Top 10 Food Safety Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for food safety specialists. Certifications demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in food safety that employers value. They indicate that a person has taken the time to learn and understand the regulations, standards, and practices that are necessary to ensure safe food handling and preparation. In addition, certifications provide proof of continuing education, which is essential in an ever-changing field like food safety. Finally, certifications can help differentiate individuals from their peers when seeking employment opportunities or promotions.

This article reviews the top certifications for Food Safety Specialists and explains how they can enhance a food safety specialist's career.

What are Food Safety Specialist Certifications?

Food safety specialist certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in food safety and sanitation. This certification is usually obtained through a specialized program or course, such as those offered by the National Restaurant Association. In order to receive this certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, food handling procedures, and proper sanitation practices.

This certification can help individuals seeking to work in the food service industry demonstrate their qualifications for positions related to food safety and sanitation. Having this certification can also demonstrate an individual's commitment to providing safe food for customers and can provide employers with peace of mind that they are hiring someone with the necessary knowledge of food safety regulations. Additionally, having this certification may open up opportunities for career advancement within the field of food safety and sanitation. By becoming certified, individuals may be eligible for higher-level positions with more responsibility or be able to pursue independent consulting opportunities in the area of food safety.

Pro Tip: It is essential for food safety specialists to obtain certification from a reputable organization. Certification will demonstrate their expertise in food safety and help them stand out in the job market. Additionally, it can provide employers with assurance that the specialist is knowledgeable and experienced in food safety regulations and procedures.

Related: What does a Food Safety Specialist do?

Top 10 Food Safety Specialist Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Safety Certification

ServSafe Food Safety Certification is a comprehensive food safety training and certification program administered by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to help food service professionals learn the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain safe food handling practices in their establishment. The program consists of an online or classroom course, an exam, and a certificate of completion.

The ServSafe Food Safety Certification course typically takes about 8 hours to complete, depending on the format chosen. The online course consists of seven modules that cover topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, foodborne illness, cleaning and sanitizing, receiving and storing food, preparing food, and serving food safely. After completing the coursework, participants must take a proctored exam to receive their certification.

To get ServSafe Food Safety Certification you must first register for the course either online or in person at a local training center. Once registered you can begin taking the course either online or in person depending on your preference. After completing the coursework you will need to take a proctored exam which can also be done online or in person at a local testing center. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your ServSafe Food Safety Certification card which is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

The cost of ServSafe Food Safety Certification varies depending on whether you take it online or in person but generally ranges from $100-$200 USD per person including both registration fees and materials costs.

2. Certified Professional Food Safety (CPFS)

Certified Professional Food Safety (CPFS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skills in food safety. CPFS certification is offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The CPFS certification requires applicants to have at least one year of experience in food safety, including working with HACCP plans, conducting food safety inspections, or developing food safety programs. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as foodborne illnesses, personal hygiene, sanitation principles, and other related topics.

The CPFS exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the location but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD.

Once an applicant passes the exam they will receive their CPFS certification which is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To maintain their certification individuals must complete continuing education credits every five years or retake the exam before their current certification expires.

3. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) is a certification program that provides recognition to food safety professionals who have achieved a certain level of competency. The NRFSP certification is widely recognized in the food industry and is often required for those seeking employment in the field.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation, HACCP principles, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the NRFSP certification varies depending on the type of credential you are pursuing, but generally ranges from $100-$200 USD. In addition to the registration fee, there may also be additional fees for scheduling an exam or purchasing study materials.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official NRFSP certificate within 4-6 weeks. Your certificate will remain valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

4. Safe Quality Food (SQF) Practitioner Certification

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Practitioner Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides assurance to customers and suppliers that food has been produced, processed, and handled according to the highest possible standards of safety and quality. It is a voluntary program administered by the SQF Institute, a division of the Food Marketing Institute.

The SQF Practitioner Certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for implementing and maintaining food safety management systems in their organization. The certification requires successful completion of a two-day training course followed by an online exam.

The two-day training course covers topics such as food safety fundamentals, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food defense, allergen control, sanitation programs, supplier approval programs, and more. The course also includes hands-on activities to help participants understand how to apply the principles they have learned.

To get certified as an SQF Practitioner, you must attend an approved training course and pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the training course varies depending on where it is offered but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. The cost of the online exam is $150 USD.

Once you have successfully completed the training course and passed the exam, you will receive your SQF Practitioner Certificate which is valid for three years from date of issue.

5. HACCP Certification

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of food safety hazards. It is a preventive approach to food safety that focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the production process. HACCP certification is an assurance that a business is following the necessary steps to ensure their food products are safe for consumers.

The process of obtaining HACCP certification typically takes between 3-6 months. The first step in getting certified is to develop a HACCP plan specific to your business’s operations and processes. This includes identifying potential hazards associated with each step of the production process, establishing critical control points at which those hazards can be monitored and controlled, and developing corrective action plans if any of the critical control points are not met. Once this plan has been developed it must be reviewed by a third-party auditor who will assess whether or not it meets all of the requirements set forth by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). If approved, your business will then receive its official HACCP certification.

