Can you work in hospitality without a diploma?
A job in hospitality is an attractive option for many young people to gain work experience and earn some extra money. But what about diplomas in the hospitality sector? Is it legally required to have a diploma in order to work in hospitality? And if not, which positions can you do without formal education, and where is a diploma or certificate required? In this article, we answer those questions. We also discuss what employers value when you apply without a diploma, whether you can build a career in hospitality without formal education, and what opportunities exist for learning on the job (such as apprenticeships and short courses).
Is a diploma legally required in hospitality?
In short: no, a formal diploma (such as a hospitality degree) is generally not legally required to work in hospitality. There is no general law stating you need a specific level of education for a hospitality job. Many people work without formal vocational training, for example, as waitstaff or behind the bar. So, you don’t need a hospitality diploma to start as a waiter, dishwasher, or barista.
However, there are some legal requirements, particularly regarding safety and hygiene. Hospitality businesses that serve alcohol must employ someone with the SVH Diploma in Social Hygiene. This certified person must be present during opening hours, according to Dutch alcohol laws. This requirement does not apply to lunchrooms or cafés that don’t serve alcohol.
Additionally, all hospitality businesses dealing with food or drink must comply with the Hygiene Code, meaning that staff must have knowledge of food safety (HACCP), often obtained through basic instruction or a short course. Also, every company with staff is legally required to have a certified first aid officer (BHV’er).
Hospitality roles that don’t require a diploma
The hospitality industry offers many entry-level roles that don’t require formal education. Many people start their hospitality careers in such positions. Examples include:
Waitstaff (waiter/waitress): You take orders and serve food and drinks. Hospitality and a friendly attitude are more important than a diploma. Most skills are learned on the job.
Bar staff/barista: Making cocktails or coffee can be learned through hands-on experience. Internal training is common. As long as a certified colleague is present, you can work without a diploma.
Dishwasher: A very accessible role, often available from the age of 16. You’re responsible for cleaning dishes and kitchen tools—no diploma required.
Kitchen assistant/junior cook: You help chefs with prep work. Many restaurants hire motivated people without diplomas and train them in basic cooking skills.
Runner/general assistant: You deliver dishes from the kitchen to the floor or clear tables. No formal education is needed, but you’ll need to work efficiently.
Hotel staff without a vocational diploma: Hotels offer roles such as housekeeping or breakfast staff that don’t require formal education. Hospitality and reliability are key.
In short, you can often start as a waiter, barista, dishwasher or weekend staff, even without education. Employers offer opportunities for untrained or inexperienced candidates, as long as you’re eager to learn and work hard.
When is a diploma or certificate required?
Most operational hospitality roles do not require a diploma, but some positions do require a certificate or qualification. For example, the SVH Diploma in Social Hygiene is mandatory for managers in businesses with an alcohol license. If you’re the only manager running the bar, you must have this diploma to serve alcohol and lock up at the end of the day. Many employers encourage staff to obtain this diploma, sometimes even paying for it. When applying for a managerial role, having (or being willing to obtain) this diploma is usually required.
Other required or recommended certificates include:
Hygiene & food safety: Working with food requires HACCP knowledge and familiarity with the Dutch Hygiene Code. This is often covered in a short food safety course—not an official diploma, but a legal obligation.
Managers/entrepreneurs: If you’re starting a business or are the responsible manager, Social Hygiene certification is required. Also, every hospitality business with staff must have a certified first aid officer (BHV) on duty daily. This doesn’t have to be the manager, but it is a legal requirement.
Workplace mentor: If you want to supervise trainees, you’ll need the SVH Mentor Diploma.
Additional training: Depending on the venue, extra certificates may be requested, such as Allergen Awareness or first aid. In some cases—especially in fine dining—a vocational diploma for chefs or hosts/hostesses may be expected.
In short, most hospitality roles don’t require a diploma, but for managerial or safety-related positions, certificates are required. Fortunately, many of these can be completed quickly and will strengthen your CV.
What do employers look for if you don’t have a diploma?
When you apply without a formal qualification, employers mostly focus on who you are and what you can do, rather than your education. More and more employers value skills and attitude over diplomas, especially in hospitality, where social skills and work ethic are crucial. The motto “hire for attitude, train for skills” is common in the industry.
Employers look for:
Motivation & work ethic: Are you enthusiastic and willing to work hard, even during busy hours? A passionate candidate often stands out more than someone with a diploma but no drive.
Service mindset: Hospitality is all about guest experience. Employers seek people who are friendly, customer-oriented, and able to handle pressure.
Skills & soft skills: Communication, stress resistance, and teamwork are essential. Experience from part-time jobs or team sports can demonstrate these abilities.
Practical experience: Even without a diploma, real-life experience matters. Helping at events or previous hospitality jobs, no matter how small, can show you’re familiar with the work.
Tip: Emphasize your motivation, reliability, and relevant experience when applying. A strong motivation letter can make a big difference for candidates without diplomas—many employers prefer a driven learner over an uninspired graduate.
Can you build a career in hospitality without a diploma?
Yes, absolutely. Many people build successful hospitality careers without any formal education. They start in entry-level roles like dishwasher and grow into positions like restaurant manager or head chef. There are countless real-life examples, like Omri Althuis, who started as a dishwasher and now manages a café.
In the Dutch hospitality collective agreement (CAO), work experience is treated the same as a diploma. After 1,976 hours in a role, you’re considered a skilled professional and receive the same pay as someone with formal training. Building a career without a diploma requires commitment, a willingness to learn, and sometimes taking courses. Many employers actively support development and offer internal training for motivated staff.
Diplomas aren’t everything. Experience, attitude, and eagerness to learn are often more valuable.
Learning on the job: apprenticeships and courses
If you don’t have a diploma but want to learn or grow your skills, learning while working in hospitality is a great option. Several programs and courses are available:
BBL (work-based vocational training): Work four days a week and attend school one day to earn an MBO diploma in 1 to 3 years. Ideal for young people without prior education.
Short courses: For example, the SVH Diploma in Social Hygiene, which can often be completed in one day. Other useful courses include barista training or wine knowledge, which help improve your skills.
Internal training & development programs: Larger hospitality companies offer in-house training programs, such as trainee programs or workshops, to help you advance.
KHN Academy & subsidies: The KHN Academy offers free or low-cost training for hospitality staff. There are also subsidies available for retraining in the sector.
So yes, you can start without a diploma and grow through on-the-job learning and training.
Conclusion
Working in hospitality without a diploma is absolutely possible, and even common. Most roles, like waiting tables or dishwashing, do not legally require formal education. Some certificates, like Social Hygiene, are mandatory if you serve alcohol or hold a management role, but these can be obtained through short courses.
Employers mostly value motivation, attitude, and flexibility. Enthusiasm, hospitality, and a desire to learn are often more important than having a diploma. Hospitality offers many career growth opportunities, and with enough experience, you’ll be considered a skilled professional, or you can earn a diploma later through a BBL program.
Many successful hospitality entrepreneurs started without formal training. With the right mindset, you can absolutely build a rewarding career in the industry.