Top 10 Busboy Certifications

Certifications are important for a busboy in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for. A certification shows that an individual has taken the time to develop their skills and has been formally recognized for doing so. This can help give employers assurance that the individual is qualified to do the job, and can provide them with additional confidence when making hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can be beneficial in helping a busboy stand out from other applicants, as they demonstrate a commitment to the profession and show dedication to developing their skillset.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for busboys and explain how they can help advance a busboy's career.

What are Busboy Certifications?

Busboy certification is a program designed to ensure that busboys are properly trained and qualified to handle the various duties associated with their job. The program provides training on proper food safety, sanitation, and customer service practices. It also provides instruction on how to properly set up and maintain dining areas, as well as how to interact professionally with customers. Busboy certification can help restaurants ensure that their staff is knowledgeable about the tasks they are responsible for and can provide a higher level of service. Additionally, it can help to reduce risks associated with improper food handling or customer service, which could lead to legal action or health code violations. By providing busboy certification, restaurants can be confident that their staff is adequately prepared for their job responsibilities.

Pro Tip: Before taking a busboy certification course, make sure to research the requirements and expectations of the job. Knowing what is expected of you in advance can help ensure that you are prepared for the course and will help you get certified as quickly as possible.

Related: What does a Busboy do?

Top 10 Busboy Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a program designed to educate food handlers on proper food safety and sanitation practices. It provides an understanding of basic food safety principles, such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature control, and cleaning and sanitizing. The certification is valid for five years from the date of completion.

The ServSafe Food Handler Certification course typically takes about two hours to complete online. It consists of a series of interactive lessons that cover topics such as safe food handling practices, proper storage temperatures, personal hygiene, and more. At the end of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get your ServSafe Food Handler Certification you must first register for the course online or through a local training provider. Once registered, you will be able to access the course material and take the exam when you are ready. After passing the exam with a score of at least 75%, you will be able to print out your certificate immediately or have it emailed to you within 24 hours.

The cost for ServSafe Food Handler Certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether or not you purchase additional materials such as textbooks or study guides. Generally speaking, courses cost between $10-$30 USD per person.

2. National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Allergens Certification

The National Restaurant Association's ServSafe Allergens Certification is a food safety certification program specifically designed to help restaurant and foodservice professionals understand the risks associated with food allergies. The program provides comprehensive training on how to identify, prevent, and manage potential allergen-related incidents in the workplace.

The certification program consists of an online course that takes approximately two hours to complete. During the course, participants will learn about common allergens, how they can be identified, and how to create a safe environment for customers who have allergies. Participants will also learn how to read and interpret labels, as well as how to properly store and prepare foods that contain allergens. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their ServSafe Allergens Certification.

The cost of the ServSafe Allergens Certification is $45 USD (plus applicable taxes). To get certified, individuals must first register for the online course through the National Restaurant Association's website or by calling 1-800-765-2122. Once registered, individuals will receive an email with instructions on accessing and completing the online course. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their certification via email within 24 hours.

3. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Food Safety Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Food Safety Certification is a certification program that provides assurance to food service operators, regulatory agencies, and consumers that food products have been produced, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest standards of safety. The NSF Food Safety Certification program involves an extensive process of auditing and verifying a facility’s operations, from ingredients to finished products.

To get NSF Food Safety Certification, a facility must first complete an application form and submit it for review. This includes providing detailed information about their operations and processes. Once the application has been reviewed and approved by the NSF team, an on-site audit will be conducted by a qualified auditor who will assess the facility’s compliance with all applicable regulations and industry standards. If the audit is successful, then the facility will receive its NSF Food Safety Certification.

The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks depending on the complexity of the operation being audited. The cost of getting NSF Food Safety Certification varies based on factors such as size of operation, number of employees, type of products produced/processed/prepared/handled in the facility, etc. Generally speaking, costs range from $1,000-$3,000 for smaller operations up to $15,000 or more for larger operations.

4. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognized system of risk management that helps food establishments identify and control food safety hazards. It is based on the principles of preventive controls, which are designed to reduce or eliminate potential hazards in the production process. HACCP certification provides assurance that a food business has taken appropriate steps to ensure the safety of its products.

The process for obtaining HACCP certification typically begins with a self-assessment of the company’s current processes and procedures. This assessment should include an analysis of all areas where potential hazards may exist, such as raw material sourcing, storage, preparation, cooking, packaging, labeling, distribution and delivery. Once this assessment is complete, the company can begin to develop a HACCP plan that outlines how it will address each identified hazard. The plan must then be validated by an independent third-party auditor in order to receive certification.

The time it takes to obtain HACCP certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the business and its existing processes and procedures. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months for a business to complete all necessary steps before receiving certification.

In order to get HACCP certified, businesses must first identify an accredited third-party auditor who can assess their current processes against established standards and certify their compliance with those standards. The cost for this service depends on factors such as the size of the business, its existing processes and procedures, and other variables related to its specific needs. Generally speaking, businesses should expect to pay between $2,000-$5,000 for HACCP certification services from an accredited third-party auditor.

5. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Food Safety Manager Certification

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Food Safety Manager Certification is a certification program that helps food service personnel demonstrate their knowledge of food safety and sanitation. The program requires the completion of an 8-hour course and a proctored exam. Upon successful completion, individuals will receive a certificate valid for five years.

The 8-hour course covers topics such as foodborne illness, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, pest control, and other related topics. The course is typically offered in either an online or classroom format.

