Top 11 Dining Room Attendant Certifications

Certifications for a dining room attendant are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively in this position. Certifications also help employers evaluate potential employees more accurately and give them an idea of what type of training and qualifications an applicant may have. This can help employers make more informed hiring decisions, which is beneficial for both employers and applicants. Additionally, certifications can provide job seekers with greater confidence when applying for a position, as they have proof that their skills meet the standards necessary to perform the job well.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Dining Room Attendants and explains how they can help to enhance a dining room attendant's career.

What are Dining Room Attendant Certifications?

Dining room attendant certification is a program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide excellent customer service in a restaurant environment. The certification program typically covers topics such as food safety and sanitation, customer service, table service etiquette, menu knowledge and presentation, serving techniques and other areas of restaurant operations. This type of certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment in the restaurant or hospitality industry as it provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties effectively. Additionally, having this type of certification may open up more job opportunities for those looking to advance in their career. Certification also serves as a demonstration of commitment from an employee to the employer, showing that they are willing to take the extra steps needed to become more knowledgeable and well-equipped in their position.

Pro Tip: When pursuing dining room attendant certification, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest food safety and sanitation practices. This will ensure that you are fully prepared to meet all of the requirements for successful certification.

Related: What does a Dining Room Attendant do?

Top 11 Dining Room Attendant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Dining Room Attendants today.

1. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a food safety certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to help food handlers learn how to safely handle and serve food, as well as understand the importance of food safety. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed.

The ServSafe Food Handler Certification program consists of an online course, which takes approximately two hours to complete. After successful completion of the course, participants must take a proctored exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.

To get certified, individuals must register for the online course at the ServSafe website or through a local training provider. The cost of the online course varies depending on where it is purchased; however, it typically costs around $15-$20 USD. After completing the online course, individuals must register for and take a proctored exam at an authorized testing center. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $30-$50 USD.

2. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Certified Dining Room Attendant

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Certified Dining Room Attendant (CDR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide superior service in the dining room. The certification validates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent customer service, maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards, and understand proper food safety practices.

It takes approximately three hours to complete the CDR program. There are two parts: a self-paced online course and a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, cleaning and sanitation, food safety, menu items, table settings, wine service, and more. After completing the online course, individuals must take a proctored exam at an approved testing center.

The cost for the CDR program is $125 USD for NRAEF members or $150 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course material as well as the proctored exam.

Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, individuals will receive their official NRAEF Certified Dining Room Attendant certificate from NRAEF.

3. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Dining Room Attendant

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Dining Room Attendant (CDRA) certification is a professional credential designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional service in restaurant dining rooms. The CDRA certification is awarded to those who demonstrate an understanding of the principles of dining room service, including customer service, menu knowledge, table setting and presentation, and beverage service.

It typically takes between two and four weeks to complete the CDRA certification program. To get certified, you must first complete the online coursework, which includes topics such as food safety, sanitation practices, customer service techniques, menu planning and more. Once you’ve completed the coursework, you will need to pass a final exam with a score of 80 percent or higher.

The cost for the AHLEI CDRA program varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of AHLEI. In general, it costs around $150-$200 for non-members and $100-$125 for members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the final exam at a testing center.

4. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Dining Room Attendant

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Dining Room Attendant (CDRA) certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skills related to the dining room service industry. The CDRA certification is designed to ensure that certified dining room attendants possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide excellent customer service in all types of foodservice establishments.

To become an ACF Certified Dining Room Attendant, applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience working in a restaurant or other foodservice establishment, as well as complete a training program approved by the ACF. After completing the training program, applicants must pass an exam administered by the ACF in order to receive their CDRA certification.

The cost for obtaining an ACF Certified Dining Room Attendant certification varies depending on the type of training program taken. Generally, most programs cost between $200-$400. The exam fee is also usually included in this cost. It typically takes about two weeks to complete the required training and take the exam; however, some programs may take longer or shorter depending on individual circumstances.

5. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified Dining Room Attendant

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified Dining Room Attendant is a certification program that provides foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a safe, sanitary and efficient dining room. This certification is designed to help ensure that all food service personnel are up-to-date on the latest industry standards and regulations.

To obtain this certification, applicants must complete an online training course and pass a written exam. The course covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, customer service, and dining room operations. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the applicant’s knowledge of these topics.

It typically takes about 8 hours to complete the training course and pass the exam. The cost for the training course and exam is $150 USD.

6. Professional Food Manager (PFM) Certification

Professional Food Manager (PFM) Certification is a certification program designed to help food service professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the safe handling of food. It is a voluntary certification program that is recognized by many state and local health departments as meeting their requirements for food safety training.

To obtain PFM Certification, individuals must first complete an approved food safety training course. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as basic food safety principles, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, temperature control, cleaning/sanitation practices, and pest control. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of the PFM Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $50 to $300. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts for group or bulk purchases. Once certified, the certification must be renewed every three years by taking an approved refresher course or retaking the original exam.

7. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Dining Room Attendant

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Dining Room Attendant is a certification program that provides foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to safely serve food in dining rooms. The program focuses on topics such as food safety, sanitation, customer service, and other related topics. It is designed for individuals who work in restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice establishments.

It typically takes about 8-12 hours to complete the NRFSP Certified Dining Room Attendant course. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider and can range from $100-$300. To get certified, you must first complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Once you have completed the training and passed the exam, you will receive your certificate of completion.

In order to maintain your certification, you must recertify every three years by completing an approved continuing education course or retaking the exam. There are no additional costs associated with recertification.

8. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic preventive approach to food safety from biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes that can cause the finished product to be unsafe and unsuitable for human consumption. It is a preventative system designed to identify and control food safety hazards through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.

The HACCP certification process involves a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s food safety management system by an accredited third-party auditor. The audit includes an assessment of the organization’s policies and procedures related to food safety as well as its implementation of these procedures. The goal is to ensure that all aspects of the organization’s operations meet or exceed regulatory requirements for food safety.

It typically takes between one to three months to obtain HACCP certification depending on the size of the organization being audited. The cost depends on several factors including the size of the organization being audited, number of sites being audited, scope of services provided by the auditor, etc., but it typically ranges between $2,000 - $10,000 USD. To get HACCP certified you need to find an accredited third-party auditor who can provide you with an audit report that meets all regulatory requirements for HACCP certification.

9. International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Dining Room Attendant

The International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Dining Room Attendant Certification is a program designed to provide food safety training and certification for individuals who work in the foodservice industry. This certification program is based on the standards set by the IFSC and provides an assurance that a person has been trained in proper food safety practices.

The IFSC Certified Dining Room Attendant Certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. To obtain this certification, individuals must complete a course on food safety and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as personal hygiene, safe handling of food, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, pest control, and other topics related to dining room operations.

To get certified, individuals must register for the course online at the IFSC website or through an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$200 USD. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher to receive their certification.

10. ServSafe Allergens Certification

ServSafe Allergens Certification is a program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to help foodservice professionals become knowledgeable about food allergens and how to prevent cross-contamination. The certification provides an understanding of the eight major food allergens, including wheat, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts. It also covers the importance of proper labeling and storage of allergen-containing foods in order to keep customers safe.

The ServSafe Allergens Certification program consists of an online course that takes approximately two hours to complete. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive their certification. The cost for the online course and exam is $45 USD.

Once certified, participants will receive a digital certificate that is valid for five years from the date of completion. They will also gain access to resources such as training materials and videos on allergen safety best practices.

11. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Primary and Advanced Certifications

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Primary and Advanced Certifications are designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve alcohol responsibly. The certifications are offered in two levels: Primary and Advanced.

ServSafe Alcohol Primary Certification is a one-day course that covers the basics of responsible alcohol service. It covers topics such as legal responsibilities, identification of minors, recognizing signs of intoxication, preventing over-service, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate valid for five years.

ServSafe Alcohol Advanced Certification is a two-day course that builds on the knowledge gained in the primary certification. It covers more advanced topics such as liability issues, customer service techniques, dealing with difficult situations, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate valid for five years.

To get either certification, individuals must register for an approved training program offered by an authorized ServSafe instructor or provider. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per person for each certification level.

Do You Really Need a Dining Room Attendant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the requirements of the job you are applying for. If you are looking for a job as a dining room attendant, then it is likely that having a Dining Room Attendant Certificate will be beneficial to your candidacy. The certificate can provide evidence to employers that you have acquired knowledge and skills related to food service, customer service, and safety protocols in the hospitality industry.

Having a Dining Room Attendant Certificate could also help demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to the hospitality industry and that you take your role as an attendant seriously. Additionally, having a certificate could show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn more about the industry and how it works, which can be beneficial in terms of demonstrating your knowledge and commitment.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Dining Room Attendant Certificate will depend on what position you are applying for and what qualifications they require. Some positions may simply require experience or knowledge in food service while others may require additional credentials such as certificates or certifications. It is important to research the specific requirements of any position before applying so that you can make sure that you meet all of their criteria.

Related: Dining Room Attendant Resume Examples

FAQs About Dining Room Attendant Certifications

1. What is a Dining Room Attendant Certification?

A Dining Room Attendant Certification is a credential that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in providing food service in restaurants, cafeterias, and other dining establishments. It may include topics such as customer service, food safety, menu knowledge, and more.

2. How do I get certified?

In order to become certified, you must complete an approved program through a recognized educational institution or professional organization. Depending on the program you choose, this could involve attending classes and taking exams.

3. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Most programs require that you have prior experience in the hospitality industry. Additionally, some programs may require that you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

4. How much does certification cost?

The cost of certification can vary depending on the program you choose and the institution offering it. Generally speaking, the cost of certification ranges from $100-$500 USD.

5. What are the benefits of having a Dining Room Attendant Certification?

Having a Dining Room Attendant Certification can demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide excellent customer service and food safety practices in restaurants and other dining establishments. Additionally, it may also help increase your job opportunities and earning potential within the hospitality industry.