Top 10 Deli Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for deli clerks in the job market because they provide employers with evidence of a person's knowledge and skills related to their job. Certifications demonstrate that a deli clerk is knowledgeable about food safety, customer service, and other important aspects of the job. Additionally, certifications can help a deli clerk stand out from other candidates and show potential employers that they have taken the initiative to learn and practice the necessary skills for working in the deli. Employers value certified deli clerks because they are more likely to perform their duties safely and effectively.

This article reviews the top certifications for Deli Clerks, and explains how they can help advance a deli clerk's career.

What are Deli Clerk Certifications?

Deli clerk certification is a program designed to help individuals learn the skills necessary to become successful deli clerks. It covers topics such as food safety, customer service, product knowledge, and sanitation practices. Certification also includes instruction on how to handle money transactions, use food preparation equipment, and follow proper food handling techniques.

Having deli clerk certification can be beneficial for employers looking to hire qualified personnel for their deli department. Certified deli clerks are more likely to have the necessary skills to efficiently operate a deli counter. They will be able to provide customers with high-quality products in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining excellent customer service standards. Additionally, certified deli clerks may be eligible for higher wages than non-certified workers due to their specialized skill set.

Pro Tip: When applying for deli clerk certification, make sure to research the necessary requirements beforehand. This will help you ensure that you have all of the necessary documents and certifications needed to become certified. Additionally, it is important to understand the expectations and procedures associated with being a deli clerk as this will help you be successful in your role.

Related: What does a Deli Clerk do?

Top 10 Deli Clerk Certifications

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

1. Food Safety Certification

Food Safety Certification is a process of verifying that food products and services meet applicable safety standards. It involves an assessment of the food safety management system, as well as product testing and inspection. The purpose of certification is to ensure that food products are safe for consumption and do not pose a risk to public health.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the process of obtaining a Food Safety Certification. The exact duration will depend on the complexity of the food business, its size, and the type of certification being sought. Generally, it involves an audit by a qualified third-party auditor who assesses the food safety management system in place at the business. This includes assessing policies, procedures, processes, and records related to food safety. Once this audit is complete and all requirements are met, then the certification can be issued.

To obtain a Food Safety Certification, businesses must first apply for certification with an accredited certifying body or organization such as NSF International or Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). They will need to provide evidence that their food safety management system meets applicable standards such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) or ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System). The certifying body will then review the application and carry out an on-site audit if necessary before issuing the certificate.

The cost of obtaining a Food Safety Certification varies depending on factors such as type of certification required, size of business, number of sites being certified etc. Generally speaking though it can range from several hundred pounds up to several thousand pounds depending on these factors.

2. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to help ensure that food handlers have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely handle and prepare food. The certification is valid for five years and requires successful completion of an online course, a proctored exam, and payment of a fee.

The ServSafe Food Handler Certification course typically takes about two hours to complete. It covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, time/temperature control, cleaning/sanitizing, safe food preparation, and pest control. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants receive a certificate of completion from the NRAEF.

To get ServSafe Food Handler Certification, you must first register for the online course at servsafe.com. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course material which includes videos, activities, quizzes and exams. After completing the course material and passing the proctored exam with a score of 75% or higher, you will be issued your ServSafe Food Handler Certificate.

The cost for ServSafe Food Handler Certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $10-$20 USD per person.

3. HACCP Certification

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a system of preventive food safety management that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards in the production of food products. It is based on seven principles:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis

2. Identify critical control points

3. Establish critical limits

4. Establish monitoring procedures

5. Establish corrective actions

6. Establish verification procedures

7. Establish record-keeping and documentation procedures

The purpose of HACCP certification is to ensure that food manufacturers are following the guidelines set forth by the HACCP system to produce safe and quality food products for consumers. This certification is recognized worldwide and shows that a company has taken the necessary steps to protect their customers from food-borne illnesses or other health risks associated with their product.

Getting HACCP certified can take anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the size and complexity of the operation being certified, as well as how quickly they are able to complete all necessary paperwork and training requirements. It’s important to note that each facility must be evaluated separately for certification, so it may take longer if multiple facilities need to be certified at once.