The cost of obtaining HACCP certification varies depending on several factors such as the size of your business and how many products you produce. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 for initial certification costs plus additional fees for annual re-certification audits.

6. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Manager Certification

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Manager Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that food safety managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and maintain an effective HACCP system. The certification is awarded by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

The certification process involves completing an online training course, passing a written examination, and obtaining a minimum of two years of experience in the field of food safety management. The online training course is approximately 8-10 hours long and covers topics such as food safety principles, HACCP principles, sanitation practices, preventive controls, verification procedures, record keeping requirements, and more. After completing the course, applicants must pass a written exam with a score of 75% or higher. Once these requirements are met, applicants will be awarded their HACCP Manager Certification.

The cost of the HACCP Manager Certification varies depending on where you obtain it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for the online training course and exam fee. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining your certification from NEHA or other organizations that offer this type of certification.

In total, it usually takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the entire process from start to finish once you begin your training course.

7. Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP)

Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage food safety programs. The CFPP program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CFPP certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as food safety regulations, food-borne illnesses, safe food handling practices and HACCP principles. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of work experience in the foodservice industry or related field.

The CFPP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To prepare for the exam, candidates can take courses offered by NRAEF or purchase study materials from third-party vendors.

The cost for the CFPP exam varies depending on whether or not you are an NRAEF member. For non-members, the fee is $250; for members, it is $200. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials from third-party vendors.

8. International HACCP Alliance (IHA) Certification

The International HACCP Alliance (IHA) is a certification program that provides assurance to food manufacturers, retailers, and consumers that the food products they are consuming have been produced in accordance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. The IHA certification process requires an independent third-party audit of a company’s HACCP system. This audit includes an assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s HACCP plan, as well as verification that it is being implemented correctly and consistently.

The IHA certification process typically takes between six to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on the size and complexity of the organization's HACCP system. The process begins with a pre-audit assessment which involves gathering information about the organization's current HACCP system and any potential areas for improvement. Once this is complete, an independent third-party auditor will conduct an onsite audit to verify that all aspects of the organization's HACCP system are functioning properly. Following this, a report will be issued detailing any nonconformities or areas for improvement. If these issues are addressed successfully, then the organization can receive their IHA certification.

The cost of obtaining IHA certification varies depending on several factors such as the size and complexity of the organization's HACCP system and whether or not additional training or technical assistance is required during the audit process. Generally speaking, however, most organizations can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 for their IHA certification.

9. Certified Food Scientist (CFS)

A Certified Food Scientist (CFS) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in food science and technology. The CFS designation is designed to recognize professionals with advanced knowledge, experience, and skills in food safety, nutrition, product development, quality assurance, sensory evaluation, and other related areas.

To qualify for the CFS designation, an individual must have at least five years of professional experience in the food industry or related field. In addition, they must pass an exam administered by IFT that covers topics such as food chemistry and microbiology, food processing and engineering, product development and packaging, nutrition labeling and regulations.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are an IFT member or non-member. For members it is $450 USD while for non-members it is $650 USD. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. Once you pass the exam you will be awarded your CFS designation which will remain valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

10. Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Recognized Certifications

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an international organization that sets standards for food safety. GFSI Recognized Certifications are third-party certifications that demonstrate a company’s commitment to food safety and compliance with the GFSI benchmarked standards.

Getting GFSI Recognized Certification can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the size of your business and the complexity of your operations. The process includes completing a detailed application, performing a gap analysis to identify areas of improvement, implementing corrective actions, and passing an audit conducted by a third-party certification body.

The cost of getting GFSI Recognized Certification varies depending on the size of your business, the complexity of your operations, and the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, costs can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Do You Really Need a Food Safety Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation and the specific job that you are applying for. If you are looking to work in a restaurant, food production facility, or other food-related business, then having a Food Safety Specialist Certificate may give you an edge over other applicants. It demonstrates that you have received specialized training and knowledge about food safety regulations and practices.

In addition to providing proof of your expertise in food safety, having a Food Safety Specialist Certificate can also be beneficial if you plan on starting your own business or consulting firm related to food safety. Having the certificate will show potential clients that you have the skills necessary to ensure their products and processes meet all applicable regulations.

Overall, while having a Food Safety Specialist Certificate is not essential for everyone, it can provide an extra layer of credibility when applying for jobs or starting a business related to food safety. It can also be beneficial if you want to pursue further qualifications in this field as some organizations may require certification before allowing anyone to take their courses.

Related: Food Safety Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Food Safety Specialist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Food Safety Specialists?

Answer: There are several food safety certifications available, including the Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM), the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, and the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP).

2. How do I become a certified Food Safety Specialist?

Answer: To become a certified food safety specialist you must complete an accredited food safety program and pass an exam. Many of these programs can be completed online or through classroom-based learning.

3. What is the cost of becoming a certified Food Safety Specialist?

Answer: The cost to become a Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is approximately $200-$300, which includes registration fees, exam fees, and study materials. The cost for other certifications may vary.

4. How long does it take to become a certified Food Safety Specialist?

Answer: It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the necessary training and successfully pass the certification exam.

5. Is there ongoing training required to maintain my certification as a Food Safety Specialist?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require ongoing training in order to maintain your certification status as a food safety specialist.