Top 10 Deli Manager Certifications

Certifications for a deli manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in managing a deli. Certifications can be obtained by completing courses, attending workshops, or taking exams related to food safety, customer service, inventory management, and other aspects of running a deli. Having certifications on hand shows potential employers that the individual has been properly trained and is capable of handling the responsibilities associated with the position. Additionally, certifications can help increase an individual’s salary potential as well as provide opportunities for advancement within a company.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the benefits of certifications for deli managers and how they can help advance their career.

What are Deli Manager Certifications?

Deli manager certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to equip deli managers with the skills, competencies, and knowledge necessary to effectively manage a deli. This type of certification helps deli managers prepare for their job by providing them with the resources they need to successfully handle all aspects of running a deli. It covers topics such as food safety, customer service, inventory management, staff management, and marketing. The certification program also includes hands-on training in areas such as food preparation, ordering supplies, and managing employees. Deli manager certification can help ensure that deli managers are properly trained and equipped to handle the daily operations of their business. By having this certification, deli managers can have confidence in their ability to effectively manage their business and provide customers with high-quality products and services.

Pro Tip: When looking to become a deli manager, be sure to research the necessary certification requirements in your state. Most states require deli managers to obtain a Food Manager Certification, which involves passing an accredited food safety exam. Additionally, many states may require additional certifications or qualifications specific to their region.

Related: What does a Deli Manager do?

Top 10 Deli Manager Certifications

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

1. Deli Manager Certification from the National Restaurant Association

Deli Manager Certification from the National Restaurant Association is a professional certification program that provides deli managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the foodservice industry. The program covers topics such as customer service, food safety, food handling, and retail management. It also includes an exam that tests the candidate's knowledge of deli operations.

The program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be completed online or through classroom instruction. To get certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, food safety, food handling, retail management, and other related areas. The cost of the program is $199 for members of the National Restaurant Association and $299 for non-members.

2. Certified Deli Manager (CDM) from the American Culinary Federation

The Certified Deli Manager (CDM) from the American Culinary Federation is a professional certification for deli managers. This certification verifies that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a deli operation.

To become certified, a candidate must have at least two years of experience in deli management or related foodservice operations, and must pass an exam administered by the American Culinary Federation. The exam covers topics such as food safety and sanitation, personnel management, financial management, menu planning and product knowledge.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. The cost of the exam is $225 for ACF members and $325 for non-members.

3. Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP) from the National Restaurant Association

The Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP) from the National Restaurant Association is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the foodservice industry. The CFP is designed to help foodservice professionals advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and gain credibility among peers.

To become a CFP, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the foodservice industry and must pass an online exam. The exam covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, purchasing and cost control, customer service and hospitality management. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate of completion from the National Restaurant Association.

The cost for the CFP program varies depending on which type of membership you choose with the National Restaurant Association. For non-members it costs $495 to take the exam; for members it costs $395. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam; however, some people may need more or less time depending on their level of knowledge and preparation.

4. Certified Deli Professional (CDP) from the International Deli-Bakery Association

The Certified Deli Professional (CDP) from the International Deli-Bakery Association is an industry-recognized certification program that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the deli and bakery industry. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field.

To earn the CDP certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as food safety, customer service, product knowledge, and merchandising. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get the CDP certification, candidates must first apply for membership with the International Deli-Bakery Association. After becoming a member, they can register for the CDP exam online or by mail. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access their exam account and take the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CDP certification varies depending on whether you are an IDBA member or non-member. For members, it costs $150 to take the exam; for non-members, it costs $200.

5. ServSafe Food Handler Certificate from the National Restaurant Association

The ServSafe Food Handler Certificate from the National Restaurant Association is a certificate awarded to individuals who successfully complete an online food safety training course. This course is designed to teach food handlers the importance of safe food handling practices in order to prevent foodborne illnesses. The course covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature control, and cleaning and sanitizing.

The course typically takes about two hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate that is valid for three years. You can also print out a wallet card that serves as proof of your certification.

To get the ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, you must first register for the online training course on the National Restaurant Association website. Once registered, you will be able to access the course materials and take the exam when ready. After passing the exam with a score of 75% or higher, you will receive your certificate via email within 24 hours.

The cost for taking this online training course is $15 USD per person plus applicable taxes.

6. HACCP Certification from the National Restaurant Association

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) Certification from the National Restaurant Association is a food safety certification program that helps restaurants, caterers, and other food service operations identify and reduce potential food safety hazards. It is an internationally recognized system of preventive controls designed to ensure the safe production of food.

The HACCP Certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. The first step is to enroll in an accredited HACCP training course, which will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a HACCP plan for your business. Once you have completed the training course, you can then submit your plan to the National Restaurant Association for review and approval. After your plan has been approved, you will receive your official HACCP Certification.

The cost of obtaining HACCP Certification varies depending on the type of training course you take and any additional services or materials that may be required. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD.

In addition to completing a training course and submitting a HACCP plan for approval, businesses must also adhere to all applicable local health codes in order to maintain their certification status.

7. Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 2 Certification from SQFI

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 2 Certification from SQFI is a food safety certification program that is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It is designed to help food companies ensure that their products meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. The program requires companies to develop and implement an effective food safety system that meets the requirements of the SQF Code.

