
• Basic oral and written English skills – English is required since hotel guests are often foreigners.
• Organization – must be able to prioritize tasks and work on those that have urgency first.
• Patience – you may encounter irritable and demanding clients therefore they must be patient enough to deal with different types of people.
• Courteous and polite – it is essential to be courteous and polite when talking to guests and clients, attitude is as important as quality service in the housekeeping field.

How difficult is Housekeeping NC II?

Housekeeping NC II is an easy program. As long as you are able to withstand manual work that may last for hours, you will not find it difficult. The modules in the program are basic; understanding and following instructions are important so you won’t encounter any problems while studying this short course. There are no major requirements except for a few practicums where you will demonstrate specific procedures done during housekeeping. The on the job training (OJT), is also easy as the OJT duration is short.

How long does it take to complete the Housekeeping NC II program in the Philippines?

The recommended duration of Housekeeping NC II program according to TESDA regulations is 436 hours: 18 hours of Basic Competencies, 18 hours of Common Competencies and 400 hours of Core competencies. However the duration may be longer due to the OJT or the school's curriculum.

On the Job Training (OJT)

TESDA-accredited institutions may integrate an On the Job Training (OJT) in the Housekeeping NC II program. During the OJT you will be assigned in in the housekeeping department of a hotel, motel, resort, or similar establishment and perform housekeeping tasks. The required number of hours for OJT varies from one institution to another.

Assessment and Certification

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the regulating body for all vocational courses in the Philippines and is in-charge of the assessment and certification of the competencies of technical-vocational workers through the Philippine TVET Qualification and Certification System (PTQCS). The assessment process aims to determine whether the graduate will be able to perform according to workplace standards based on a defined competency standard. Certification is given to those who meet the competency standards.

The Assessment and Certification process is not required among graduates of vocational courses. Graduate trainees have the option whether to undergo the process or not. However, a TESDA certification will give a graduate an advantage since local and foreign companies who hire skilled workers may require this credential.

Graduates of Housekeeping NC II are advised to take the Assessment and Certification Exam, National Certificate – Level II (NCII).

The National Certificate is only valid for five years, which means that it has to be renewed. The requirements and steps in applying for assessment and certification as well as the methods used for assessment are found in the TESDA website.

Career Opportunities for Housekeeping NC II graduates

• Room Attendant – make sure that hotel rooms are clean, tidy and inviting for guests.
• Public Area Attendant – keeps all lobbies and public facilities (such as lobby restrooms, telephone area, the front desk, and offices) in a neat and clean condition.
• Janitor – responsible for cleaning buildings, removing debris, and keeping areas neat and tidy. Vacuums and buffs floors, shampoos carpets, empties trash receptacles, and replace lining of trash cans.
• Valet Runner – park vehicles or issue tickets for customers in a parking lot or garage.
• Dry Cleaner – responsible for cleaning, pressing, ironing, mending and sewing a variety of different items, but most often clothing.
• Housekeeping Supervisor – supervise work activities of cleaning personnel to ensure clean, orderly, and attractive rooms in hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and similar establishments.

Salary Levels

(source: jobstreet, 2017)

Room Attendant / Houseman	P 10K–13K
Housekeeping Supervisor	P 12K–25K

Career Opportunities Abroad

Hotel cleaning jobs are in demand wherever there are hotels. In developed / rich countries, it is often difficult to find employees for housekeeping and cleaning jobs, therefore foreign employees are needed.

Salaries for housekeeping jobs in developed countries are often much higher that the salaries in the Philippines.