Top 10 Banquet Server Certifications

Certifications are important for a banquet server in the job market as they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties. Certification can provide tangible proof of competency and commitment to quality, which is highly valued in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, certification may also serve as an indication of dedication and reliability, which are also desirable traits in any employee. By obtaining certifications, a banquet server can stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Banquet Servers and explains how they can help to improve a banquet server's career prospects.

What are Banquet Server Certifications?

Banquet server certification is a program that provides training and certification to individuals who are interested in working as banquet servers. The certification program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful banquet servers. This includes topics such as customer service, food safety, event setup and breakdown, etiquette, and alcohol service.

The primary benefit of becoming certified as a banquet server is the assurance that you have been trained in all the required skills for the job and can provide an exceptional level of service to your customers. Certification also serves as a sign of credibility and demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence. By having this certification, employers know that they can trust you with their events and guests. Furthermore, having this certification may open up more opportunities for advancement within the industry or a particular company. Ultimately, becoming certified as a banquet server can help you stand out from other applicants when it comes time to apply for jobs in the industry.

Pro Tip: Obtain banquet server certification to stay up-to-date on the latest food safety and sanitation protocols. Certification courses typically cover topics such as food service regulations, customer service, and proper handling of food items. Having a certificate can also open up more opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Related: What does a Banquet Server do?

Top 10 Banquet Server Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Banquet Servers today.

1. Certified Banquet Server (CBS)

Certified Banquet Server (CBS) is a professional certification program designed to provide banquet servers with the skills and knowledge needed to provide excellent customer service. The program focuses on topics such as food and beverage service, event planning, customer relations, and safety protocols. It also covers topics such as menu selection, table settings, and proper etiquette.

The CBS program typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete. It is offered online or in-person through accredited schools or organizations. To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers all of the topics discussed in the course. The cost of the program varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $100-$400 USD.

In order to get certified, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a restaurant or catering setting as a server or bartender. They must also demonstrate knowledge of food safety regulations and be able to communicate effectively with customers. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate which they can use to show potential employers that they are qualified for banquet serving positions.

2. Certified Professional Banquet Server (CPBS)

Certified Professional Banquet Server (CPBS) is a certification program designed to equip banquet servers with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to provide superior service in a professional setting. This certification is offered by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE).

The CPBS program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as proper banquet setup, food safety, customer service, and alcohol service. The online course takes approximately five hours to complete and costs $250.

The in-person exam is administered by NACE-certified proctors and tests the candidate’s knowledge of the topics covered in the online course. The exam takes about two hours to complete and costs $150.

To become certified, candidates must pass both the online course and the in-person exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once certified, CPBS holders are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Banquet Event Manager (CBEM)

Certified Banquet Event Manager (CBEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage banquet events. The CBEM certification is administered by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE).

The CBEM certification program consists of three parts: an online assessment, a written exam, and a practical exam. The online assessment tests applicants’ knowledge of basic event planning principles, while the written exam covers topics such as menu selection, budgeting, staffing needs, and contract negotiation. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to plan and execute a successful banquet event.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three parts of the CBEM certification program. To get started, applicants must first register for the online assessment through NACE’s website. Once they have passed this assessment, they can then register for the written exam and practical exam.

The cost of taking the CBEM certification program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NACE. Non-members pay $400 for the online assessment plus $500 for each additional part of the program (written exam and practical exam). Members pay significantly less – only $200 for the initial assessment plus $250 for each additional part.

4. Certified Food and Beverage Professional (CFBP)

The Certified Food and Beverage Professional (CFBP) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in food and beverage management. The CFBP credential is recognized as the premier industry standard for food and beverage professionals.

To obtain the CFBP certification, you must have at least three years of experience in the foodservice industry, including two years in a supervisory role. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as menu planning, cost control, purchasing and inventory management, customer service, sanitation and safety standards, nutrition principles, human resources management, and marketing. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost to take the CFBP exam is $395 for NRAEF members or $495 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials and an online practice test. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $75 for NRAEF members or $125 for non-members.

Overall, it usually takes about six months to prepare for the CFBP exam depending on your current level of knowledge and experience in foodservice management.

5. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification is a program designed to help food service professionals learn the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure safe food handling practices in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. The certification program is based on the FDA Food Code, which sets the standards for safe food handling and preparation.

ServSafe Certification is available in two formats: online or in-person. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, while the in-person class typically takes 6-8 hours to complete. Both courses include a proctored exam at the end of the course.

To get certified through ServSafe, you must first register with the National Restaurant Association and purchase either an online or in-person course package. After registering with the NRA, you will be given access to either an online course or an instructor-led classroom course depending on which option you chose. Once you have completed your chosen course, you must pass a proctored exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost for ServSafe Certification varies depending on which type of course you choose and whether or not you are a member of the NRA. The cost for an online course ranges from $50 - $100 USD, while an in-person class can range from $125 - $200 USD.

6. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certification

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certification is a professional certification program that provides industry-recognized credentials for hospitality professionals. AHLEI certifications are designed to help hospitality professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of operations, sales and marketing, finance and accounting, human resources, and technology.

