Frequently Asked 

Questions

Easily find the answers to the common questions that you may have.

What is the JCTI?

The Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) began in late 2017 in response to the need to develop a year-round inclusive, sustainable tourism economy that benefits local people.

This sustainable tourism economy will be achieved through the development of new investments, new markets, new products, new partnerships and a human capital development plan.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Tourism developed a human capital development strategy to be implemented by the JCTI, a Division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

What are the responsibilities of the JCTI?

Facilitate the certification and licensure of Jamaicans working in tourismFacilitate the certification of final year and recent college graduates in hospitality, tourism and culinary arts.Facilitate certification of tutors to deliver these programmes.

Using a modern, blended learning approach, the JCTI will lead a learner-centred, innovation drive and industry-led development programme to enhance Jamaica’s competitiveness as an international destination.

What programmes do you offer?

ACF – American Culinary Federation Culinary Certification Programmes

– Certified Culinarian

– Certified Pastry Culinarian

– Certified Sous Chef

– Certified Working Pastry Chef

– Certified Executive Chef

– Certified Executive Pastry Chef

AHLEI – American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Hospitality & Tourism Certification

– Certified Guest Service Professional

– Certified Hospitality Supervisor – CHS

– Certified Hospitality Industry Analytics – CHIA

– Certified Hospitality Instructor – CHI

– Certified Food & Beverage Executive

– Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive

– Certified Restaurant Manager

– Certified Restaurant Supervisor

– ServSafe Food Handler

– ServSafe Manager

JCTI/HEART NSTA Trust/JWN Academy Bartender CertificationCertificate in BartendingCertificate in Mixology

What is the cost of the programme?

For students, certification is free of cost.

Employers get a discount for each worker who is registered for a certification programme. These discounts range from 30 – 70% of the cost of the courses.

What are the benefits of the certification?

Certification is a critical part of the Human Capital Development strategy. Certification is important because:

it is an important career benchmark and specifies what the candidate brings to the organization.it aligns everyone to the professional standard accepted by the industry

it is essential to career advancement, because it differentiates the holder from others and enhances career opportunities.

How long are the programmes?

The length of the certification is dependent on the programme. See table below to be used as a guide only: Programme Length All ACF programmes 12 weeks   All AHLEI programmes Flexible   CHS – Industry workers 28 hours Baretneder Certification 5 days

What will I get after completing the programme?

Successful candidates receive:
-An internationally recognised Certificate from the certifying body
-A Certificate from NCTVET, Jamaica’s local certification body.

Will I get a job after I participate in the certification programme?

Successful candidates receive:
-An internationally recognised Certificate from the certifying body
-A Certificate from NCTVET, Jamaica’s local certification body.

How can the JCTI Database of Certified Workers help you in achieving your career or business goals?

The Directory is a hub for employers as well as persons with specific certifications in tourism. Employers will come to find staff and post jobs. Employees will post their resumes and can respond to job offers.

Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out

How can the JCTI Directory help you in achieving your career or business goals. Reach out to us anytime.