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 and the first step into professional hospitality evaluation.

It introduces the core principles of hospitality evaluation and guides you to develop the mindset, tools and structured approach used by professional Mystery Guests to observe and assess real experiences.

Open to everyone, this program represents the ideal starting point for those who want to move from simply experiencing hospitality to truly understanding how it is evaluated.

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 your understanding of the core principles taught in the program, marking your formal entry into the MGH methodology.

Completion of the Essentials Program is required to be considered for the Advanced Program and represents the natural first step toward higher-level professional training.

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 Academy’s internal environment where certified Mystery Guests begin to gain real-world exposure.

The Talent Pool is designed to connect trained participants with selected evaluation opportunities, allowing them to apply the methodology learned in the program within real hospitality contexts.

With the Essentials Program:

✦ You may be considered for Mystery Guest evaluation opportunities within your country of residence
✦ Missions are experience-based assignments, not salaried positions
✦ When assigned, individual missions are fully covered and paid by MGH
✦ Opportunities are occasional and aligned with operational needs

The Essentials level allows participation in entry-level evaluation activities focused on standard hospitality experiences and service quality observation.

Access to five-star hotels, luxury resorts and fine-dining or Michelin-starred restaurants is reserved exclusively for Advanced-certified Mystery Guests.

Progression to higher-level evaluation opportunities follows completion of the Advanced Program and additional selection criteria.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

Participation in the Talent Pool and assignment to evaluation opportunities depend on factors such as location, availability, performance and project alignment.

Completion of the Essentials Program and certification do not guarantee assignments, income or continuous engagement, but provide structured access to the Academy’s evaluation ecosystem.

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.
You don’t need any previous experience in hospitality or travel, only curiosity and the willingness to observe experiences more consciously.

This program is built to guide you step by step, even if you are starting from zero.

What makes this program different from other online courses?

Essentials is not a theory-based course.
It teaches a structured, repeatable and professional way of observing and evaluating hospitality experiences, using real-world criteria and the same mindset applied in actual Mystery Guest evaluations.

This is not about opinions, it’s about learning a method.

Will I learn skills I can actually use?

Yes. Everything you learn in Essentials is practical and immediately applicable.
You will develop skills such as observation, evaluation and reporting that can be used in hotels, restaurants and hospitality experiences worldwide.

Many participants start applying these skills from their very next stay.

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 fits your schedule.

There are no fixed hours, no deadlines and no pressure.

What kind of content will I access?

You will access structured video lessons, clear explanations, real-world examples and a final assessment designed to help you consolidate what you have learned.

The content is focused, practical and built to help you truly understand how hospitality evaluation works.

Do I need special tools or equipment?

No.
All you need is an internet connection and a device to access the platform.
Everything else, including methodology and structure, is provided within the Academy.

What happens after I complete the Essentials Program?

After completing the final assessment, you receive the Essentials Certificate and officially complete the foundational level of the Academy.

Certified participants may request access to the MGH Talent Pool, the Academy’s internal environment designed to connect trained Mystery Guests with selected evaluation opportunities.

You will also be eligible to apply for the Advanced Program and continue your progression toward higher-level professional training within the MGH methodology.

Does the Essentials certificate have real value?

Yes.
The Essentials Certificate confirms that you have completed structured training and developed a foundational understanding of hospitality evaluation standards used within the Academy.

It represents your formal introduction to the MGH methodology and can be used as a private professional credential to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to hospitality evaluation principles.

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, critically and professionally.

Many participants join not to change careers, but to change perspective.

Will this program help me see travel and hospitality differently?

Yes.
Most participants discover that Essentials permanently changes the way they observe places, services and experiences.

After completing the program, every stay becomes more meaningful, intentional and insightful.

Is there any risk in starting with Essentials?

Essentials is designed as a low-risk entry point into the Academy.
It allows you to explore the Mystery Guest mindset and methodology before deciding whether to progress further.

You are not committing to a career, you are exploring a skillset.

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, test your interest and understand whether this path truly fits you.

If you’re curious today, Essentials is the right place to begin.

ACCESS THE TALENT POOL AND START BUILDING REAL SKILLS

✦ Instant access

✦ One-time payment

✦ No subscription

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