Top 11 Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for assistant food and beverage managers. A certification provides employers with a way to assess a candidate’s knowledge and experience in the food and beverage industry, as well as their commitment to quality standards. Certifications also demonstrate that the assistant food and beverage manager has taken the time to obtain specialized training in areas such as safety, sanitation, nutrition, customer service, menu planning, and financial management. Employers place a high value on certifications because they indicate that the assistant food and beverage manager is dedicated to the industry and is committed to providing excellent service.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Assistant Food and Beverage Managers, and explains how they can help to advance an assistant food and beverage manager's career.

What are Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certifications?

Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the food and beverage industry. This certification is offered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, hospitality, customer service, menu planning, nutrition, marketing, and cost control. The certification can help individuals gain an edge in the competitive job market by demonstrating their commitment to professional development. Additionally, it can demonstrate to employers that candidates possess a comprehensive understanding of the foodservice industry. As such, having this certification may increase an individual’s chances of getting hired for a position or promoted within their current organization. Furthermore, it provides individuals with knowledge and skills that will enable them to provide better service to customers and increase profits for their employers. Ultimately, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certification can help individuals excel in their career as well as benefit their employers.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for assistant food and beverage manager certification in your state or region before you begin the process. Different states and regions may have different requirements, so it's important to make sure that you understand what is expected of you before you start.

Related: What does an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager do?

Top 11 Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Food and Beverage Managers today.

1. Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM)

Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of foodservice professionals in the hospitality industry. The CFBM program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CFBM program consists of an online course and a comprehensive exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, purchasing, inventory management, customer service, marketing and sales strategies. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals are awarded a CFBM certificate.

It typically takes about 8-10 weeks to complete the CFBM program. To get started with the program you will need to register on the NRAEF website and pay a fee of $350 USD. Once registered you will have access to all of the materials needed to complete the course including videos, quizzes and practice exams.

Once you have completed all of the course requirements you will be eligible to take the comprehensive exam which is administered online through Prometric Testing Centers. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Upon passing this exam you will receive your Certified Food and Beverage Manager certificate from NRAEF.

2. Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)

Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) is a professional certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and expertise in foodservice operations, management, and leadership.

The CFBE program consists of three levels: Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP), Certified Foodservice Manager (CFM), and Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE). To obtain the CFBE designation, an individual must first earn the CFP or CFM designations.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three levels of the program. The cost for the entire program varies depending on your location, but it usually ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

To get started with the program, you must first apply online or through mail. After submitting your application, you will be required to take a series of tests that cover topics such as food safety, customer service, menu planning, marketing and finance. Once you pass these tests, you will receive your certification.

You can also opt for self-study courses to prepare for the exams if you prefer not to attend classes. These courses are available online or through books and other materials at various bookstores and libraries.

3. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to help foodservice professionals demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to food safety. The CPFM certification is recognized by many state and local health departments as a requirement for obtaining a foodservice manager's license.

The CPFM program consists of two parts: an online exam and an in-person proctored exam. The online exam covers topics such as foodborne illness, HACCP principles, sanitation, and personal hygiene. The in-person proctored exam includes a written test and a practical demonstration of food safety practices.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the CPFM program, depending on the individual's schedule and availability of proctored exams. To get certified, individuals must first register for the program online through the NRAEF website. Once registered, they will receive instructions on how to access the online course materials and take the online exam. After passing the online exam, individuals must find a proctoring site in their area where they can take the in-person proctored exam.

The cost for taking the CPFM program varies depending on whether or not you are an NRAEF member. For non-members, it costs $175 for both parts of the program (online and in-person). For NRAEF members, it costs $125 for both parts of the program (online and in-person).

4. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed for hospitality professionals who want to advance their careers in the hospitality industry. The CHS program is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage people, resources, and operations in hospitality organizations. The program covers topics such as customer service, human resources management, financial management, marketing, and technology.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CHS certification process. To get certified, you must first pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of the topics covered in the program. After passing the exam, you must complete a series of online courses and submit a portfolio of your work experience in order to be certified.

The cost of the CHS certification varies depending on which version you choose – either self-study or instructor-led. The self-study version costs $599 USD while the instructor-led version costs $799 USD.

5. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification is a food safety certification program designed to help restaurants and other foodservice establishments meet the highest standards for food safety. The program provides training and assessment for food handlers, managers, and owners on how to handle, prepare, serve, and store food safely. It also covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and cleaning and sanitizing.

The ServSafe Certification is valid for five years from the date of completion. To obtain the certification, individuals must take an approved ServSafe course and pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher. The course can be taken online or in person at a local college or university. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50 to $100. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their ServSafe Certificate and wallet card in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

6. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certified Food & Beverage Executive (AHLEI-CFBE)

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certified Food & Beverage Executive (AHLEI-CFBE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of experienced food and beverage professionals. It is the only certification of its kind that focuses on the management of food and beverage operations in the hospitality industry. The program includes comprehensive training in areas such as menu design, cost control, purchasing, human resources, safety and sanitation, customer service, marketing and sales.

The AHLEI-CFBE certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience in a supervisory or management role within the food and beverage industry. Applicants must also pass an exam covering topics such as menu planning, cost control, purchasing, human resources management, safety/sanitation regulations, customer service techniques, marketing/sales strategies and more.

To get certified as an AHLEI-CFBE, you must first complete an application form with your relevant work experience details. Once approved by AHLEI's Certification Board of Directors you will be required to pay a fee for the exam registration which currently costs $195 USD. You will then be sent a study guide which outlines all the topics covered on the exam. After studying this material you can then register for an online proctored exam through Pearson VUE which takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of this exam you will receive your official AHLEI-CFBE certificate from AHLEI.

7. American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (ACF-CC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (ACF-CC) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of culinary professionals. It is designed to provide industry-wide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The ACF-CC certification is offered by the American Culinary Federation, the largest professional organization for chefs and cooks in North America.

To become an ACF-CC, individuals must complete an approved course of study and pass a comprehensive exam. The course of study typically takes between two and four years to complete and includes classes in food safety, nutrition, menu planning, kitchen operations, sanitation, and more. After completing the coursework, applicants must take the ACF-CC exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering all aspects of culinary arts.

The cost to become an ACF-CC varies depending on where you are taking classes or studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1000 for tuition fees plus any additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with obtaining continuing education credits needed to maintain your certification over time.

Once certified as an ACF-CC, individuals will receive a certificate indicating their achievement along with access to exclusive career resources such as job postings and networking opportunities through the American Culinary Federation website. This certification can open up many doors in terms of job opportunities and can also help increase earning potential within the culinary industry.

8. Professional Catering Manager Certification (PCMC)

Professional Catering Manager Certification (PCMC) is a certification program designed to equip catering professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage successful catering operations. The certification is offered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The PCMC program consists of three courses: Introduction to Catering Management, Advanced Catering Management, and Special Events Catering. Each course takes approximately 15 hours to complete and can be taken online or in a classroom setting. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will receive their PCMC certification.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program and pay the applicable fees. The cost for the entire program is $595 USD. Once registered, participants must complete all three courses within one year in order to receive their certification.

Once certified, individuals are eligible for exclusive job postings and access to industry resources such as networking opportunities and professional development programs. They also gain recognition as a Professional Catering Manager from peers, employers, customers, and other stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

9. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certificate in Foodservice Management

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certificate in Foodservice Management is a certification program designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safe, quality food production. This certification is available for both individuals and organizations.

Individuals who wish to obtain this certification must have at least two years of experience in the foodservice industry and must pass an exam administered by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP). The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, hazard analysis techniques, and HACCP principles. It typically takes three to four hours to complete the exam.

Organizations can also obtain this certification by completing an online application process. Organizations must demonstrate that they have implemented or are in the process of implementing a comprehensive food safety management system that meets all applicable regulatory requirements.

The cost for obtaining this certification varies depending on whether you are an individual or an organization. For individuals, the fee is $225 USD for NRFSP members and $275 USD for non-members. For organizations, the fee is $500 USD plus any additional fees associated with submitting documentation of their food safety management system implementation.

Overall, obtaining this certification can take anywhere from six weeks to six months depending on how quickly you submit your application materials and take the exam.

