Top 11 Food Production Manager Certifications

Certifications for a food production manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a food production operation. Certifications validate an individual's qualifications and provide employers with assurance that their new hire can handle the responsibilities of the position. Additionally, certifications can help a food production manager stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired. Certifications also give employers peace of mind that they are hiring a competent individual who understands safety protocols, quality control standards, and best practices in food production.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the available certifications for Food Production Managers and discuss how they can help advance a career in food production management.

What are Food Production Manager Certifications?

Food production manager certification is a program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to manage and lead food production operations. It helps ensure that food is produced in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The certification program covers topics such as food safety management systems, quality control standards, production planning and scheduling, inventory control methods, staff training and development, and cost management.

Certification can help individuals gain the necessary skills to effectively manage a food production operation. It can also increase their knowledge of industry standards and regulations, which can lead to improved efficiency in their daily operations. Furthermore, certification may provide them with access to better job opportunities as many employers prefer candidates who have achieved this level of professional development. In addition, it may provide them with an advantage over other applicants when looking for promotions or career advancement within their organization. Finally, it can give individuals the confidence needed to take on larger roles within their company or even open up new opportunities outside of their current workplace.

Pro Tip: When considering certification for a food production manager, make sure to research the specific requirements and qualifications in your area. Different states and countries may have different regulations or certifications that must be obtained in order to work as a food production manager. Additionally, some certifications require continuing education credits to maintain. Be sure to check with the appropriate agency in your area to ensure you are meeting all of the necessary requirements.

Related: What does a Food Production Manager do?

Top 11 Food Production Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Food Production Manager (CFPM)

Certified Food Production Manager (CFPM) is a certification program that provides food safety and quality assurance training to individuals who are responsible for managing the production of food products. It is offered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

The CFPM program consists of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety, HACCP principles, sanitation, and quality assurance. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course. After completing the online course, a proctored exam must be taken in order to become certified. The proctored exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

In order to get the CFPM certification, individuals must first register for the program on the National Restaurant Association website. The cost of registration is $295 USD, which includes both the online course and the proctored exam fee. Once registered, individuals will receive access to the online course materials and instructions on how to take the proctored exam.

Once an individual has successfully completed both parts of the program, they will receive their CFPM certificate in 4-6 weeks after passing their exam.

2. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program that is designed to recognize food safety professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of food safety, sanitation, and hazard analysis. The CPFM designation is awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CPFM program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety regulations, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, food storage and preparation, pest control, and HACCP principles. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your CPFM certification after passing the exam. To get certified, you must first register for the exam through the NRAEF website. You will then need to pay a fee of $125 in order to take the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your CPFM certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of becoming a Certified Professional Food Manager includes the registration fee for taking the exam ($125), any study materials or review courses you may purchase to help prepare for the exam ($50-$100), and any travel costs associated with taking the exam (if applicable).

3. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a globally recognized professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). CPIM provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. The CPIM program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different area of production and inventory management. The courses cover topics such as operations planning, supply chain management, materials requirements planning, inventory control, master scheduling, forecasting, quality management, and total quality management.

It typically takes about two years to complete all five courses in the CPIM program. However, individuals can take as long as they need to complete the program. Once all five courses have been completed successfully, individuals can then take the CPIM exam to become certified.

The cost for taking the CPIM courses varies depending on whether you are a member of APICS or not. Non-members must pay $1,395 per course while members pay $1,195 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $495 that must be paid when registering for the exam.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Production and Inventory Management certification requires dedication and commitment to learning new concepts related to production and inventory management. It is well worth it however as it provides professionals with a valuable credential that demonstrates their expertise in this field.

4. Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC)

Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC) is a certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations and procedures. It is designed to help food service professionals, such as managers, chefs, and cooks, understand the importance of proper food safety practices in order to prevent foodborne illness.

The certification process typically consists of an online course or classroom instruction followed by an exam. The course covers topics such as safe food handling, sanitation, temperature control, and pest control. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals receive their Food Safety Manager Certification.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of course taken and the individual’s learning speed. An online course typically takes between 8-12 hours to complete while a classroom course can take up to 16 hours depending on the instructor’s teaching style.

