Top 10 Executive Steward Certifications

Certifications are important for an executive steward in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to the profession and provide evidence of competency. They can give potential employers confidence in an executive steward’s ability to perform the necessary duties, as well as provide assurance that he or she has the necessary knowledge and skillset to do the job effectively. Certifications also demonstrate an individual’s dedication to continuing education and professional development, which is highly valued by employers. In addition, certifications may make an individual more competitive in the job market, as they can distinguish them from other applicants who may not have obtained similar recognition.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Executive Stewards and discuss how these certifications can help advance their career.

What are Executive Steward Certifications?

Executive Steward Certification is a professional development program designed to help hospitality professionals hone their skills in management, financial planning, and customer service. The certification program is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It focuses on developing the skills needed to lead and manage a successful operation.

The Executive Steward Certification program provides participants with an understanding of how to manage a staff, develop strategies for profitability and customer satisfaction, as well as gain knowledge of food safety regulations. Participants also learn about labor law requirements, human resources management, marketing strategies, and financial management. Through this certification program, hospitality professionals can gain the necessary skills to become more efficient at managing operations and providing customers with the best possible experience.

By obtaining an Executive Steward Certification, hospitality professionals can demonstrate their commitment to quality service and professionalism in the hospitality industry. This certification will be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the hospitality industry as it shows employers that they have taken extra steps towards improving their knowledge base and skill sets. It is also beneficial for those looking to start their own business in the hospitality industry as it provides them with a solid foundation of knowledge on how to run an efficient operation.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the executive steward certification process before beginning the application. This includes researching and understanding all requirements, such as certifications, education, experience, and any other prerequisites needed to be eligible for certification. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates in the certification process.

Related: What does an Executive Steward do?

Top 10 Executive Steward Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Executive Stewards today.

1. Certified Executive Steward (CES)

Certified Executive Steward (CES) is a certification program designed to equip hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage food and beverage operations. The certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CES program consists of three courses: Food & Beverage Management, Purchasing & Cost Control, and Human Resources & Labor Relations. Each course takes approximately 30 hours to complete. Students must pass all three courses in order to receive the certification.

To get the Certified Executive Steward (CES) certification, students must first register for the program through AHLEI's website. After registering, students will be sent an access code that allows them to take the online courses at their own pace. Once all three courses are completed, students must submit a final exam for each course in order to receive their official CES certificate from AHLEI.

The cost of the Certified Executive Steward (CES) program varies depending on which package you choose. The Basic Package includes access to all three online courses and costs $599 USD. The Premium Package includes access to all three online courses plus additional study materials and costs $799 USD.

2. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage food safety programs in the foodservice industry. The CPFM credential is awarded by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Educational Foundation, which has been providing food safety training and certification since 1991.

The CPFM program requires participants to complete an accredited course that covers topics such as food safety regulations, personal hygiene, safe food handling practices, pest control, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a proctored exam administered by a third-party testing organization. Successful completion of the exam results in the award of the CPFM credential.

The length of time it takes to get certified varies depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework. On average, it takes between three and six months to complete all requirements for certification.

To become certified as a CPFM, you must first register with NRAEF's online portal and purchase their Certified Professional Food Manager Course package. This package includes access to an online course that covers all topics necessary for certification as well as a voucher for an approved proctored exam at a testing center near you. Once you have completed your coursework and passed your exam, you will receive your official CPFM certificate from NRAEF.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPFM varies depending on where you take your coursework and what type of exam voucher you purchase. Generally speaking, expect to pay around $200-$300 for everything needed to become certified.

3. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of hospitality supervisors. This certification provides a comprehensive overview of the essential management principles, practices, and techniques required to successfully manage a hospitality operation.

The CHS certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person workshop. The online assessment is designed to evaluate your current level of knowledge on topics such as customer service, human resources management, financial management, operations management, and marketing. After you complete the assessment, you will receive a score that will determine if you are eligible for the in-person workshop.

The in-person workshop is typically held over one or two days and covers topics such as leadership development, communication strategies, problem solving techniques, team building exercises, and conflict resolution. At the end of the workshop, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their CHS certification.

The cost for the CHS certification program varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. The time commitment also varies depending on how quickly you complete both parts of the program; however, it usually takes between one to three months to complete both parts.

4. Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM)

Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM) is a professional certification program designed to provide food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful food and beverage operation. The CFBM program provides an in-depth understanding of the principles of food and beverage management, including menu planning, purchasing, inventory control, cost control, sanitation, customer service, marketing and human resources management.

The CFBM program is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It typically takes about six months to complete the program. To get certified as a CFBM, you must first complete an online application that includes a background check. You must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as food safety regulations, customer service standards, financial management principles and human resource management techniques.

The cost of the CFBM program varies depending on how quickly you want to complete it. The cost for self-paced study is $1,295; for accelerated study it is $1,595; and for instructor-led study it is $2,395.

5. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional who is certified to manage food service operations in healthcare and other institutions. This certification requires the completion of a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in dietary management, as well as passing an exam administered by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the requirements for this certification. To get started, individuals must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or nutrition from an accredited college or university. After completing their degree, they must complete at least three years of full-time work experience in dietary management. Once the required work experience has been completed, candidates must take and pass the CDM exam administered by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists.

