Top 11 Assistant Restaurant Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an assistant restaurant manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and experience. Certifications provide assurance that the candidate has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform effectively in their role. By obtaining certifications, assistant restaurant managers can prove to potential employers that they have what it takes to succeed in their position. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or may give candidates a competitive edge when competing for jobs. Finally, certification courses provide assistant restaurant managers with the opportunity to learn new techniques and strategies that can help improve their performance on the job.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Assistant Restaurant Managers and explain how they can help advance one's career in the restaurant industry.

What are Assistant Restaurant Manager Certifications?

Assistant restaurant manager certification is a program designed to train and certify individuals who are interested in becoming assistant restaurant managers. This certification typically requires that the individual have some experience in the restaurant industry, as well as an understanding of customer service and managerial principles. The certification also typically includes classes on topics such as food safety, inventory management, and employee training.

This certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the restaurant industry. Having this certification may make you more attractive to potential employers, as it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your knowledge of the necessary skills needed for success. Additionally, having this certification may provide you with access to specialized training opportunities or resources that can help you hone your skills and become a better manager. Finally, having this certification may help you gain recognition from other professionals in the field and can give you an edge when seeking promotions or new job opportunities.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a Certified Assistant Restaurant Manager (CARM) certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance in the restaurant industry. A CARM certification can help demonstrate a commitment to professional development, show mastery of restaurant management concepts, and provide a competitive edge when seeking promotions or new positions.

Related: What does an Assistant Restaurant Manager do?

Top 11 Assistant Restaurant Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Restaurant Managers today.

1. Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)

Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The CRM program is designed to provide restaurant managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage their restaurants.

The CRM program consists of three courses: Foodservice Management Professional (FMP), ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe), and Alcohol Training & Education Program (ATEP). The FMP course focuses on food safety, sanitation, menu planning, cost control, and customer service. The ServSafe course covers food safety regulations and techniques for preventing foodborne illnesses. The ATEP course covers responsible alcohol service practices.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three courses and become certified as a CRM. Each course requires passing an exam at the end in order to receive certification.

The cost of the program varies depending on which courses are taken. The FMP course costs $395, the ServSafe course costs $125, and the ATEP course costs $75. All three courses combined cost $595 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

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 (NRAEF). It is designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the industry. The program consists of three levels: Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM), Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE), and Certified Master Foodservice Professional (CMFP).

The CFBE program focuses on developing advanced business management skills, such as financial management, human resources, marketing, operations, and customer service. The program includes both online coursework and hands-on experiences. To earn the CFBE credential, candidates must complete all three levels of the program within five years.

To get the CFBE certification, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time work experience in a foodservice operation; completion of an approved food safety training course; completion of an approved alcohol awareness training course; completion of an approved financial management course; passing a written exam; and submitting a portfolio for review by a panel of industry experts.

The cost for the CFBE program varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it costs around $3,000 to complete all three levels of the program.

3. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program that provides food service professionals with the knowledge and skills to properly handle and store food in order to prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses. This certification is offered through the National Restaurant Association and is recognized by many state health departments.

The CPFM program requires participants to complete an approved course, either online or in person, which covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, proper storage techniques, temperature control, pest control, and more. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and includes a final exam. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive their CPFM certification.

In order to receive the CPFM certification, individuals must register for an approved course through the NRA website or through an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals must submit an application for their CPFM certificate which costs $35 USD. Once all requirements are met, individuals will receive their official CPFM certificate within 4-6 weeks.

4. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a program designed to help food service managers learn the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent foodborne illness. It is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The certification is valid for five years and requires successful completion of an exam.

The ServSafe Manager Certification Program takes approximately 8 hours to complete and includes a comprehensive course book, online study materials, and a proctored exam. The course covers topics such as food safety regulations, proper sanitation practices, personal hygiene, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, pest control, and more.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program through the NRAEF website. After registration is complete, individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online study materials and take the proctored exam. Once the exam has been successfully completed and passed, individuals will receive their ServSafe Manager Certification card in the mail.

The cost of obtaining ServSafe Manager Certification varies depending on where you live and which type of certification you are seeking (e.g., Food Handler or Food Safety Manager). Generally speaking, it costs around $100-$150 USD for a single certification or $200-$250 USD for both certifications.

5. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Management Certificate Program

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide restaurant and foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the industry. The program consists of eight courses that cover topics such as operations, finance, marketing, human resources, customer service, and more. Each course is offered online or through an accredited educational institution.

The program takes approximately one year to complete if all eight courses are taken consecutively. However, participants can take as long as they need to finish the program.

To get the certificate, participants must successfully complete all eight courses and pass a final exam for each course with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of all eight courses, participants will receive their NRAEF Management Certificate from the NRAEF.

The cost of the program varies depending on which educational institution you choose to take your classes through. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 for all eight courses.

6. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a certification program designed to help hospitality supervisors develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their role. The CHS certification is intended for hospitality professionals with at least two years of supervisory experience, and provides them with the tools they need to lead their teams effectively.

The CHS certification program consists of three courses: Supervision in the Hospitality Industry, Managing People in the Hospitality Industry, and Leading Teams in the Hospitality Industry. Each course takes approximately eight hours to complete, for a total of 24 hours of instruction time. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will be awarded the CHS designation.

In order to receive the CHS designation, individuals must successfully complete all three courses within one year of starting the program. Individuals may take as much or as little time as they need to complete each course; however, if more than one year passes between when an individual starts and completes the program, they will have to start over from the beginning.

The cost for each course varies depending on how it is taken; online courses typically cost $99 USD per course while instructor-led classes typically cost $199 USD per course. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD that must be paid upon registration for the program.