10. International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Certificate in Hospitality Management

The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certificate in Hospitality Management is a professional certification program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry. The certificate program is offered through ICHRIE's partner institutions, which are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

The ICHRIE Certificate in Hospitality Management consists of six courses that cover topics such as hospitality management principles and practices, food service operations, lodging operations, marketing and sales strategies, human resources management, and financial management. The courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the hospitality industry.

The program typically takes two years to complete if taken full-time. Part-time study options are also available for those who cannot commit to full-time study. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive an ICHRIE Certificate in Hospitality Management.

To get the ICHRIE Certificate in Hospitality Management you must first apply and be accepted into one of ICHRIE's partner institutions. Once accepted into the program you will need to complete all six courses within two years or less depending on your chosen study option.

The cost of the ICHRIE Certificate in Hospitality Management varies depending on your chosen institution but typically ranges from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for tuition fees plus additional fees for books and supplies.

11. International Sommelier Guild Wine Service Certification

The International Sommelier Guild Wine Service Certification is a professional certification program designed to help sommeliers and wine professionals develop their knowledge, skills and abilities in the service of wine. The certification is offered by the International Sommelier Guild (ISG), an organization dedicated to advancing the standards of excellence in the hospitality industry.

The certification consists of three levels: Level 1 – Introductory, Level 2 – Intermediate, and Level 3 – Advanced. Each level requires successful completion of an exam and a practical demonstration of wine service skills.

Level 1 takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and costs $250 USD. It covers topics such as basic wine knowledge, service techniques, food & beverage pairing, and etiquette. Successful completion of this level will earn you the title “Certified Wine Service Professional” from the ISG.

Level 2 takes approximately 20-25 hours to complete and costs $500 USD. It covers more advanced topics such as grape varieties, winemaking processes, food & beverage pairing principles, blind tasting techniques, and cellar management. Successful completion of this level will earn you the title “Certified Sommelier” from the ISG.

Level 3 takes approximately 40-50 hours to complete and costs $1000 USD. It covers topics such as advanced winemaking processes, terroir analysis, sensory evaluation methods, business management principles for wine service professionals, and teaching methodology for sommeliers. Successful completion of this level will earn you the title “Master Sommelier” from the ISG.

To get certified by the ISG Wine Service Certification Program you must first register with them online at their website (www.internationalsommelierguild.com). Once registered you can select which level you wish to pursue and follow their instructions on how to proceed with your studies for that particular level of certification.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. Generally speaking, an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certificate can be a valuable asset for those who are looking to advance their careers in the hospitality industry. With this certificate, you will have a better understanding of the management side of running a food and beverage operation, which can help you take on more responsibility and increase your chances for promotion.

The certificate also provides recognition from employers that you have obtained specialized knowledge and skills related to managing food and beverage operations. Having this certification may give you an edge when applying for managerial positions or promotions in hotels, restaurants, caterers, etc. Additionally, if you plan to open your own business in the hospitality field, having the certificate could help prove to potential investors that you have the necessary experience and qualifications to run a successful operation.

Overall, if you want to pursue management-level roles within the hospitality industry or open up your own business in this field, obtaining an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certificate could be beneficial. However, it is important to consider your personal goals before making any decisions about investing time and money into obtaining a certificate.

Related: Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements for Assistant Food and Beverage Manager certification?

Answer: The requirements for Assistant Food and Beverage Manager certification vary by state, but typically involve completing a specific education program, having several years of relevant work experience, and passing an examination.

2. How long does it take to become certified as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager depends on the individual's prior experience, education level, and the state in which they are seeking certification. Generally speaking, it can take up to two years or more to complete all of the necessary steps.

3. Is there a cost associated with becoming certified as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager?

Answer: Yes, there is usually a fee associated with obtaining certification as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. This fee can range from $50-$200 depending on the program chosen.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager?

Answer: Yes, most states require that individuals who have obtained certification as an Assistant Food and Beverage Managers complete continuing education courses in order to keep their certifications active. These courses may cover topics such as food safety regulations or customer service best practices.

5. What type of job opportunities are available for someone with the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager certification?

Answer: Individuals who have obtained certification as an Assistant Food and Beverage Managers may find employment in restaurants, hotels, catering companies or other foodservice establishments where they will be responsible for managing staff members, overseeing customers’ needs, ensuring compliance with health codes, ordering supplies, creating menus, tracking inventory levels and more.