Top 10 Food Runner Certifications

Certifications are important for food runners in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and knowledge of safety and sanitation regulations. Having certifications also demonstrates that a food runner is knowledgeable about best practices in the industry, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Furthermore, some employers may require certain certifications as part of their hiring process. Therefore, having certifications can make a food runner more attractive to potential employers and increase their chances of getting hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Food Runners and explains how they can help enhance a food runner's career.

What are Food Runner Certifications?

Food runner certification is a type of training program designed to help food runners provide excellent customer service and food safety. The program typically covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, customer service, communication, and team building. It teaches food runners how to properly serve guests in a restaurant setting and how to maintain the highest standards of food safety.

By completing this certification, food runners will be better prepared to handle the demands of their job. They will learn how to safely handle and store food items, how to interact with customers in a friendly manner, and how to maintain cleanliness throughout the restaurant. This knowledge will help them provide an excellent dining experience for guests while also ensuring that all health codes are met. Additionally, having this certification can make them more attractive candidates for future employment opportunities.

Pro Tip: When pursuing food runner certification, be sure to research the requirements for the particular program you are interested in. Many certification programs require a certain amount of experience and/or education, so it is important to make sure that you meet these requirements before signing up. Additionally, many programs also require an exam or quiz to demonstrate knowledge of food safety procedures, so be sure to study beforehand.

Related: What does a Food Runner do?

Top 10 Food Runner Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a program offered by the National Restaurant Association to provide food handlers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle food in a commercial setting. It is designed for entry-level food service workers, such as wait staff, cooks, dishwashers, bartenders, and more.

The ServSafe Food Handler Certification course takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken online or in a classroom setting. The online version of the course includes an interactive learning experience that covers topics such as food safety regulations, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene and cross contamination prevention. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher to receive their certification.

The cost of the ServSafe Food Handler Certification varies depending on the format chosen. The online version costs $15 per person while classroom courses range from $25-$35 per person. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam depending on where it is taken.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years in order to maintain their status as a certified food handler.

2. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Food Runner Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Food Runner Certification is a program designed to help restaurant employees become more knowledgeable and skilled in the area of food service. The certification is intended to provide restaurant workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly serve customers, handle food safety issues, and provide excellent customer service.

The certification consists of an online course that takes approximately two hours to complete. The course covers topics such as food safety, customer service, and proper handling of food items. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate verifying their completion of the NRAEF Food Runner Certification program.

In order to get the NRAEF Food Runner Certification, individuals must first register for the online course on the NRAEF website. After registering for the course, individuals will be required to pay a fee of $25 USD before they can begin taking it. Once registered and paid for, individuals can begin taking the course at any time that is convenient for them.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their NRAEF Food Runner Certification certificate via email within 24 hours after completing all required course material. This certificate is valid for three years from date of issue and can be used as proof of certification when applying for jobs in restaurants or other foodservice establishments.

3. Certified Professional Food Runner (CPFR)

Certified Professional Food Runner (CPFR) is a certification program that was created to recognize the skills and knowledge of those who work in the food service industry. It is designed to help food runners develop their skills and become more efficient and effective at their job. The certification requires successful completion of an online course, which includes topics such as customer service, safety and sanitation, food handling and storage, menu planning, and more. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To get CPFR certified, you must first register for the online course on the National Restaurant Association’s website. Once registered, you will need to complete all required modules within the given timeframe. After completing all modules, you will be required to pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CPFR certificate.

The cost for taking the CPFR course varies depending on where you take it; however, most courses range from $50-$100 USD.

4. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Food Runner

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Food Runner is a professional certification program for food runners in the culinary industry. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in their profession.

To become an ACF Certified Food Runner, applicants must complete an online application and pass an exam. The exam consists of 80 questions covering topics such as safety, sanitation, food service regulations, customer service, and job duties. Applicants must score at least 75% on the exam to be certified.

The cost of the ACF Certified Food Runner program is $125 plus applicable taxes. The fee covers the cost of the application and exam fees as well as study materials and resources.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to receive results from the exam after it has been taken. Once certified, food runners will receive a certificate that is valid for three years before needing to renew their certification.

5. International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Food Runner

The International Food Safety Council (IFSC) Certified Food Runner is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in food safety. The program is designed to help ensure that food is handled safely and correctly during its journey from the kitchen to the customer.

The IFSC Certified Food Runner program consists of an online course, an exam, and a practical assessment. The online course covers topics such as food safety principles, temperature control, cross contamination, personal hygiene, and more. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. Finally, the practical assessment requires you to demonstrate your skills in a real-world setting.

The entire process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete depending on individual progress through the course material and exam.

To get started with the IFSC Certified Food Runner program you must first register for the online course at ifscertifiedfoodrunner.org. Once registered you will receive access to all of the necessary materials needed for successful completion of the program.

The cost for registration for the IFSC Certified Food Runner program is $150 USD which includes access to all of the necessary materials as well as a certificate upon successful completion of all requirements.

6. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Food Runner

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Food Runner is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle food in a commercial kitchen. The certification is valid for five years and requires successful completion of an exam.

To get the NRFSP Certified Food Runner certification, you must first complete an approved food safety training course. This course can be taken online or in-person and typically takes about 4 hours to complete. After completing the training, you will need to pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate and be officially certified as a NRFSP Certified Food Runner.