Overall, obtaining AHLEI’s Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) designation requires approximately 24 hours of instruction time and costs between $297 - $597 USD depending on how each course is taken.

7. American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of culinarians. The CC credential is designed to demonstrate a commitment to the culinary profession, and to provide evidence of an individual’s expertise in food preparation, food safety, nutrition, and management.

To become certified as a CC, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of full-time work experience in a commercial kitchen or related field, completion of an ACFEF accredited program or apprenticeship program, and successful completion of ACFEF's ServSafe Food Handler Certification Program.

In order to take the exam, individuals must submit an application packet with proof of eligibility requirements. Once approved for testing, candidates may register for the exam through Pearson VUE Testing Centers. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety & sanitation; nutrition; purchasing & inventory control; production & service techniques; equipment & facilities management; human resources management; financial management; menu planning & development; and culinary history & culture.

The cost for taking the CC Exam is $295 USD. It typically takes 3-4 weeks to receive results after taking the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will be awarded their CC credential from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).

8. International Foodservice Executives Association Professional Foodservice Management Certification

The International Foodservice Executives Association (IFEA) Professional Foodservice Management Certification is a comprehensive program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the management of foodservice operations. This certification is available to all foodservice professionals, regardless of their experience or educational background.

The certification process consists of four components: an online self-assessment, a written exam, an oral presentation, and a final interview. The self-assessment tests the candidate’s knowledge of foodservice management principles and practices. The written exam covers topics such as menu planning, budgeting, personnel management, customer service, and sanitation. The oral presentation requires the candidate to present a project in which they have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in foodservice management. Finally, the final interview involves a panel of experienced industry professionals who assess the candidate’s ability to manage foodservice operations.

The IFEA Professional Foodservice Management Certification typically takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. Candidates must complete all four components within this time frame in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the IFEA Professional Foodservice Management Certification varies depending on the individual’s membership status with IFEA. For non-members, the cost is $595 USD; for members it is $495 USD; and for student members it is $395 USD.

9. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Training Program

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to help servers, sellers, and consumers of alcohol understand the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol. The program is intended to help those in the restaurant industry prevent intoxication, drunk driving, and underage drinking.

The program consists of an online course that can be completed in approximately 2-3 hours. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion which is valid for five years. The cost for the program is $15 per person.

To get started with the program, you must first register on the National Restaurant Association website at www.servsafe.com/alcohol. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the final exam when ready. After successfully completing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your certificate of completion via email within 24 hours.

10. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Level 2 Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Level 2 Certification is a food safety certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety and quality of food products. This certification is designed for those who are responsible for managing, supervising, or implementing food safety programs. It is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of food safety management.

To become certified at this level, you must complete an approved training program and pass a written exam. The training program typically consists of four courses that cover topics such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Food Defense. Depending on the provider, it can take up to 8 hours to complete the coursework and up to 4 hours to take the exam.

In order to get certified, you must first register with the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRAFP). Once registered, you can then select a provider from their list of approved providers who offer Level 2 certification courses. After completing the coursework, you will need to take an online proctored exam provided by NRAFP in order to receive your certification.

The cost for Level 2 certification varies depending on which provider you choose; however, most providers charge between $200-$300 USD for the coursework and exam fees combined.

11. National Restaurant Association Professional Server Training Program

The National Restaurant Association Professional Server Training Program (NRASTP) is a comprehensive training program designed to help restaurant servers develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide excellent customer service. The program consists of three components: classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on practice.

Classroom instruction includes topics such as food safety, sanitation, customer service, menu knowledge, wine service, upselling techniques, and more. This portion of the program typically takes 8-12 hours to complete.

Online learning is an interactive course that covers the same topics as the classroom instruction but allows participants to learn at their own pace. This portion of the program typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.

Hands-on practice is an opportunity for participants to apply what they have learned in both the classroom and online portions of the program in a real restaurant setting. This portion of the program typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.

To get certified in the NRASTP, individuals must attend all three components of the program and pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost for certification varies depending on location but ranges from $75-$200 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Restaurant Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an Assistant Restaurant Manager Certificate to become an Assistant Restaurant Manager. However, having a certificate can help in the hiring process and make you stand out from other applicants who do not have one. In addition, having a certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this position.

A restaurant manager certificate program typically covers topics such as customer service, food safety, cost management, marketing and sales, staff management, and financial management. These courses will equip you with the skills needed to manage a restaurant efficiently and effectively. You'll gain an understanding of how to create a positive work environment for employees and customers alike. Furthermore, these programs often include hands-on experience with restaurant operations that may be beneficial when applying for assistant manager positions.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to possess an Assistant Restaurant Manager Certificate in order to become an assistant restaurant manager, having one can give you a competitive edge over other applicants and equip you with the knowledge and skills required for success in this position.

Related: Assistant Restaurant Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Restaurant Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an Assistant Restaurant Manager?

Answer: To become an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED and some related experience in the restaurant industry. You may also be required to have a certain amount of formal training or certification in restaurant management.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an Assistant Restaurant Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as an Assistant Restaurant Manager varies depending on the specific program or certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 1-2 years.

3. What are the benefits of becoming an Assistant Restaurant Manager?

Answer: As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry that can help you advance your career. You will also gain important skills in areas such as customer service, team leadership, conflict resolution, and problem solving that can be applied in any profession.

4. Are there any online courses available for certification as an Assistant Restaurant Manager?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses available for certification as an Assistant Restaurant Manager. These courses usually provide detailed instruction on topics such as menu planning, inventory control, financial management, marketing strategies, and more.

5. Is certification as an Assistant Restaurant Manager worth it?

Answer: Yes! Certification as an Assistant Restaurant Manager is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the field and set yourself apart from other candidates when looking for employment opportunities or career advancement options.