To get HACCP certified, you will need to contact an accredited third-party certifying body such as NSF International or BRC Global Standards who will assess your facility’s processes against the seven principles of HACCP outlined above. They will then provide you with a report outlining any areas where improvement is needed in order for your facility to meet certification standards. Once these improvements have been made, you can submit an application for certification which will require additional paperwork such as a detailed description of your facility’s processes, records of employee training sessions, and proof that all necessary equipment has been installed correctly and maintained properly over time.

The cost of getting HACCP certified depends on several factors including the size of your operation, how many facilities need to be certified, and what type of third-party certifying body you use for assessment and certification services. Generally speaking, most companies spend between $500-$5000 USD on HACCP certification fees depending on their individual needs.

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

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certification is a food safety certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in food safety. It is designed to provide employers with an assurance that the individual they are hiring has the necessary skills and knowledge to safely handle food.

The NRFSP Certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as food safety regulations, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), personal hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and other related topics. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

To obtain the NRFSP Certification, applicants must first register for the exam online or by mail. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within two weeks of taking the test. If successful, they will receive their NRFSP Certification certificate via email or mail.

The cost for taking the NRFSP Certification Exam is $125 USD per person. This fee includes all study materials and access to practice exams prior to taking the actual test. Additionally, there may be additional fees depending on where you take your test (e.g., proctor fees).

5. 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 professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage foodservice operations. The FMP program is designed to provide restaurant professionals with the necessary tools to help them become successful in their field.

To obtain the FMP certification, applicants must complete three courses: Introduction to Foodservice Management, Operations & Financial Management, and Human Resources & Leadership Development. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person. Upon completion of all three courses, applicants must pass an exam administered by NRAEF.

The cost for each course varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. Online courses typically cost $199 per course, while in-person courses range from $399-$499 per course. The exam fee is an additional $100.

In total, it will take approximately 30-45 hours of study time and $599-$799 for the entire FMP certification process.

6. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Deli Clerk

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Deli Clerk is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the deli service industry. This certification is designed to help deli clerks demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism, as well as their dedication to providing customers with quality products and services.

To become an ACF Certified Deli Clerk, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and complete a practical assessment. Applicants must have a minimum of one year of work experience in the deli service industry or have completed an approved training program. They must also submit a current resume outlining their qualifications and experience in the field.

The ACF Certified Deli Clerk exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety, sanitation, customer service, product knowledge, merchandising techniques, and more. The exam typically takes 1-1/2 hours to complete and costs $200 for members of the ACF or $250 for non-members.

To prepare for the exam, applicants should review all relevant material provided by the ACF, including study guides and practice tests. Additionally, applicants may want to consider taking an ACF-approved training course or enrolling in a culinary school that offers courses related to deli service.

Upon successful completion of the exam and practical assessment, applicants will receive their official ACF Certified Deli Clerk certification card along with a certificate suitable for framing. The certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.

7. National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS) Deli Clerk Certificate Program

The National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS) Deli Clerk Certificate Program is a certification program designed to provide deli clerks with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a retail deli. The program is designed to help deli clerks develop the skills needed to provide excellent customer service, handle food safely, and understand the regulations governing the sale of food products.

The NARMS Deli Clerk Certificate Program consists of online coursework and an exam. The online coursework covers topics such as food safety, customer service, product knowledge, and more. It typically takes about 10-12 hours to complete the coursework. Once completed, students must take an exam that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the coursework.

To get certified through NARMS, individuals must first register for the program on the NARMS website. After registering, they will be given access to an online portal where they can view their progress throughout the program and access their course materials. Once all coursework is completed and passed with a minimum score of 80%, individuals can then take the final exam which is administered by a proctor at an approved testing center. Upon successful completion of both requirements, individuals will receive their certificate from NARMS.

The cost of obtaining a NARMS Deli Clerk Certificate varies depending on where you are located; however, it generally costs around $100-$150 USD for registration fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the final exam at an approved testing center.

8. National Grocers Association (NGA) Certified Deli Clerk Program

The National Grocers Association (NGA) Certified Deli Clerk Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide deli clerks with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in their position. This certification program is designed to help deli clerks develop the skills they need to provide excellent customer service, maintain quality standards, and ensure food safety.