The cost of the NRFSP Certified Food Runner certification varies depending on where you take the course, but typically ranges from $50-$100.

7. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certified Food Runner

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certified Food Runner is a certification program that is designed to ensure the safe handling of food. It is based on the principles of HACCP, which are used to identify, assess, and control potential hazards in food production and preparation. The program requires that food handlers have basic knowledge of food safety and understand the importance of following established procedures for handling food.

The certification process typically takes about two weeks to complete. To become certified, you must first complete a training course that covers topics such as proper handwashing techniques, temperature control, storage requirements, and cross-contamination prevention. After completing the course, you will be required to take an exam and pass with a minimum score of 80%. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification card.

You can get HACCP Certified Food Runner certification through several organizations including ServSafe® or National Registry of Food Safety Professionals®. The cost varies depending on the organization but usually ranges from $100-$200 USD.

8. Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (IEHS) Certified Food Handler

The Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (IEHS) Certified Food Handler is a food safety certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle food in any food service establishment. The program is based on the latest science and best practices for safe food handling, and it covers topics such as personal hygiene, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and pest control.

The IEHS Certified Food Handler course can be completed online or in a classroom setting. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the course, depending on the format chosen. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an official IEHS Certified Food Handler card that is valid for 3 years.

To get certified as an IEHS Certified Food Handler, you must first register for the course online or in person at an approved training provider. Once registered, you will be provided with access to all of the materials needed to complete the course. The cost of the course varies by provider but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD.

9. International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Certified Professional in Food Safety

The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Certified Professional in Food Safety (CPFS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public from foodborne illnesses. The CPFS certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to food safety and their expertise in the field.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program that includes topics such as food safety regulations, food safety systems, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They must also pass a rigorous exam administered by IAFP.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on how quickly the applicant completes the required courses and passes the exam.

To get started with the CPFS certification process, applicants must first register online through IAFP’s website. The cost of registration varies depending on whether or not you are an IAFP member; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After registering, applicants will receive access to all of the materials needed to complete their training and take the exam.

Once they have completed their training and passed the exam, they will be awarded their CPFS certification. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. The National Environmental Health Association's (NEHA) ServSafe Manager Program

The National Environmental Health Association’s (NEHA) ServSafe Manager Program is a comprehensive food safety training program designed to help foodservice managers and staff learn the principles of safe food handling and preparation. The program consists of a course book, an exam, and a certificate of completion.

The ServSafe Manager Program takes approximately 8 hours to complete. It is available in both online and classroom formats, with the online format being self-paced. To get started, participants must purchase the ServSafe Manager book or eTextbook from the NEHA website or other retailers. The cost for the book is around $50-$60 USD depending on where it is purchased.

Once they have their book, participants can register for either an online or classroom course through NEHA's website or through one of their authorized providers. Online courses typically cost between $100-$125 USD while classroom courses will vary in price depending on location and instructor fees.

After completing the course, participants must pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher to receive their ServSafe Manager certificate of completion. The exam fee is included in the course fee but if participants need to retake the exam, there will be an additional fee of around $30 USD.

Overall, the National Environmental Health Association’s (NEHA) ServSafe Manager Program provides individuals with comprehensive training on safe food handling practices that can help them become successful managers in any restaurant setting.

Do You Really Need a Food Runner Certificate?

Yes, a food runner certificate can be beneficial for anyone who is looking to work in the restaurant industry. A food runner certificate shows employers that you have the necessary training and knowledge to successfully carry out your duties as a food runner. This can help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge when it comes to job opportunities.

The certificate also provides evidence of your ability to handle the responsibilities of a food runner, such as taking orders from customers, delivering food to tables, and stocking supplies. With this certification, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of proper food handling procedures, customer service skills, and safety protocols. Additionally, some states may require you to have a food handler’s permit in order to work in certain restaurants or types of establishments.

A food runner certificate also allows employers to understand the level of commitment that you have towards the restaurant industry. By having this certification, employers will know that you are dedicated to learning about the industry and staying up-to-date with current trends and standards. This can give employers added confidence when considering you for various positions within their establishment.

Overall, obtaining a food runner certificate can provide many benefits for someone looking for employment in the restaurant industry. It can help prove your knowledge base and dedication to the profession while increasing your chances of finding employment with a reputable establishment.

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FAQs About Food Runner Certifications

1. What is a Food Runner Certification?

Answer: A Food Runner Certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in food service operations, such as food preparation, storage and handling, sanitation regulations, customer service and more.

2. How do I obtain a Food Runner Certification?

Answer: Most states require individuals to complete a training course or program before they can obtain their certification. The courses typically involve classroom instruction, hands-on training and an exam. Check with your local health department for specific requirements in your area.

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

Answer: Having a Food Runner Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge necessary to handle food safely and efficiently. It also increases your chances of getting hired for jobs in the food service industry since it proves that you have the proper qualifications to work in this field.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and how quickly you are able to complete the necessary training and exams. Generally, it takes anywhere from one month to six months to become certified depending on these factors.

5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date which must be renewed periodically in order to remain valid. Be sure to check with your local health department for specific information regarding renewal requirements in your area.