It typically takes between 2-4 months to complete an AHLEI certification program depending on the level of commitment from the individual. The process begins with registering for the exam online or by phone. Once registered, individuals must study for the exam using AHLEI's approved study materials. After studying for the exam, individuals must pass a proctored exam at an approved testing center in order to receive their certification.

The cost of an AHLEI certification varies depending on which type of certification is desired. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$300 USD depending on the level of certification sought after.

7. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of food safety principles. It is the only food safety certification recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

The NRFSP certification is based on a comprehensive exam that tests an individual’s knowledge in areas such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, HACCP principles, and foodborne illness prevention. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. To qualify for the NRFSP certification, applicants must have at least one year of work experience in a position related to food safety or have successfully completed an approved training course.

The cost of obtaining the NRFSP certification varies depending on which type of exam you take. The standard exam costs $150, while the proctored exam costs $200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking a proctored exam at certain locations.

To get started with obtaining your NRFSP certification, you must register online through their website or call their customer service line to complete your registration by phone. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your examination date and location. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from NRFSP within 4-6 weeks.

8. Serve Safe Alcohol Training

Serve Safe Alcohol Training is a comprehensive online course designed to teach alcohol servers how to safely and responsibly serve alcoholic beverages. The course covers topics such as legal responsibilities, signs of intoxication, identification requirements, and other important information related to the responsible service of alcohol.

The Serve Safe Alcohol Training course typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete. It can be taken online at any time and from any location with an internet connection. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $25-$50 USD.

9. National Bartender Certification

National Bartender Certification is a program offered by the National Bartenders Association (NBA) that provides bartenders with the opportunity to gain certification in their field. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course is designed to teach bartenders the basics of bartending, such as mixing drinks, customer service, and responsible alcohol service. It typically takes about 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, students must pass an exam in order to become certified.

The exam covers topics such as drink recipes, customer service, and alcohol laws. It is administered by a third-party testing company and can be taken at any NBA-approved testing center or online. Once students have passed the exam, they receive their National Bartender Certification card which is valid for two years.

The cost of National Bartender Certification varies depending on where you take the test and whether you choose to take it online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $100-$200 to become certified through this program.

10. International Sommelier Guild Certification

The International Sommelier Guild (ISG) Certification is a professional certification program for sommeliers. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of sommeliers in the hospitality industry. The ISG Certification Program is the only international certification program for sommeliers and is recognized by the world’s leading hospitality organizations.

The ISG Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Sommelier, Advanced Sommelier, and Master Sommelier. Each level has its own set of requirements that must be met in order to achieve certification.

To become a Certified Sommelier, one must complete an online course and pass an exam with a minimum score of 80%. The online course takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete depending on the student’s individual learning pace. The cost for the online course is $399 USD.

To become an Advanced Sommelier, one must complete an intensive two-day workshop as well as pass an exam with a minimum score of 90%. The workshop costs $1,200 USD and includes lectures, tastings, and hands-on training sessions.

To become a Master Sommelier, one must complete a four-day workshop as well as pass an exam with a minimum score of 95%. The workshop costs $2,400 USD and includes lectures, tastings, and hands-on training sessions.

In addition to completing courses and passing exams at each level, candidates for ISG certification are also required to have at least two years of experience working in the hospitality industry as well as demonstrate their knowledge through practical application during their workshops or exams.

Do You Really Need a Banquet Server Certificate?

Whether or not you need a banquet server certificate really depends on the type of job you are applying for. Generally, having a certificate will give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one.

For example, some restaurants or catering companies may require that their employees have a banquet server certificate in order to be hired. This is because it shows employers that you have received formal training and understand how to properly serve food and drinks at banquets and other special events. Having this certification can also demonstrate to potential employers that you take your job seriously and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

On the other hand, if you are applying for a more casual job such as working at a buffet-style restaurant or delivering food, then having a banquet server certificate may not be necessary. In these cases, employers may be more interested in seeing your experience with customer service and ability to multitask than any specific certifications.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual applicant to decide whether or not they need a banquet server certificate for their particular situation. If you feel like it would help make your application stand out from the rest, then it is certainly worth getting one.

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FAQs About Banquet Server Certifications

1. What is a banquet server certification?

A banquet server certification is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to provide professional food service for banquet events. The certification typically includes training in safety, sanitation, food handling and customer service.

2. Who needs to be certified as a banquet server?

In many cases, employers require their banquet servers to be certified in order to ensure they are knowledgeable about proper food service techniques. In addition, some states may have laws or regulations governing the certification of banquet servers.

3. How do I become certified as a banquet server?

The process for becoming certified as a banquet server typically involves taking a course or attending a workshop offered by an accredited organization or institution that specializes in hospitality and food service training. The course will cover topics such as safety and sanitation, customer service, food handling techniques and more. Once the course has been completed, you will receive your certification.

4. Is there an exam required for becoming certified as a banquet server?

Some organizations may require an exam after completing the certification course in order to ensure that participants have understood all of the material presented during the course. This exam may include questions on topics such as safety and sanitation, customer service and food handling techniques.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a banquet server?

The amount of time it takes to become certified as a banquet server depends on the type of program you choose and how quickly you complete it. Most courses require between 10-20 hours of instruction time and can be completed within 1-2 weeks depending on your schedule and availability.