Top 11 Fast Food Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a fast food manager in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers value. They provide proof of professional competency and can help a fast food manager stand out from other applicants. Certifications also show potential employers that the candidate has received specialized training related to the position, which can increase their chances of being hired. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers for certain positions, so having them can make it easier for a manager to find employment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Fast Food Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Fast Food Manager Certifications?

Fast food manager certification is an official recognition by a recognized organization that verifies the knowledge and experience of a fast food manager. The certification is usually awarded after the successful completion of an accredited training program or course, and includes comprehensive instruction on topics such as restaurant operations, management principles, customer service, nutrition, food safety and sanitation.

Having a fast food manager certification can help a person gain employment in the industry, as it demonstrates to potential employers that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the role. It also helps them stand out from other applicants who may not have this type of qualification. The certification provides assurance to employers that their managers are knowledgeable about the relevant regulations and laws related to running a safe and efficient operation. Additionally, having this type of certification can open up additional career opportunities for individuals looking to advance within the field. Finally, it can provide peace of mind knowing that they are knowledgeable in their field and are better prepared to handle any challenges that may arise in their position.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for fast food manager certification in your state or region. Many states require a certain amount of formal training, such as a Food Safety Manager Certification, before you can become a certified manager.

Related: What does a Fast Food Manager do?

Top 11 Fast Food Manager Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is a program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to provide food safety training and certification for individuals in the food service industry. The program covers topics such as foodborne illness, safe food handling, sanitation and hygiene, facility maintenance, and other important topics related to food safety.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual's knowledge level. After completing the course, participants must take and pass a proctored exam in order to receive their ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.

In order to get certified, individuals must first register with the NRAEF website and pay the required fee of $125 USD. Once registered, they will be able to access the online course materials and take the proctored exam at an approved testing center. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, individuals will receive their official ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification card from NRAEF.

2. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated competency in the principles of food safety and sanitation. It is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The CPFM designation is recognized by many state and local health departments as evidence of an individual’s knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

The CPFM program consists of two parts: a certification exam and a training program. To become certified, individuals must first complete an approved training program, which typically takes between 8-12 hours to complete. After completing the training, individuals can then take the certification exam, which tests their knowledge of food safety principles and regulations. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete.

The cost for the CPFM program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost for both the training course and certification exam ranges from $150-$200.

3. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) is a certification program for food safety professionals. It is designed to ensure that individuals who work in the food industry have the necessary knowledge and skills to protect public health by preventing foodborne illness. The NRFSP provides a comprehensive set of standards and guidelines for food safety professionals, including those in management, production, and service roles.

It typically takes between six weeks and three months to complete the NRFSP certification process, depending on the individual’s background and experience. To get certified, individuals must first register with NRFSP and then complete an online training program or attend an instructor-led course. After completing the training, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation practices, HACCP principles, and more.

The cost of getting certified through NRFSP varies based on the type of certification you are seeking. For example, a basic Food Handler Certification costs $25 while a Certified Food Protection Manager Certification costs $125. Additional fees may apply for additional services such as proctoring services or retesting fees if needed.

4. International HACCP Alliance (IHA)

The International HACCP Alliance (IHA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that was established in 1994 to promote the safe manufacture of food products. The IHA provides guidance and resources to help food manufacturers implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. HACCP is an internationally recognized system for preventing food safety hazards by identifying, controlling and monitoring potential risks throughout the production process.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the IHA certification process. The first step is to register with the IHA and pay the registration fee, which varies depending on company size. Once registered, companies must develop a HACCP plan that meets IHA standards and submit it for review. After successful review, companies must then complete an on-site audit conducted by an accredited third-party auditor. If successful, companies will receive their official certification from the IHA.

The cost of obtaining IHA certification depends on several factors such as company size, number of employees, number of facilities and complexity of the HACCP plan. Generally speaking, smaller companies can expect to pay around $2,000-$3,000 for certification while larger companies may need to budget up to $20,000 or more for their certification process.

5. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards in the production of food. It is based on seven principles that focus on preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of food products. The seven principles are:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis

2. Determine critical control points

3. Establish critical limits

4. Establish monitoring procedures

5. Establish corrective actions

6. Verify the system’s effectiveness

7. Document the system and maintain records

It typically takes anywhere from 6-12 months to get HACCP certified depending on the complexity of your business and how well you have documented your processes prior to certification. To get HACCP certified, you will need to complete a series of steps including conducting a hazard analysis, determining critical control points, establishing critical limits, establishing monitoring procedures, establishing corrective actions, verifying system effectiveness, documenting the system and maintaining records. You will also need to hire an accredited third-party auditor who can certify that your business meets all HACCP requirements. The cost for getting HACCP certified depends on several factors such as the size of your business and how complex it is but generally ranges from $2,000-$10,000 USD depending on these factors.

6. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Executive Chef Program

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Executive Chef Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the culinary skills of chefs who have achieved the highest level of professional development. The program requires chefs to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of food production, menu planning, nutrition, sanitation, safety, and management.

The program consists of three levels: Certified Sous Chef (CSC), Certified Executive Chef (CEC), and Certified Master Chef (CMC). To become certified at any level, chefs must pass an exam administered by ACF. The exams are based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers all aspects of culinary arts.

To get started in the program, chefs must first become a member of ACF and complete either an approved apprenticeship or culinary education program. Once they have completed these requirements they can then apply for certification at the CSC level. After passing this exam they can move on to the CEC level and then finally the CMC level.

