Top 11 Food Service Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for food service supervisors in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that can give an applicant a competitive edge. Certifications provide proof that the applicant has been trained to handle the specific tasks required of their role. Additionally, certifications can show employers that the applicant is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. This can help employers feel confident that the applicant is prepared to take on the responsibilities of a food service supervisor position.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Food Service Supervisors and explain how these can improve a career in food service management.

What are Food Service Supervisor Certifications?

Food Service Supervisor Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to work in the food service industry. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the necessary qualifications to supervise and manage restaurant staff, as well as understand and comply with health and safety regulations. It also provides supervisors with the ability to effectively manage customer service, pricing and inventory control, menu planning, sanitation standards, nutrition guidelines, and other aspects of operation.

This certification can be especially beneficial for those looking to take their career in the food service industry to the next level by demonstrating their commitment to professional development. By obtaining a Food Service Supervisor Certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in areas such as customer service training, cost control measures, menu design and execution, kitchen management techniques, food safety protocols and more. Additionally, employers may look favorably upon applicants who possess this certification when considering them for managerial positions within their organization.

Overall, Food Service Supervisor Certification can be a valuable asset for anyone looking to break into or advance in the foodservice industry. It serves as evidence of an individual’s commitment to professional development and provides employers with reassurance that they are hiring someone who possesses the necessary qualifications for a successful foodservice career.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the food service supervisor certification requirements in your state before enrolling in a program. Many states have their own set of regulations and requirements for food service supervisors, and it's important to be aware of these before committing to a program.

Related: What does a Food Service Supervisor do?

Top 11 Food Service Supervisor Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to help protect the public from foodborne illness and to ensure that food service employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle, prepare, and serve food.

The ServSafe Manager Certification Program consists of an online course, a proctored exam, and a certificate of completion. The online course takes approximately six hours to complete, with additional time allowed for review. After completing the online course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To get certified, you must register for the ServSafe Manager Certification Program through the NRAEF website or through an approved training provider. The cost of the program varies depending on where you take it and whether you choose to purchase additional materials such as textbooks or practice exams. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $50-$150.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements of the program, you will receive your ServSafe Manager Certification card via mail within 4-6 weeks after passing your exam. This card is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the foodservice management body of knowledge. It is designed to help foodservice professionals advance their careers and increase their value to employers.

To get the FMP certification, applicants must pass three exams: the ServSafe Manager exam, a Fundamentals of Foodservice Management exam, and an Operations Performance Assessment exam. The exams are administered by the NRAEF or its approved partners.

The ServSafe Manager exam covers topics such as food safety regulations, safe food handling practices, and pest control. The Fundamentals of Foodservice Management exam covers topics such as menu planning, cost control, and customer service. The Operations Performance Assessment exam is a practical assessment that tests the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three exams and receive the FMP certification. Applicants should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for each exam.

The cost of getting the FMP certification varies depending on how many exams you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for all three exams plus any applicable fees for taking them at an approved testing center.

3. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Food Service Manager Certification

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Food Service Manager Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the management of food service operations. The certification is designed to ensure that certified food service managers have the skills necessary to operate a safe, efficient, and profitable food service operation.

To receive the ACF Certified Food Service Manager Certification, individuals must complete an online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as sanitation and safety, menu planning, purchasing and inventory control, cost control, customer service, nutrition and menu labeling regulations, human resources management, marketing and promotion of food services operations. The course typically takes about 60 hours to complete and costs approximately $400 (including the exam fee).

Once the course is completed successfully and the exam is passed with a score of 75% or higher, individuals will receive their ACF Certified Food Service Manager Certification. This certification is valid for five years from the date of issue. To maintain their certification status after this period, certified food service managers must take part in continuing education activities related to foodservice management.

4. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification is a certification program that is designed to help food service professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area of food safety. The CFPM certification is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the CFPM certification program, which includes an online exam and a hands-on training component. The online exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety principles, regulations, sanitation, personal hygiene, HACCP systems, and more. After passing the online exam, you will need to attend a hands-on training course approved by NRFSP in order to complete your certification.

The cost for the CFPM certification varies depending on where you take the training course and what type of materials are included in your package. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$500 for the entire certification process. This includes both the online exam fee and any additional fees associated with taking an approved training course.

Overall, obtaining a CFPM certification can be beneficial for those who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in food safety management practices. It also helps employers ensure that their staff are up-to-date on all relevant food safety regulations and procedures.

5. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in food safety management. The CPFM certification is based on the FDA Food Code, which is a set of regulations that govern food safety and sanitation practices in restaurants and other food establishments.

The CPFM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and food handling techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible for the CPFM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the food service industry or have completed an approved course in food safety management.

In order to obtain the CPFM certification, applicants must register with NSF International and pay a fee of $225 USD. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within 10 business days. If successful, they will receive their official certificate from NSF International via mail or email within four weeks of passing the exam.