The cost of obtaining a CDM certification varies depending on where you are taking your exam and any additional materials you may need to purchase. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to take the exam, plus any additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or registering with the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists.

6. Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP)

Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and understanding of food safety principles, practices and procedures. The CFSP credential is designed to help ensure that food safety professionals are knowledgeable in the areas of food safety, sanitation, HACCP, regulatory compliance and risk management.

It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to earn the CFSP credential. To get certified, applicants must first complete an accredited training program offered by an approved provider. Training courses may be completed online or in person and cover topics such as food safety regulations, HACCP principles, microbiology and sanitation. Once the training course is completed, applicants must pass a written exam administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

The cost for the CFSP certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the NEHA certification exam.

7. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to help restaurant and foodservice managers protect the public from foodborne illness by teaching them how to properly handle, store, and prepare food. The certification is valid for five years.

To get ServSafe Manager Certification, you must attend an approved training course and pass an exam. The training course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as basic food safety principles, safe food handling practices, preventing cross-contamination, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, HACCP principles, and more. After completing the training course, you must take a proctored exam to receive your certification.

The cost of ServSafe Manager Certification varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$200 USD.

8. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ManageFirst Program

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ManageFirst Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip restaurant industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen field. The program offers a series of certifications, each focusing on a specific area of restaurant management such as food safety, human resources, and financial management.

The program consists of two parts: the online coursework and the certification exam. The online coursework is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 8-10 hours. It provides an overview of the topics covered in the certification exam, including key concepts, terminology, and best practices. The certification exam is offered at various locations throughout the country and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of both parts, individuals receive their ManageFirst Certification.

The cost for the ManageFirst Program varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, prices range from $99-$299 per certification exam. Additionally, some employers may cover all or part of the cost for employees who wish to pursue these certifications.

Overall, the ManageFirst Program is an excellent resource for those looking to gain valuable knowledge and skills related to restaurant management that will help them advance their careers in this field.

9. 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 demonstrate their commitment to the profession. The CEC is one of the most prestigious certifications available in the culinary industry.

To become certified, chefs must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of professional experience in a commercial kitchen, completing an ACF-approved educational program, and passing an examination. The educational program must include courses in food safety and sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, human resources management, purchasing and inventory control.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all of the requirements for certification. However, some chefs may be able to complete them faster if they already have some of the required education or experience.

The cost for becoming certified depends on several factors such as which educational program you choose and whether you are an ACF member or not. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

Once certified, chefs receive a certificate from the ACF that recognizes their achievement as well as other benefits such as discounts on ACF membership fees and access to exclusive job postings.

10. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals' Registered Sanitarian

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals' Registered Sanitarian is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have achieved the highest level of food safety expertise. It is designed to recognize the most qualified professionals in the food safety field and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

To become a Registered Sanitarian, an individual must have at least three years of experience in the food safety field and must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP). The exam covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, sanitation practices, and regulatory compliance.

The process typically takes about six months from start to finish. First, an individual must submit an application for registration with NRFSP which includes providing proof of experience in the food safety field and submitting payment for the exam fee. Once approved, they will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate and be officially registered as a Registered Sanitarian.

The cost of registering for the exam is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Do You Really Need a Executive Steward Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. If you are someone who is looking to move into a more senior-level position within the hospitality industry, then an executive steward certificate could be beneficial for you. It can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to help you stand out from other applicants when applying for positions in the hospitality field.

An executive steward certificate program will typically include courses in food service management, kitchen operations, customer service, inventory control and cost analysis. These courses will help prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage day-to-day operations in a professional kitchen or restaurant setting. Additionally, many executive steward programs offer certification upon completion which can provide employers with assurance that you have received proper training and are qualified for the job.

In some cases, an executive steward certificate may even be required by certain employers or organizations in order to qualify for certain positions. Therefore, if you are specifically seeking out these types of positions then it may be beneficial to pursue an executive steward certificate program in order to meet any criteria they may have set forth.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an executive steward certificate depends on your specific goals and aspirations within the hospitality industry. While there are certainly benefits associated with earning such a certification, it is important that you weigh all factors before deciding if it is right for you.

Related: Executive Steward Resume Examples

FAQs About Executive Steward Certifications

1. What does an executive steward do?

Answer: An executive steward is responsible for providing administrative support to upper-level management and executives, including preparing reports, managing records, coordinating meetings and events, and providing general office support.

2. What qualifications are needed to become an executive steward?

Answer: To become an executive steward, you should possess strong organizational skills and have experience in administration or office management. In addition, most employers require a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.

3. How long does it take to obtain an executive steward certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain an executive steward certification varies depending on the program and the individual's goals. Generally, the process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an executive steward?

Answer: Becoming certified as an executive steward can provide valuable credentials that demonstrate expertise in the field and show employers that you have taken the initiative to become qualified in your profession. Additionally, certification can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries.

5. Are there any special requirements for obtaining an executive steward certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to pass a written exam as well as a practical assessment of their skills before they can be certified as an executive steward. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to have completed certain courses or have relevant work experience before they can apply for certification.