The cost for each exam varies depending on whether you are an ACF member or not. For members it costs $175 for each exam while non-members pay $200 per exam. Additionally there is a one-time application fee of $50 for all applicants regardless of membership status.

Overall it typically takes between two to five years to complete all three levels depending on how quickly you work through them and if you take any breaks in between exams.

7. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Management Certificate Program

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive educational program designed to help restaurant and foodservice professionals gain the skills they need to succeed in the industry. The program consists of five core courses that cover topics such as operations, financial management, human resources, marketing, and customer service. Each course is offered online and takes approximately 8 weeks to complete.

To earn the NRAEF Management Certificate, participants must successfully complete all five courses within two years of enrollment. Upon completion of the program, participants receive an official certificate from the NRAEF acknowledging their achievement.

The cost for the entire program is $1,000 USD for NRA members or $1,200 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to all five courses and materials needed for successful completion of the program.

8. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively supervise hospitality operations. The CHS certification is valid for three years and demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of competency in the areas of customer service, leadership, problem solving, safety and security, human resources management, financial management, and operational management.

To obtain the CHS certification, individuals must complete an online course that covers all of the topics listed above. This course typically takes between 8-10 hours to complete. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam with a score of at least 75%. The exam fee is $129 USD. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive their CHS certification from AHLEI.

9. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Training

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Alcohol Training is a comprehensive training program designed to provide employees in the foodservice industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve alcohol responsibly. The program covers topics such as state laws, identifying intoxicated customers, preventing underage drinking, and handling difficult situations.

The program consists of an online course that takes approximately 4 hours to complete, followed by a proctored exam. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive a ServSafe Alcohol Certificate. The cost for the online course and exam is $50.

To get started, participants must create an account on the National Restaurant Association website and purchase the online course. Once purchased, they will have access to the online materials which include videos, interactive activities and quizzes. After completing all of the required materials, participants must take a proctored exam at a local testing center or through an approved proctoring service. Upon successful completion of both components, participants will receive their certificate via email within 24 hours.

10. NRAEF ManageFirst Professional Foodservice Management Program

The NRAEF ManageFirst Professional Foodservice Management Program is a comprehensive program designed to help foodservice managers gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in the industry. The program covers topics such as menu planning, purchasing and inventory control, cost control, marketing, human resources management, and customer service. It also includes an online certification exam that tests knowledge of the material covered in the program.

The program typically takes about eight weeks to complete, depending on how quickly you can work through the material. To get started with the program, you'll need to purchase a textbook from either Amazon or directly from NRAEF. The cost of the textbook varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $50-$100. After purchasing the textbook, you'll be able to access all of the course materials online through your NRAEF account.

Once you've completed all of the coursework and passed your online certification exam, you will receive an official certificate of completion from NRAEF that shows that you have successfully completed their ManageFirst Professional Foodservice Management Program.

11. NRAEF ServSafe Allergens Training

The NRAEF ServSafe Allergens Training is a comprehensive online training program designed to help foodservice professionals understand the basics of food allergies and how to safely manage them. The program covers topics such as identifying potential allergen sources, proper labeling and storage of allergens, and proper cleaning and sanitation procedures. It also provides guidance on how to create an effective allergen management plan. The training takes approximately two hours to complete and can be accessed online for free through the NRAEF website. There is no cost associated with the program; however, participants must register in order to access the course materials.

Do You Really Need a Fast Food Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a fast food manager certificate to be a successful fast food manager. However, having the certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the industry, which can make you more attractive to employers.

A fast food manager certificate program can provide valuable training in areas such as customer service, food safety, inventory management, and marketing. It can also help you develop skills in managing staff, developing menus and promotions, and increasing profitability. Having a certificate may also give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to job interviews or promotions.

In addition to providing technical skills, a fast food manager certificate program can be beneficial for personal growth as well. It can help build confidence in your abilities as a leader and increase your understanding of the business side of the industry. You may even gain insights into how different types of restaurants operate and find new ways to improve operations at your own restaurant.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a fast food manager certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking for greater career opportunities or want to demonstrate your commitment to the industry, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial for you. On the other hand, if you have already developed strong technical skills and leadership capabilities through experience alone then it may not be necessary for you to pursue certification.

Related: Fast Food Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Fast Food Manager Certifications

1. What is a Fast Food Manager Certification?

A Fast Food Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the management of fast food restaurants. It is typically earned through completing a course or passing an exam.

2. How do I obtain a Fast Food Manager Certification?

You can obtain a Fast Food Manager Certification by taking an approved course or passing an exam from one of the leading certifying organizations, such as the National Restaurant Association or the Professional Food Managers Association.

3. What are the benefits of having a Fast Food Manager Certification?

Having a Fast Food Manager Certification can help you stand out from other applicants, demonstrate your commitment to professional development, and provide employers with evidence that you possess the necessary skills to manage their restaurant effectively. It may also open up opportunities for career advancement and salary increases.

4. How long does it take to complete a certification program?

The length of time it takes to complete a certification program depends on the organization offering it and the type of program chosen (i.e., online vs in-person). Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 6-12 weeks if studied full-time.

5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

Most certifications have an expiration date that must be renewed every few years in order to stay current with industry trends and regulations. The renewal process typically involves retaking courses or exams in order to maintain your certification status.