Individuals interested in getting FSMC certified can find courses offered through accredited organizations such as ServSafe or Prometric. These courses are usually offered at local community colleges or technical schools for a fee ranging from $100-$200 USD depending on the organization offering the course.

Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years in order to remain current with new regulations and standards in food safety.

5. HACCP Certification

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is an internationally recognized food safety system that helps to identify, assess, and control food safety hazards. It is a preventive approach to food safety management that focuses on the identification and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement, and handling all the way through to manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.

The process of obtaining HACCP certification typically takes between 6-12 months depending on the complexity of the operation. To begin the process, companies must first create a HACCP plan which outlines all potential hazards associated with their operations as well as how they will be controlled. The plan must then be reviewed by an accredited third-party certifying body who will determine if it meets all requirements for certification.

Once approved by the certifying body, companies must then implement their HACCP plan in order to receive certification. This includes training employees on proper procedures and ensuring that all processes are being followed correctly. Companies must also periodically review their plans to ensure they remain up-to-date with current regulations and industry standards.

The cost of obtaining HACCP certification can vary greatly depending on factors such as size of operation and type of product being produced. Generally speaking, however, costs range from a few hundred dollars for smaller operations up to several thousand dollars for larger ones.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage projects in an organization. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the training provider. The program consists of classroom instruction, online learning modules, and a final exam. The curriculum covers topics such as process improvement tools, project management techniques, problem solving methods, statistical analysis techniques, and more.

To get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified, you must complete the required coursework and pass the final exam. You can find accredited training providers who offer courses online or in person. It is important to choose a training provider that is accredited by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The cost of getting Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified varies depending on the training provider you choose. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 for the entire program.

7. Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an international collaboration between retailers, foodservice providers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to harmonize food safety standards across the global food supply chain. The GFSI provides a platform for the development of recognized food safety certification schemes that are based on existing international and national standards. These certification schemes are designed to ensure that food products meet the highest possible safety standards throughout their life cycle.

GFSI Certification is a process that verifies a company’s compliance with industry-recognized best practices for food safety management. It requires companies to demonstrate that they have implemented systems and processes to identify, assess, and manage potential hazards in their operations. Companies must also demonstrate that they have established preventive controls, corrective actions, and verification procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.

The time it takes to get GFSI Certification varies depending on the size of the operation and its complexity. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to two years or more for a company to go through the entire process of getting certified.

To get GFSI Certification, companies must first select an appropriate scheme from among those offered by GFSI-recognized certification bodies such as SQF Institute or BRC Global Standards. Companies then need to develop a comprehensive food safety management system (FSMS) based on the selected scheme’s requirements. This includes creating policies and procedures related to hazard identification and control; product traceability; personnel training; supplier approval; product labeling; record keeping; internal audits; corrective actions; verification activities; etc.

Once these components are in place, companies can apply for certification with their chosen certification body. The certification body will then conduct an audit of the company’s FSMS against the chosen scheme’s requirements in order to verify its compliance with industry standards. If successful, the company will be awarded GFSI Certification status.

The cost of obtaining GFSI Certification depends on several factors including the size of the operation being certified, which scheme is selected, how many sites need certification, etc. Generally speaking however, costs can range from $2-5K per site for smaller operations up to $20K+ per site for larger ones depending on scope and complexity of operations being certified.

8. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to help restaurant managers and other food service professionals understand and implement safe food handling practices in their establishments. The program consists of an online course, an exam, and a certificate of completion.

The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as food safety regulations, cleaning and sanitizing, preventing cross-contamination, proper storage temperatures, and more. Once the course is completed, participants must take the ServSafe Manager Exam which consists of 90 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, participants must score 75% or higher.

To get certified, individuals must register for the ServSafe Manager Certification Program through the National Restaurant Association website. The cost of the program is $125 USD plus applicable taxes. Upon successful completion of the exam, participants will receive their ServSafe Manager Certificate via email within 7-10 business days.