The NGA Certified Deli Clerk Program consists of two parts: an online course that covers topics such as customer service, food safety, product knowledge, and merchandising; and a hands-on practical exam that tests the student’s ability to apply what was learned in the online course. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and can be taken at any time. The hands-on practical exam must be taken at an approved testing center and typically takes 2-3 hours.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program on the NGA website. Once registered, individuals can begin taking the online course. Upon completion of the online course, individuals will receive a certificate of completion which they can then use to register for the hands-on practical exam at an approved testing center. After passing both parts of the certification process, individuals will receive their official NGA Certified Deli Clerk Certification card.

The cost for this certification program varies depending on if you are an individual or part of a group/organization registering for it. For individuals registering for just one person, it costs $150 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees. For groups/organizations registering multiple people at once, it costs $125 USD per person plus any applicable taxes and fees.

9. International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) Certified Cheese Professional Program

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) Certified Cheese Professional Program is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to help professionals in the dairy, deli, and bakery industry develop their knowledge of cheese. It is the only program of its kind in the world.

The program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a practical assessment. The online course covers topics such as cheese production, storage, handling, and sales. It takes approximately 30 hours to complete the course.

Once the course is completed, participants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher to become certified. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and costs $100 USD to take.

Finally, participants must complete a practical assessment in order to receive their certificate. This assessment requires them to demonstrate their knowledge by selecting cheeses for a variety of applications and preparing them for sale in a retail setting. The cost for this assessment is $250 USD.

In total, it takes approximately 30 hours of study time plus 2-3 hours for the exam and practical assessment to become certified through IDDBA's Certified Cheese Professional Program. The total cost is $350 USD.

10. Retail Bakers of America (RBA) Certified Deli Clerk Program

The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) Certified Deli Clerk Program is a comprehensive training and certification program for deli clerks. It is designed to equip deli clerks with the knowledge and skills needed to provide excellent customer service, maintain food safety standards, and handle food products in a safe and sanitary manner. The program consists of three components: an online course, an on-site assessment, and a written exam.

The online course covers topics such as food safety regulations, product handling techniques, customer service principles, merchandising strategies, and more. The course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. After completing the online course, participants must pass an on-site assessment at an RBA-approved facility. During the assessment, participants are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate proper product handling techniques in a live setting.

After passing the on-site assessment, participants must take and pass a written exam that covers all of the topics covered in the online course. Upon successful completion of all three components of the program (online course, on-site assessment, written exam), participants will receive their RBA Certified Deli Clerk certification.

The cost for participating in the RBA Certified Deli Clerk Program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Deli Clerk Certificate?

No, you do not need a deli clerk certificate to work in a deli. Many delis are small businesses that hire people based on their experience and personality rather than requiring a formal certification. Even if the business is part of a larger organization or chain, the majority of employers will not require certification.

However, having a deli clerk certificate can be beneficial in certain circumstances. If you are applying for a position at an especially large or prestigious establishment, it could give you an edge over other applicants. Even if the employer does not explicitly require certification, they may prefer someone with knowledge of food safety regulations and proper handling procedures.

In addition to giving you an advantage when applying for jobs, having a deli clerk certificate can also help you advance your career by demonstrating your commitment to customer service and food safety standards. It can also show potential employers that you’ve taken initiative to further your skills and knowledge in this field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a deli clerk certificate depends on the type of job you’re applying for and the expectations of the employer. If it’s something that could give you an edge in your job search or help advance your career prospects, then it might be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Deli Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Deli Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Deli Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Deli Clerk Certification is a professional certification that is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities related to the deli industry. It demonstrates an individual’s competency in areas such as food safety, customer service, product knowledge and more.

2. What are the benefits of getting a Deli Clerk Certification?

Answer: Having a Deli Clerk Certification can provide many benefits, including increased job opportunities, improved job performance, greater credibility with customers and employers, and more competitive wages.

3. How do I obtain a Deli Clerk Certification?

Answer: Most certifications require that you pass an exam administered by an accredited organization or institution. You may also need to complete additional training or educational requirements depending on your specific certification program.

4. How long does a Deli Clerk Certification last?

Answer: The length of time your certification lasts will vary depending on the program you choose and any other requirements you have to meet for renewal. Generally speaking, most certifications are valid for at least 1-2 years before needing to be renewed or updated with additional education or training courses.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Deli Clerk Certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifying organizations may require that applicants have prior experience working in the deli industry before they can take the exam or apply for certification. Additionally, some programs may also require completion of certain educational courses or other training programs before being eligible for certification.