The process for obtaining SQF Level 2 Certification typically takes between four and six months, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Companies must first complete an application, which includes providing documentation about their food safety system. They then need to pass a pre-audit assessment before scheduling an onsite audit with a qualified SQF auditor. During this audit, the auditor will review the company’s food safety system and verify its compliance with the SQF Code. If successful, they will issue a certificate of compliance.

The cost of obtaining SQF Level 2 Certification varies depending on several factors such as company size, scope of certification, number of sites to be audited, and travel expenses for auditors. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 or more for a single site certification.

Overall, obtaining SQF Level 2 Certification is an important step in ensuring that your company’s products meet international standards for food safety and quality. It also helps to build customer confidence in your brand and demonstrates your commitment to producing safe and high-quality products.

8. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification from the International HACCP Alliance

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification from the International HACCP Alliance is a globally recognized food safety program that helps organizations identify, assess, and control food safety hazards. It is based on seven principles which are:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis

2. Identify critical control points (CCPs)

3. Establish critical limits for each CCP

4. Establish monitoring procedures for each CCP

5. Establish corrective actions when critical limits are not met

6. Establish verification procedures to ensure the system is working properly

7. Establish documentation and record keeping procedures to ensure the system is followed

The International HACCP Alliance provides certification to companies that demonstrate their commitment to food safety by meeting specific criteria set forth in their standards. The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months and requires an onsite audit by a qualified auditor who will review all aspects of the company’s HACCP plan, evaluate its implementation, and verify its effectiveness. The cost of certification depends on the size of the organization and the scope of services provided but can range from $2,000 - $10,000 USD or more depending on the complexity of the organization’s operations.

9. Food Safety Manager Certification from Prometric or 360 Training Solutions

Food Safety Manager Certification from Prometric or 360 Training Solutions is a certification program that provides food service professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage food safety in their workplace. It is designed to help protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

The certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a food service establishment or equivalent education. The exam covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and personal hygiene.

To get certified, applicants must first register with Prometric or 360 Training Solutions and pay an exam fee of $125 USD. Once registered, they can schedule their exam at one of Prometric's testing centers located throughout the United States. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their Food Safety Manager Certification within seven days.

The cost for Food Safety Manager Certification from Prometric or 360 Training Solutions is $125 USD for the exam fee plus any applicable taxes.

10. Certified Professional in Food Safety (CPFS) from the National Environmental Health Association

Certified Professional in Food Safety (CPFS) from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in food safety. This certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of food safety principles, practices, and regulations.

The CPFS program requires applicants to pass a rigorous exam which tests their knowledge on topics such as foodborne illness prevention, food safety regulations, sanitation and hygiene, HACCP principles, and more. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

In order to qualify for the CPFS exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the food service industry or have completed a NEHA-approved training program. Applicants must also submit proof of their education and/or experience when applying for the exam.

The cost of the CPFS exam varies depending on whether you are an NEHA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $195; for non-members it is $295. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain your certification status.

Overall, it typically takes about four weeks from application submission to taking the exam if all requirements are met.

Do You Really Need a Deli Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of deli business you are running and the role that you want your manager to play. If you are looking for someone to manage the daily operations of a deli, such as ordering inventory, hiring staff, and overseeing customer service, then having a Deli Manager Certificate is not necessary. However, if you want your manager to be able to provide more in-depth instruction and training to employees or help develop new menu items, then having a Deli Manager Certificate would be beneficial.

A Deli Manager Certificate can provide managers with specific knowledge related to managing a deli business. This could include learning how to create menus and pricing strategies, how to order inventory accurately and efficiently, and how to maximize profits while providing excellent customer service. It could also cover topics related to food safety regulations, health codes, and proper sanitation techniques. Having this knowledge can help ensure that your deli runs smoothly and efficiently while meeting all necessary regulations.

In addition to providing specific knowledge about running a deli business, having a Deli Manager Certificate can also show potential employers that you have taken the initiative and invested in your own professional development. A certificate could also give you an edge over other applicants when it comes time for promotions or raises within the company.

Overall, whether or not you need a Deli Manager Certificate depends on the type of deli business you run and what role your manager needs to play within it. If you are looking for someone who can handle day-to-day operations without any additional training or instruction, then it may not be necessary; however, if you need someone who can provide more in-depth instruction or help develop new menu items then having a certificate will likely be beneficial.

Related: Deli Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Deli Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Deli Manager?

Answer: To become a deli manager, you typically need to have prior experience in the food service industry and/or retail management. You may also need to possess a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as any relevant certifications or training programs.

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

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as a deli manager can vary depending on the certification program and your level of experience. Generally, certification programs can take anywhere from one week up to six months to complete.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Deli Manager?

Answer: Becoming a deli manager provides many benefits, such as gaining valuable skills for career advancement, increased job security, and higher wages due to specialized knowledge and expertise. Additionally, having a certification can help you stand out in the job market when applying for positions.

4. Are there any online courses available for Deli Manager certifications?

Answer: Yes! There are plenty of online courses available that offer comprehensive training on deli management topics such as customer service, food safety regulations, inventory control, and more. These online courses are typically self-paced so you can work through them at your own pace and convenience.

5. What type of jobs can I apply for after getting certified as a Deli Manager?

Answer: After becoming certified as a deli manager, you will be qualified for various food service positions such as restaurant managers, grocery store managers, catering managers, concession stand operators, and more!