Top 11 Catering Manager Certifications

Certifications for catering managers are important for a few reasons. Firstly, certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and training to handle the job. This can give them an edge over other candidates who don’t have any certifications. Secondly, certifications can help the individual stand out from the competition and give them more credibility with clients and customers. Finally, having certifications can help open up more job opportunities, as many employers may require certain certifications in order to be considered for a position.

This article reviews the top certifications for Catering Managers and explains how they can help to further a Catering Manager's career.

What are Catering Manager Certifications?

Catering Manager Certification is a certification that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become a successful catering manager. This certification provides individuals with the necessary training to ensure they can effectively manage operations in the catering industry. With this certification, individuals are able to stay current on industry trends and best practices, as well as develop the skills needed to lead a successful catering team.

The certification provides individuals with an understanding of how to effectively plan, organize and execute all aspects of a catering event from menu selection, budgeting and pricing, staff management and customer service. It also covers topics such as food safety procedures and sanitation regulations, which are essential for any successful catering business. Additionally, it focuses on how to successfully market your services, price products correctly and create events that will be memorable for both customers and staff alike.

Overall, Catering Manager Certification is an invaluable resource for those looking to break into or further their career in the catering industry. With this certification, individuals are better equipped to handle all aspects of running a successful catering business while ensuring all standards of quality are met.

Pro Tip: When considering a catering manager certification, research what type of certification best suits your career goals and experience level. Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized organization and check to see if there are any prerequisites you must meet in order to complete the certification.

Related: What does a Catering Manager do?

Top 11 Catering Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Catering Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Catering Manager (CPCM) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of excellence in catering management.

The CPCM certification program consists of three parts: an online assessment, a written exam, and an on-site evaluation. To obtain the CPCM certification, candidates must pass all three components. The online assessment tests candidates’ knowledge and understanding of catering management principles and practices. The written exam assesses their ability to apply those principles in real-world situations. Finally, the on-site evaluation requires that candidates demonstrate their skills in managing a catering event from start to finish.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete and can cost up to $1,000 depending on the number of exams taken and other associated fees. To get started, interested individuals should contact NACE or their local chapter for more information about the requirements and fees associated with obtaining the CPCM certification.

2. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a professional designation awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is an internationally recognized certification that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the special events industry.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of event experience and passing an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and a practical component. The written portion covers topics such as event management, budgeting, marketing, risk management, and customer service. The practical component requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of the ILEA's core competencies.

The process typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of their event experience. Once approved, they can register for the exam and begin studying for it. After passing both portions of the exam, applicants will receive their certification and be eligible to use the CSEP designation after their name.

The cost to become certified is approximately $500 USD for ILEA members or $750 USD for non-members. This includes registration fees for the exam as well as any study materials needed to prepare for it.

3. Certified Hospitality Food and Beverage Executive (CHFBE)

Certified Hospitality Food and Beverage Executive (CHFBE) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in food and beverage management. The CHFBE certification requires a combination of educational training, experience, and passing an exam.

The educational requirements for the CHFBE certification include completing at least one AHLEI-approved course in food and beverage management. Courses can be completed online or on-site at an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a hospitality food and beverage operation.

The exam for the CHFBE certification consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Questions are based on topics such as menu planning, cost control, customer service, operations management, purchasing and inventory control, sanitation and safety procedures, human resources management, marketing strategies, financial management principles and practices, legal issues related to hospitality food and beverage operations.

To apply for the CHFBE certification exam you will need to complete an application form which can be found on the AHLEI website. The cost of the exam is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once you have submitted your application form you will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to schedule your exam appointment through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

Once you have successfully passed the exam you will receive your official Certified Hospitality Food & Beverage Executive certificate from AHLEI which is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

4. Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is an internationally recognized professional designation for meeting and event professionals. It is awarded by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) to individuals who demonstrate a mastery of the skills, knowledge and abilities required to successfully plan, manage and execute meetings and events.

It takes approximately 12-18 months to complete the CMP program. To get certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of full-time work experience in the meetings industry within the last five years, completing a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education in the past five years and passing an exam.

The cost of getting certified as a CMP varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. The CMP International Application Fee is $275 USD plus applicable taxes. In addition, there are fees associated with any continuing education courses taken or exams attempted.

5. Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA)

Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) is a professional certification designed by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skills in foodservice management. The CCA certification is designed for chefs, managers, and other culinary professionals who are interested in advancing their careers in the foodservice industry.

The CCA certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as nutrition, menu planning, cost control, purchasing and storage, sanitation and safety, human resources management, marketing and customer service. Applicants must also demonstrate at least three years of work experience in a commercial foodservice setting.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CCA program. To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA), applicants must first register with the ACF and pay an application fee of $125. After registering with the ACF, applicants will receive access to study materials that include practice tests and reference guides that can be used to prepare for the exam.

Once applicants have completed their studies and feel ready for the exam, they can register for an exam date through Prometric Testing Centers. The cost of taking the CCA exam is $450 plus a $50 registration fee.

6. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The CHS certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in hospitality supervision. It provides participants with the skills needed to lead and manage a successful hospitality operation.

The CHS certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as hospitality operations, customer service, human resources management, financial management, and food safety. Participants must complete the course before taking the exam.

The exam is administered by Prometric and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. To pass the exam, participants must score at least 70%. Upon passing the exam, participants will receive their CHS certification from NRAEF.

The cost for the CHS certification program varies depending on whether you are an NRAEF member or not. For non-members, it costs $250 to register for the online course and $150 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $200 to register for the online course and $125 for the exam fee.