9. Quality Assurance Manager Certification

Quality Assurance Manager Certification is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated an understanding of quality assurance principles and practices. It is offered through the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing quality in organizations around the world.

The certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, inspection techniques, corrective action processes, and process improvement methods. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in quality assurance or related fields.

To prepare for the exam, ASQ offers study materials such as practice tests and online courses. These materials can help candidates become familiar with the concepts covered on the exam and build their knowledge base. Additionally, local ASQ chapters often offer study groups or review sessions for those preparing for the exam.

The cost of taking the Quality Assurance Manager Certification Exam varies by country but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD. Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification status by earning continuing education credits every three years.

10. Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) Training

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Training is a food safety management system that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards in food production and preparation. It is used to ensure the safety of food products by preventing, eliminating, or reducing the risk of contamination. HACCP training helps food handlers understand how to identify potential hazards, assess their impact on food safety, and develop control measures to mitigate them. The training also covers how to document the process so that it can be monitored and verified.

The length of HACCP Training varies depending on the complexity of the program but typically takes between 8-12 hours. It can be completed in one day or spread out over multiple days depending on the needs of the organization.

To get HACCP Training, you will need to find an accredited provider who offers courses in your area. There are many providers available online as well as in-person classes offered at local colleges or universities. The cost for HACCP Training varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100-$400 USD per person.

11. AIB International Food Safety and Quality Certifications

AIB International Food Safety and Quality Certifications are a set of standards that food manufacturers, processors, and distributors must meet in order to ensure their products are safe for consumption. This certification is issued by the American Institute of Baking (AIB), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the safety and quality of the global food supply.

The AIB Food Safety and Quality Certification program is based on the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, which is a preventive approach to food safety that identifies potential hazards associated with food production processes. The program also includes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and other industry best practices.

To obtain AIB International Food Safety and Quality Certification, companies must first complete an application process that includes submitting documentation such as HACCP plans, GMP/SSOP programs, employee training records, sanitation records, product sampling results, and more. Once the application has been approved by AIB's review team, a facility audit will be conducted to verify compliance with all applicable standards. The audit can take up to two days depending on the size of the facility.

The cost for AIB International Food Safety and Quality Certification varies depending on the size of the facility being audited. Generally speaking, smaller facilities may pay between $1,500-$2,000 while larger facilities may pay upwards of $10,000 or more for certification.

Do You Really Need a Food Production Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a food production manager certificate in order to be a successful food production manager. While having certification may give you an advantage when it comes to getting hired, it is not absolutely necessary.

The main skills and qualities necessary for being a successful food production manager are knowledge of the food industry, excellent organizational skills, and strong communication skills. A good understanding of customer service principles is also important for managing customer complaints and feedback. Having experience in the industry and an understanding of health regulations is also beneficial.

Having a certificate may help give potential employers confidence that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required to manage a food production team, but this should not be viewed as the only way to obtain these qualifications. Many employers will look at your past experience and qualifications when assessing whether you are suitable for the role – even if you don’t have a specific certification.

Ultimately, having certification can be beneficial but it is not essential in becoming a successful food production manager. The most important factor is demonstrating that you have the relevant knowledge and skills required for the job.

Related: Food Production Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Food Production Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Food Production Manager?

A: The requirements to become a Food Production Manager vary depending on the employer, but typically include at least a high school diploma or GED, experience in the food industry, and completion of a certification program or apprenticeship.

2. What type of certification do I need to be a Food Production Manager?

A: A recognized certification such as ServSafe or HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is often required for food production managers.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Food Production Manager?

A: Depending on your background and experience, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete the necessary training and obtain the certification.

4. What is included in a Food Production Manager Certification Program?

A: A typical program will cover topics such as food safety and sanitation, nutrition science, menu planning, inventory management, cost control, quality assurance, customer service skills, and more.

5. Where can I find an accredited Food Production Manager Certification Program?

A: Many universities offer accredited programs that meet industry standards for certifying food production managers. You can also find online courses or programs offered by professional organizations such as ServSafe or HACCP International.