ESSENTIALS PROGRAM

The Essentials Program is the entry level of the MGH Academy.
It is designed to teach you how to observe, evaluate and understand hospitality experiences using a structured and professional approach.

✦ No previous experience required

✦ Fully Online

✦ Self paced

WHAT THE ESSENTIALS PROGRAM IS

The Essentials Program is the foundation of the Mystery Guest Academy.

It introduces the core principles of hospitality evaluation and trains you to develop the mindset, tools and structure used by professional Mystery Guests.

This program is open to everyone and represents the starting point of the Academy.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By completing the Essentials Program, you will learn how to:

✦ Observe hospitality experiences with attention and objectivity
✦ Identify service strengths and weaknesses
✦ Understand the guest journey and service flow
✦ Apply basic hospitality quality standards
✦ Structure clear and professional evaluations
✦ Develop the Mystery Guest mindset

These skills can be applied to hotels, resorts, restaurants and hospitality experiences worldwide.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

✦ Enroll online

✦ Access the video-based lessons

✦ Study at your own pace

✦ Complete the final assessment

✦ Receive your Essentials Certificate

You can access the program anytime, from anywhere.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

✦ Full access to the Essentials video modules
✦ Structured learning path
✦ Practical examples and explanations
✦ Final assessment
✦ Essentials Certificate upon completion
✦ Access to the MGH Academy environment

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR

The Essentials Program is ideal for:

✦ Beginners curious about hospitality
✦ Travel enthusiasts who notice details
✦ People interested in service quality
✦ Anyone who wants to learn how professionals evaluate experiences

No prior background is required.

CERTIFICATE & NEXT STEPS

Upon completion of the final assessment, you will receive the Essentials Certificate.

This certificate confirms your participation and understanding of the core principles taught in the program.

Completion of the Essentials Program is required to be considered for the Advanced Program.

FROM CERTIFICATION TO REAL EXPERIENCE

Your First Step Into the MGH Ecosystem

Upon completion of the Essentials Program and successful certification, participants may request access to the MGH Talent Pool.

The Talent Pool is an internal network of certified Mystery Guests that MGH may consider for evaluation missions, based on availability, location and internal needs.

With the Essentials Program:

✦ You may be invited to participate in Mystery Guest missions within your country of residence
✦ Missions are not salaried positions
✦ Individual missions, when assigned, are covered and paid by MGH
✦ Missions are occasional and not guaranteed

The Essentials level allows participation in entry-level evaluation missions, focused on standard hospitality experiences.

Five-star hotels, luxury resorts and fine-dining or Michelin-starred restaurants are reserved exclusively for Advanced-certified Mystery Guests.

Progression to higher-level missions requires completion of the Advanced Program and additional selection criteria.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

Participation in the Talent Pool and assignment to missions depend on multiple factors, including location, performance, availability and project requirements.

Completion of the Essentials Program and certification do not guarantee missions, income or ongoing assignments.

CAREER & OPPORTUNITY BENEFITS

✦ Automatic access to the MGH Talent Pool

✦ Eligibility for selected local Mystery Guest missions

✦ Ability to independently approach hotels and restaurants

✦ Use the Essentials certification as a private professional credential in CVs and hospitality-related job applications

✦ Offer Mystery Guest evaluation services independently, on your own terms

✦ Build real-world experience and professional credibility in the hospitality industry

✦ Create a solid foundation before progressing to the Advanced program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (ESSENTIALS)

Is the Essentials Program suitable for beginners?
Yes. Essentials was specifically designed as the starting point of the Academy. No previous experience in hospitality or travel is required.

What makes this program different from other online courses?
Essentials is not based on theory alone. It teaches a structured way of observing and evaluating hospitality experiences, using real-world criteria and a professional mindset.

Will I learn skills I can actually use?
Yes. The program focuses on practical skills such as observation, evaluation and reporting, which can be applied to hotels, restaurants and hospitality experiences worldwide.

Can I follow the program even if I travel or work full time?
Absolutely. The Essentials Program is fully online and self-paced, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it suits you.

What kind of content will I access?
You will access structured video lessons, clear explanations, real examples and a final assessment designed to consolidate what you have learned.

Do I need special tools or equipment?
No. You only need an internet connection and a device to access the platform. Everything else is provided within the Academy.

What happens after I complete the Essentials Program?
After completing the final assessment, you receive the Essentials Certificate and become eligible to apply for the Advanced Program.

Does the Essentials certificate have real value?
The certificate confirms that you have completed the training and developed a foundational understanding of hospitality evaluation standards used within the Academy.

Is this program only for people who want to work in hospitality?
No. Essentials is also ideal for travelers, curious minds and anyone who wants to experience hospitality more consciously and professionally.

Will this program help me see travel and hospitality differently?
Yes. Many participants find that Essentials changes the way they observe places, services and experiences, making every stay more meaningful.

Is there any risk in starting with Essentials?
Essentials is designed as a low-risk entry point to the Academy, allowing you to explore the Mystery Guest mindset before deciding whether to progress further.

Why should I start with Essentials instead of waiting?
Because Essentials is the foundation of the entire Academy. Starting now allows you to build skills gradually and understand whether this path truly fits you.

ACCESS THE TALENT POOL AND START BUILDING REAL SKILLS

✦ Instant access

✦ One-time payment

✦ No subscription

APPLY FOR ESSENTIALS