To get the AHLEI Food Safety Manager Certification, individuals must first complete the 8-hour course and pass the proctored exam with a score of 75% or higher. After passing the exam, individuals will be issued a certificate valid for five years.

The cost of the AHLEI Food Safety Manager Certification varies depending on the provider offering the program; however, it typically ranges from $100 to $200 USD.

6. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Sanitation Certificate

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Sanitation Certificate is a certification program designed to help foodservice professionals demonstrate their knowledge of proper food safety and sanitation practices. This certificate can be obtained by passing the ACF Sanitation Certification Exam, which covers topics such as foodborne illnesses, cleaning and sanitizing methods, personal hygiene, and pest control. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To obtain the ACF Sanitation Certificate, individuals must first register for the exam through the ACF website or by calling their office. Once registered, they will receive a study guide that outlines the topics covered in the exam. Candidates must then successfully pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining an ACF Sanitation Certificate varies depending on the type of membership held with the organization. For non-members, the cost is $175; for members, it is $125; and for student members, it is $75.

7. International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Food Handler

The International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Food Handler is a certification program that provides food handlers with the knowledge and skills to safely handle food. It is designed to help ensure that food safety standards are met throughout the entire production process, from farm to table.

The certification program consists of an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as basic food safety principles, foodborne illnesses, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, temperature control, and pest control. The in-person exam is a multiple-choice test that covers all of the topics covered in the online course.

It typically takes about 8 hours to complete the online course and take the in-person exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your IFSC Certified Food Handler certificate.

The cost for the IFSC Certified Food Handler program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range from $50-$100 USD for both the online course and in-person exam.

8. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Professional Food Manager

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a professional food manager. The certification is intended for those who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a food service establishment, such as restaurant managers, catering directors, and other food safety professionals.

In order to become certified, applicants must first complete an approved food safety training course and pass an exam administered by the NRFSP. The training course typically takes between 8-12 hours to complete and covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, safe food handling practices, employee health and hygiene, sanitation procedures, and more.

Once the training has been completed and the exam passed, applicants will receive their CPFM certificate from the NRFSP. This certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue and must be renewed every five years in order to remain valid.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the provider offering the training course but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

9. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certified Professional Food Manager

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) credential is a certification program designed to provide food safety professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to protect the public from foodborne illnesses. The CPFM credential is recognized by state and local health departments as a measure of competency in food safety management.

The CPFM credential requires successful completion of an accredited ANSI-CFP exam, which can be taken either online or in person at a testing center. The exam covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, HACCP principles, and other aspects related to food safety. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the CPFM exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a foodservice establishment or have completed an approved training course. Applicants must also submit proof of their experience or training course completion to NEHA before they can register for the exam.

The cost for taking the CPFM exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

10. International HACCP Alliance Certified HACCP Technician

The International HACCP Alliance Certified HACCP Technician (IHACT) is a certification program designed to help food safety professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. The IHACT certification is recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration, US Department of Agriculture, and other regulatory agencies.

To become an IHACT certified technician, one must successfully complete a two-day training course that covers all aspects of the HACCP system. This includes topics such as hazard analysis, critical control point identification, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification activities, validation methods, record keeping requirements, and more. After completion of the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the two-day IHACT training course varies depending on location and provider; however it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. In addition to the course fee there may be additional costs associated with taking the written exam including an application fee and proctoring fees.

Once certified as an IHACT technician, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Busboy Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your specific career goals. In some cases, a busboy certificate may be necessary in order to gain employment or advancement. For example, many restaurants and hospitality establishments require their busboys to have a certificate from a recognized training program. In addition, some jurisdictions may require busboys to have a certificate of completion from an approved course or program in order to work legally as a busboy.

In other cases, however, a busboy certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the expectations of the employer and the nature of the job, experience and a strong work ethic can often be more important than formal qualifications. If you are applying for a job as a busboy and you have prior experience working in customer service or food service, then this is likely to be more valuable than having an official certification.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your individual situation when deciding whether or not you need a busboy certificate. If you are confident that your skills and experience are sufficient for the job at hand, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue additional training or certification. However, if you feel that obtaining certification could improve your chances of success in the role then it could certainly be beneficial to do so.

Related: Busboy Resume Examples

FAQs About Busboy Certifications

1. What is a Busboy Certification?

A Busboy Certification is an official recognition of a busboy's knowledge and skills in the restaurant industry. It is awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and provides employers with assurance that the individual has been trained in food safety, customer service, and other important aspects of working as a busboy.

2. How do I become certified?

In order to become certified, you must first pass the Busboy Certification exam administered by the NRAEF. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety, customer service, and sanitation. You must also complete an online application form and pay a fee to take the exam.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

By becoming certified, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence in your profession. This can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions within the restaurant industry, as it shows employers that you have taken steps to further your education and learning in this field. Additionally, you may receive discounts on professional development courses or materials related to busboys through the NRAEF’s certification program.

4. How long does certification last?

Certification lasts for three years from the date of passing the exam or completing any necessary training requirements associated with it. After three years, you will need to recertify in order to maintain your certification status.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

Yes, there are prerequisites for taking the Busboy Certification Exam that include having at least one year of experience working as a busboy and being 18 years old or older at the time of testing. Additionally, applicants must have completed high school or its equivalent prior to taking the exam.