Top 10 Busser Certifications

Certifications are important for bussers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. Employers want to hire bussers who have the necessary skills and experience to be successful on the job, and certifications can provide evidence of this. Certifications also show employers that a busser is willing to invest time and energy into their job, which can be attractive qualities in an applicant. In addition, certifications can open up opportunities for bussers to advance their career in the hospitality industry. Earning certifications can also help bussers stand out from other applicants by showing employers that they are motivated and have gone the extra mile to gain specialized knowledge.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how certifications can help bussers advance their careers.

What are Busser Certifications?

Busser certification is a type of training program that prepares individuals to become successful and competent bussers. Bussers are responsible for cleaning and setting tables, carrying dishes and trays, refilling drinks, clearing tables, and providing other services to restaurant patrons. The program typically includes instruction on customer service etiquette, safety protocols, proper sanitation techniques, food handling procedures, and the use of standard bussing equipment.

The primary benefit of busser certification is that it provides bussers with the necessary skills to perform their job effectively and efficiently. With this training, bussers can be more confident in their abilities to provide great customer service while also maintaining a safe environment for guests. Additionally, employers may view certified bussers as having higher levels of professionalism than those without certification. This may lead to increased job opportunities or promotion opportunities within the restaurant industry. Ultimately, completing a busser certification program can provide individuals with the skills they need to excel in their role as a busser.

Pro Tip: When obtaining busser certification, be sure to review the essential duties and responsibilities that are required of a busser in order to ensure you have an understanding of the job before taking the certification exam.

Related: What does a Busser do?

Top 10 Busser Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to provide food handlers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle and serve food. The certification is based on the most up-to-date FDA Food Code and provides food handlers with information on safe food handling practices, health and personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, temperature control, proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, pest control, and more.

The ServSafe Food Handler Certification program consists of a two-hour online course that can be completed in one session or over multiple sessions. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an official ServSafe Food Handler Certificate valid for three years.

To get certified as a ServSafe Food Handler, individuals must first complete the online course. Once they have successfully completed the course, they will be able to print their certificate from their account page. The cost of the online course is $15 USD per person.

2. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Food Safety Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Food Safety Certification is a voluntary program designed to help foodservice personnel learn the principles of safe food handling and preparation. The certification provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to food safety and sanitation.

The certification requires completion of an online course, which typically takes about 8 hours to complete. After completing the course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and can be taken at any approved testing center or online through an approved proctoring service.

To get certified, applicants must first create an account on the NRAEF website and purchase the Food Safety Certification program for $99 USD. Once purchased, applicants will receive access to the online course materials and instructions on how to take the proctored exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be issued a certificate that is valid for 5 years.

3. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Sanitation Certificate

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Sanitation Certificate is a professional certification program that provides training and recognition to hospitality industry professionals in food safety and sanitation. The certificate is designed to help food service workers understand the importance of proper sanitation practices, as well as the legal responsibilities associated with food safety.

The AHLEI Sanitation Certificate program consists of an online course followed by a proctored exam. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as food safety regulations, kitchen sanitation, personal hygiene, pest control, and more. After completing the course, students must take a proctored exam administered by AHLEI or one of its authorized testing centers. Upon passing the exam, students will receive their AHLEI Sanitation Certificate.

The cost for the AHLEI Sanitation Certificate program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend a live seminar. The online course costs $99 while attending a live seminar costs $195. Additionally, there is an additional fee for taking the proctored exam ($50).

Overall, it typically takes about 2-3 weeks to complete the AHLEI Sanitation Certificate program from start to finish.

4. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Busser Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Busser Certification is a nationally recognized certification program designed to help ensure that bussers have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle food in a restaurant setting. The certification is valid for five years and requires successful completion of an online exam.

To get certified, individuals must first complete an approved training program or course. After completing the training, they must pass the NRFSP Busser Certification Exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety principles, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, and pest control.

The cost of the NRFSP Busser Certification Exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50 to $100. Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate and wallet card that can be used to demonstrate their credentials to employers.

5. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified Busser

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified Busser program is an industry-recognized certification program that provides bussers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, sanitary, and efficient service in the foodservice industry. The program covers topics such as proper cleaning techniques, food safety principles, and customer service.

It typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete the NSF Certified Busser program. The program consists of online training modules, a written exam, and a practical assessment. The online modules cover topics such as sanitation basics, safety protocols, proper cleaning techniques, customer service principles, and more. After completing the online modules, participants must pass a written exam before taking the practical assessment.

The cost of the NSF Certified Busser program varies depending on where you take it. Typically it costs around $200-$300 for the entire program. This cost includes all materials needed to complete the course including textbooks and exams.

In order to get NSF Certified Busser certification you must successfully complete all components of the program including passing both the written exam and practical assessment with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have passed all components of the course you will receive your certificate from NSF International verifying your successful completion of the course.

6. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Training for Bussers

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Training is a system used in the food service industry to identify, assess, and control potential food safety hazards. This type of training is essential for bussers to ensure that they are following proper food safety practices when handling, storing, and preparing food.

The HACCP Training typically takes between 4-6 hours to complete. It can be obtained through an accredited training provider or online course. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider, but it usually ranges from $50-$100 USD.