In total, it takes approximately three weeks to complete all requirements of the CHS certification program if you are a non-member; members may take less time due to discounted rates.

7. Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP)

The Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP) is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a foodservice professional’s knowledge and expertise in the management of foodservice operations. It is designed to help individuals advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and gain recognition for their commitment to excellence.

To obtain the CFMP certification, individuals must have at least three years of experience in a foodservice management role, complete eight courses from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as nutrition, sanitation, customer service, financial management, human resources management, marketing and more.

The cost of obtaining the CFMP certification depends on the number of courses taken and whether or not they are taken online or in person. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 - $2,500 depending on how many courses are taken.

The time it takes to obtain the CFMP certification varies depending on how quickly you complete your coursework. Generally speaking it can take anywhere from 4-6 months to complete all 8 courses and pass the exam.

8. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to ensure that foodservice managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public from foodborne illness. The certification is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

To obtain ServSafe Manager Certification, individuals must complete an 8-hour course and pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher. The course covers topics such as food safety regulations, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, pest control, and more.

The cost of obtaining ServSafe Manager Certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 for the course materials (which include a textbook) plus the exam fee ($40).

9. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ServSafe Alcohol Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ServSafe Alcohol Certification is a certification program designed to teach alcohol service professionals the responsible service of alcohol. This program provides training on the legal and social responsibilities associated with serving alcohol, as well as strategies for identifying and preventing intoxication, recognizing false identification, and managing disruptive situations. It also covers topics such as state laws and regulations related to alcohol sales, liability issues, and checking identification.

The ServSafe Alcohol Certification program consists of an online course that takes approximately four hours to complete. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam can be taken online or at a proctored location.

The cost of the ServSafe Alcohol Certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the online or in-person version of the course. The online version costs $45 for NRAEF members or $60 for non-members. The in-person version costs $125 for NRAEF members or $150 for non-members.

In order to obtain your ServSafe Alcohol Certification, you must register for either the online or in-person course through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation website. Once registered, you will have access to all of the materials needed to complete the course and take the exam.

10. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ServSafe Allergens Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ServSafe Allergens Certification is a comprehensive training program designed to help foodservice professionals understand the importance of allergen awareness and the best practices for preventing cross-contamination. The certification is available in both online and in-person formats, and it typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.

To get the certification, individuals must first register for a course through the ServSafe website. Once registered, they will be able to access either an online or in-person class depending on their preference. During the course, participants will learn about food allergies, common allergens, how to identify them, and how to prevent cross-contamination when preparing allergen-free meals. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate that proves they have successfully completed the ServSafe Allergens Certification program.

The cost of the ServSafe Allergens Certification varies depending on whether you take an online or in-person course. Online courses typically cost around $50-$60 while in-person classes can range from $100-$150 depending on location and instructor fees.

11. American Culinary Federation's Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

The Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional certification offered by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). It is designed to recognize chefs who have achieved a high level of culinary expertise and professionalism. The CEC designation is one of the most prestigious certifications in the culinary industry, and it demonstrates that a chef has mastered all aspects of food preparation, menu planning, and kitchen management.

To become certified as a CEC, chefs must meet certain educational requirements and demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an examination process. The ACF requires that applicants have at least seven years of professional experience in the culinary field, including five years in a supervisory role. In addition, applicants must complete at least 48 hours of continuing education credits from an accredited institution within the past five years.

The CEC exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as nutrition, safety and sanitation, menu planning, cost control, purchasing and inventory management, personnel management, and kitchen organization. The practical exam tests a chef’s knife skills, cooking techniques, recipe development, plating presentation skills, and other food preparation skills.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost for the CEC certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with the ACF; however it typically costs between $400-$600 USD for non-members to take both exams.

Do You Really Need a Catering Manager Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need a catering manager certificate to be successful in the catering business. While having a certificate can help give you credibility and demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, it is not essential to running a successful catering business.

There are many ways to become knowledgeable about the catering business without obtaining a certificate. The most important thing is to gain experience. Working in the food service industry as an assistant or apprentice can help you learn how to run a catering business and understand what needs to be done. You can also take classes or read books on the subject. Additionally, researching restaurant operations and customer service principles can provide valuable insight into the world of catering management.

While having a certificate may make you more attractive to potential employers, they will likely be more interested in your experience and skillset than any certification you possess. Employers want someone who has proven themselves capable of managing staff, working with clients, and providing excellent customer service. With that said, if obtaining a certificate allows you to demonstrate these qualities better than someone without one then it could be beneficial for your job search.

In conclusion, while having a Catering Manager Certificate may provide some advantages when seeking employment in this field, it is not essential for success in the catering industry. Gaining relevant experience and developing your skillset should be your primary focus when trying to break into this field.

Related: Catering Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Catering Manager Certifications

1. What is a Catering Manager Certification?

Answer: A Catering Manager Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates a person's proficiency in managing catering operations and staff. It involves successfully completing a program of study, which may include courses in hospitality, food preparation, business management, customer service, and safety.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Catering Manager?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a Catering Manager varies depending on the specific certification program chosen. Generally speaking, programs can range from six months to one year.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Catering Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Catering Manager provides recognition for your expertise in the field and can open up career opportunities for advancement or promotion. Additionally, it can help you stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs or seeking new clients.

4. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Catering Manager?

Answer: Each certification program has its own set of requirements but typically includes some combination of work experience, education (such as an associate’s degree), and passing an exam administered by the certifying organization.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require ongoing professional development or continuing education credits in order to remain current with industry standards and maintain your certification status.