Top 11 Cook Supervisor Certifications

Certifications for a cook supervisor are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and competency to perform the job successfully. Certifications indicate that an individual has taken the time to learn about food safety, nutrition, menu planning, and other aspects of kitchen management. This demonstrates to employers that the individual is committed to their career and is willing to invest in their professional development. Additionally, certifications can help a cook supervisor stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs as they show a level of expertise and experience beyond what may be expected.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Cook Supervisors and explains how they can contribute to a cook supervisor's career, enabling them to gain recognition in their field and advance their professional development.

What are Cook Supervisor Certifications?

Cook Supervisor Certification is a type of professional certification designed to ensure that cooks, supervisors and managers in the foodservice industry have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely manage kitchen operations. The certification covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, purchasing, inventory control and cost control. It also prepares individuals for supervisory roles in foodservice establishments.

Having Cook Supervisor Certification can help to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to food safety and their ability to effectively manage kitchen operations. It can also be beneficial for those looking for employment in the foodservice industry as it may give them an edge over other applicants who don’t have the same certification. In addition, having Cook Supervisor Certification may make an individual eligible for higher-level positions in the foodservice industry or provide them with access to more advanced training opportunities. Overall, Cook Supervisor Certification can help individuals gain recognition as a leader in the field of foodservice management.

Pro Tip: When considering a cook supervisor certification, make sure to research the requirements and fees associated with the certification. Many certifications require completion of an approved course or passing an exam, so be sure to review all of your options before making a decision. Additionally, some certifications may have additional fees for recertification or other services, so be sure to factor these costs into your budget.

Related: What does a Cook Supervisor do?

Top 11 Cook Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Executive Chef

Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional certification offered by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). It is the highest level of certification available for chefs in the United States. The CEC designation recognizes a chef’s expertise in all areas of culinary arts, including menu planning, cost control, sanitation, and nutrition.

In order to become certified as an Executive Chef, one must have at least five years of experience working in a professional kitchen environment and must complete an ACF-accredited program or apprenticeship. Additionally, applicants must pass two certification exams: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as food safety and sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, and leadership. The practical exam tests the applicant’s ability to prepare food according to industry standards.

The entire process typically takes around six months to complete and can cost up to $1,500 depending on the program chosen.

2. Certified Food Safety Manager

Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of food safety principles. It is awarded by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and is recognized by most state and local health departments. The CFSM credential is designed to help protect public health by ensuring that food service personnel have a thorough understanding of safe food handling practices.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to complete the process of obtaining a CFSM certification. This includes completing an approved training program, passing an examination, and submitting your application for certification.

In order to get certified, you must first take an accredited course in food safety management from a provider approved by the NEHA. After completing the course, you must then pass the Certified Food Safety Manager Examination administered by Prometric or Pearson VUE. Once you have passed the exam, you can submit your application for certification along with any required fees or documentation to the NEHA.

The cost of obtaining a CFSM certification varies depending on where you get your training and which type of exam you take (Prometric or Pearson VUE). Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD depending on these factors.

3. Certified Professional Food Manager

A Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage food safety in a commercial kitchen. It is a voluntary certification offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). To obtain the CPFM, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). The exam typically takes two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPFM, applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience in a food service establishment or successfully complete an approved food safety training course. The cost of the CPFM varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $100-$200.

4. Certified Dietary Manager

Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional certification for those who work in food service management. It is administered by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). The CDM credential demonstrates a high level of expertise and knowledge in nutrition, food safety, menu planning, purchasing, sanitation, and personnel management.

To earn the CDM credential, an individual must complete an ANFP-approved program that includes both coursework and supervised practice. The program typically takes two to four years to complete. After completing the program, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ANFP to become certified.

The cost of the CDM program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally, tuition costs range from $2,000 to $4,000 for the entire program. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or joining ANFP as a member.

5. ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification

ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is a food safety certification program provided by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to help protect the public from foodborne illness by educating foodservice managers on safe food handling practices.

The certification requires successful completion of an exam that tests knowledge of safe food handling and preparation techniques, as well as federal and state regulations. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete, and can be taken either in-person or online.

In order to take the exam, individuals must register and pay for the course through ServSafe’s website. The cost of the course varies depending on whether you are taking the in-person or online version, but typically ranges from $75-$100. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive their ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification card, which is valid for five years.

6. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Certification is a comprehensive program designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the restaurant industry. The FMP certification is a three-level program that takes approximately 18 months to complete, depending on the individual's pace.

The first level of the FMP certification consists of four courses: Principles of Foodservice Management, Human Resources Management in Foodservice, Financial Management in Foodservice, and Operations & Quality Assurance in Foodservice. These courses are offered online or through classroom instruction and must be completed within 12 months. Upon completion of these courses, participants will receive an NRAEF Certificate of Achievement.

The second level requires participants to pass a comprehensive examination that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the first level courses. This exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center around the world and must be passed within six months of completing the first level courses. Upon successful completion of this exam, participants will receive an NRAEF Certificate of Completion.

The third and final level requires participants to complete two additional courses: Leadership & Strategic Planning in Foodservice and Marketing & Sales Strategies in Foodservice. These courses can also be taken online or through classroom instruction and must be completed within six months after passing the second level exam. Upon successful completion of these two courses, participants will receive their FMP certification from NRAEF.

The cost for each course varies depending on whether it is taken online or through classroom instruction; however, all materials needed for each course are included in the cost. Additionally, there is a one-time fee for taking the comprehensive examination at a Prometric testing center which is currently $175 USD per attempt (subject to change).

7. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Culinarian

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Culinarian is a professional certification for chefs who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the culinary arts. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for successful performance in the culinary profession.

To become an ACF Certified Culinarian, you must have at least two years of work experience in the culinary field and pass an exam administered by the ACF. The exam consists of three parts: a written test, a practical test, and a sanitation/safety test. Each part must be completed within one year of starting the program.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on your ACF membership status. For non-members, it costs $375; for members, it costs $275; and for student members, it costs $225.

Once you have passed all three parts of the exam, you will receive your official ACF Certified Culinarian certificate and pin. You will also be listed in the ACF's online directory of certified culinarians.

8. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Executive Chef

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Executive Chef is a professional certification that recognizes the highest level of culinary achievement. It is designed for chefs who have achieved a high level of expertise in their profession and are committed to the advancement of the culinary industry.

In order to become an ACF Certified Executive Chef, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience as a professional chef, holding a current ACF Certified Culinarian certification, completing 500 hours of continuing education credits within the past five years, and passing an examination.

Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for the certification through the ACF website. The application fee is $250 and includes access to study materials and practice exams. Once your application has been approved, you will be scheduled for an exam date. The exam consists of both written and practical components which must be completed within four hours.

Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your ACF Certified Executive Chef certificate along with other recognition items such as pins and patches. You will also be listed on the ACF website as an official member of their organization. This certification must be renewed every three years by completing additional continuing education credits or retaking the exam if necessary.

9. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Sous Chef

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Sous Chef is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced chefs. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate advanced culinary knowledge, proficiency in food preparation and presentation, and leadership ability in the kitchen.

To become an ACF Certified Sous Chef, you must have at least three years of full-time work experience as a sous chef or higher-level position in the culinary industry. You must also have completed an accredited culinary arts program or have equivalent experience.

In order to obtain the ACF Certified Sous Chef certification, you must pass a written exam that covers topics such as nutrition, sanitation, food safety, menu planning, recipe development, and kitchen management. The exam is administered by Prometric at designated testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost of becoming an ACF Certified Sous Chef varies depending on your membership status with the American Culinary Federation. If you are not a member of the ACF, then it will cost $395 for non-members to take the exam. For members of the ACF, it will cost $295 for members to take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and completed all requirements for certification, you will be awarded your official ACF Certified Sous Chef certificate and badge from the American Culinary Federation.

10. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Alcohol® Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Alcohol® Certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve alcohol responsibly. The program is designed to help servers, sellers, and consumers of alcohol understand the legal responsibilities associated with serving alcohol. It also provides information on how to recognize signs of intoxication, prevent underage drinking, and intervene when necessary.

The certification requires participants to complete an online course that takes approximately four hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must take a proctored exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as state laws, responsible beverage service techniques, and recognizing signs of intoxication.

To get certified, individuals must register for the course through the NRAEF website or contact their local ServSafe Alcohol® instructor for more information about available classes in their area. The cost of the course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD.

11. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Allergens® Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Allergens® Certification is a program designed to help foodservice professionals understand the importance of safe allergen handling and management in the restaurant industry. The certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to potential allergen-related health risks in their restaurants.

The certification consists of an online course that takes approximately 4 hours to complete. During the course, participants will learn about food allergens, cross-contact prevention, labeling requirements, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a digital certificate valid for 5 years.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program through NRAEF’s website. After registering, individuals can purchase access to the online course and begin studying right away. The cost of the certification is $75 per person.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a digital certificate valid for 5 years which serves as proof that they have been trained in safe allergen handling and management practices.

Do You Really Need a Cook Supervisor Certificate?

When it comes to determining whether or not you need a cook supervisor certificate, the answer depends largely on your profession and the specific requirements of the job. In many cases, employers will require applicants for positions as cooks or supervisors to have a certificate in order to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field.

If you are applying for a position as a cook or supervisor, it is important to check with your potential employer to find out if they require you to have a certificate. If so, then obtaining one can give you an edge over other applicants and make sure that you meet the minimum qualifications for the job. It is also important to note that some states may require cooks and supervisors working in certain establishments to obtain certification before they can be employed.

Even if certification is not required by your employer, having one can still be beneficial. A cook supervisor certificate provides proof of your skills and knowledge in food safety and sanitation, which can help you stand out among other applicants. Additionally, having certification is often seen as evidence of dedication and professionalism in the workplace, which can help open doors for career advancement opportunities.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a cook supervisor certificate depends on your profession and what is required by your employer or state regulations. However, even if certification isn’t necessary for the job at hand, there are still many benefits associated with obtaining one that can help improve your chances of getting hired and advancing in your career.

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FAQs About Cook Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Cook Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Cook Supervisor Certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to oversee food preparation and safety in a commercial kitchen setting.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Cook Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The exact requirements for obtaining certification will vary depending on the certifying organization, but generally include completing an approved training program, passing an exam, and demonstrating experience as a cook supervisor or in a related role.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Cook Supervisor?

Answer: It can take anywhere from six months to two years to obtain certification, depending on the certifying organization and the individual's prior experience in the field.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Cook Supervisor?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification will vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically ranges from $200 - $1000 USD.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after becoming certified as a Cook Supervisor?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require ongoing education credits in order to maintain certification status. This may include attending classes or workshops, completing online courses, or participating in other educational activities related to food safety and sanitation practices.