The HACCP Training covers topics such as identifying potential food safety hazards, developing preventive controls, monitoring and verifying these controls, and documenting results. The training also provides bussers with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly handle and store food items in order to prevent contamination and spoilage.

By completing this type of training, bussers will be able to effectively reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses in their restaurant or establishment.

7. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training for Bussers

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training for Bussers is a program designed to help bussers understand their rights and responsibilities under OSHA regulations. This training covers topics such as personal protective equipment, hazardous materials, fire prevention, emergency response, and more. The training typically takes 4-6 hours to complete and can be completed online or in a classroom setting. Online courses are usually less expensive than classroom courses, with prices ranging from $50-$200 depending on the provider. In order to get OSHA Training for Bussers, individuals must find an approved provider that offers the course. There are many providers available online or through local community colleges or trade schools. Once the course is completed, participants will receive a certificate of completion that can be used to prove they have received the necessary training.

8. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Professional Busser

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Professional Busser is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform bussing duties in a professional foodservice environment. This certification is intended for individuals working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or any other foodservice establishment.

To obtain the ACF Certified Professional Busser certification, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass a written exam. The training program should cover topics such as sanitation and safety, customer service, menu knowledge, table setting and clearing procedures, and proper bussing techniques. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the individual’s knowledge of the material covered in the training program.

The cost of obtaining the ACF Certified Professional Busser certification varies depending on where you take the training program and exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $150 to $500. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the training program and pass the written exam in order to become an ACF Certified Professional Busser.

9. International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Busser

The International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Busser is a certification program designed to help bussers demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of food safety. The program provides bussers with an internationally recognized credential that can be used to demonstrate their commitment to food safety and hygiene.

The IFSC Certified Busser program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and personal hygiene practices. The practical assessment involves demonstrating proper cleaning techniques, sanitizing surfaces, and setting up tables for service.

The entire process typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, individuals must first register for the exam online or through their local IFSC office. Once registered, they must then attend an orientation session at a designated location before taking the exams.

The cost of obtaining the IFSC Certified Busser certification varies depending on where you take the exams and how many times you need to retake them if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 USD to obtain the certification.

10. International Institute for Foodservice Education (IIFE) Certified Professional Busser

The International Institute for Foodservice Education (IIFE) Certified Professional Busser is a certification program designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of bussers in the foodservice industry. This certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency in the areas of sanitation, customer service, communication, and safety.

To become certified as an IIFE Certified Professional Busser, applicants must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as food safety, customer service, communication skills, and workplace safety. The courses are offered online or through classroom instruction. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam to receive certification.

The cost for the IIFE Certified Professional Busser program varies depending on the type of instruction chosen; however, it typically ranges from $200-$500 USD. The length of time required to complete the program also varies depending on how quickly you can complete the courses and exams; however, it typically takes around six months to one year to finish all requirements.

Once certified as an IIFE Certified Professional Busser, individuals will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the areas of sanitation, customer service, communication skills, and workplace safety. This certification can help increase job opportunities within the foodservice industry and provide bussers with additional career advancement opportunities.

Do You Really Need a Busser Certificate?

Having a busser certificate is not necessary to be a successful busser, but it can be beneficial in certain situations. A busser certificate shows that you have successfully completed a course or program that covers the basics of being a busser. This can demonstrate to employers that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job well. Additionally, having a certificate can make you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge in the hiring process.

That said, obtaining a busser certificate is not always necessary. Many restaurants do not require their bussers to have any formal certification or training. In these cases, employers may be more concerned with finding someone who has the right attitude and work ethic than they are with credentials. If this is the case, then it is possible to get hired without having any type of certification or training.

In conclusion, while having a busser certificate is not always necessary for success as a busser, it can be beneficial in some situations as it can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Ultimately, whether or not you need one depends on the specific requirements of the job you are applying for.

Related: Busser Resume Examples

FAQs About Busser Certifications

Q1. What is a Busser Certification?

A1. A Busser Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of customer service, food safety, sanitation, and bussing tables. It is typically awarded by a restaurant or hospitality organization after successful completion of an approved training program.

Q2. How do I get a Busser Certification?

A2. To obtain a Busser Certification, you must complete an approved training program and pass a written exam that tests your knowledge of customer service, food safety, and bussing procedures. Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued your certification.

Q3. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Busser Certification?

A3. Generally speaking, no – there is no age requirement to obtain a Busser Certification; however, some organizations may set their own minimum age requirement for certification eligibility. Be sure to check with the organization offering the certification before enrolling in any program or taking the exam.

Q4. What are the benefits of having a Busser Certification?

A4: Having a Busser Certification can help demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent customer service and ensure you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a busser in restaurants or other hospitality organizations. Additionally, having this certification can open up more job opportunities and increase your salary potential when applying for positions within these industries.

Q5: How long does it take to get certified as a busser?

A5: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a busser will depend on several factors including how quickly you complete the required training coursework and how well you perform on the written exam. Generally speaking, it should take between 2-6 weeks depending on these factors and any additional requirements specified by the organization offering the certification program.