The CPFM certification is valid for five years from the date of issuance and can be renewed by taking an updated version of the exam every five years.

6. Quality Assurance International (QAI) Certified Food Service Supervisor Certification

Quality Assurance International (QAI) Certified Food Service Supervisor Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that food service supervisors have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to safely and effectively manage a food service operation. The program is based on national standards for food safety and sanitation, as well as best practices in the food service industry.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as safe food handling, proper storage, cleaning and sanitizing methods, and pest control. It also includes information on nutrition, menu planning, customer service, and other aspects of managing a successful food service operation. The exam tests the student’s understanding of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the online course and take the exam. Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program, you will receive your QAI Certified Food Service Supervisor Certification.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

7. Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) Certification

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage a foodservice operation. The CPFM certification is based on the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification. It requires successful completion of an exam that tests the individual’s knowledge of food safety principles and practices.

It typically takes about two months to complete the program and receive your CPFM certification. The first step is to purchase the CPFM training materials from IFT. These materials include a study guide, practice exams, and access to online resources. Once you have studied the material, you must then register for and take the CPFM exam at an approved testing center. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CPFM certificate in approximately four weeks.

The cost of obtaining a CPFM certification varies depending on where you obtain your training materials and which testing center you choose for taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$250 for all required materials and fees associated with taking the exam.

8. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s ServSafe Alcohol Training Program

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s ServSafe Alcohol Training Program is an online training program designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve alcohol responsibly. The program is accredited by the National Restaurant Association and meets the requirements of most states for responsible alcohol service training.

The program consists of a two-hour online course that covers topics such as state laws, identifying customers who are underage or intoxicated, preventing intoxication, recognizing signs of intoxication, and intervening when necessary. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate valid for three years.

To get the ServSafe Alcohol Training Program, individuals must register online at www.ahlei.org/servsafealcoholtraining and pay a fee of $25 USD. Once registered, they will have immediate access to the course material and can complete it at their own pace within 30 days of registration.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate valid for three years from date of issue. This certificate may be used to demonstrate that they have successfully completed an approved responsible alcohol service training program in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

9. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s ServSafe Allergens Training Program

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s ServSafe Allergens Training Program is an online, interactive training program designed to help foodservice professionals understand and manage food allergies. The program covers topics such as the common types of food allergies, how to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, and best practices for preventing cross-contact with allergens.

The program takes approximately 2 hours to complete, depending on the user’s prior knowledge. It is available online at the AHLA website or through third-party providers. The cost of the program varies by provider; however, it typically ranges from $20-$50.

10. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)-Based Programs

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a systematic preventive approach to food safety from biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes that can cause the finished product to be unsafe and pose a risk to the consumer. It is designed to identify and control potential hazards associated with food production and handling. HACCP is used in all aspects of food production from farm to fork, including raw material production, procurement and handling, manufacturing, distribution, storage and preparation of the final product.

The time it takes to get an HACCP-based program depends on the complexity of the operation. Generally, it takes at least 12 months for a company to develop an effective HACCP-based program. The process involves identifying critical control points (CCPs), establishing critical limits for each CCP, monitoring procedures for each CCP, corrective actions when necessary, verification activities such as testing or inspections that ensure the system is working correctly and record keeping procedures.

To get an HACCP-based program in place requires professional expertise such as a qualified food safety consultant or auditor who can help guide your organization through the process. The cost of implementing an HACCP-based program will vary depending on factors such as size and complexity of your operation but typically range from $2,000 - $20,000 USD.

11. International HACCP Alliance-Certified HACCP Auditor/Instructor

The International HACCP Alliance-Certified HACCP Auditor/Instructor is a certification program designed for professionals working in the food industry who are responsible for implementing and auditing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. The certification requires successful completion of an intensive two-day training course, which covers all aspects of HACCP implementation and auditing.

The course is offered by the International HACCP Alliance, which was formed in 1994 as a joint venture between the Food Marketing Institute, the National Fisheries Institute, and the National Food Processors Association. The Alliance is dedicated to providing education and training on food safety issues related to HACCP systems.

It typically takes two days to complete the training course required for certification. During this time, participants will learn about the principles of HACCP, how to develop a HACCP plan, how to conduct an effective audit of a HACCP system, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded an International HACCP Alliance-Certified Auditor/Instructor certificate.

To get certified as an International HACCP Alliance-Certified Auditor/Instructor, you must first register for a two-day training course offered by the International HACCP Alliance or one of its approved providers. Registration fees vary depending on where you take the course; however, they typically range from $500-$1,000 USD per person.

Once you have completed the training course successfully and received your certificate, you must then pass an exam administered by either the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or another approved testing agency in order to become officially certified as an International HACCP Alliance-Certified Auditor/Instructor. The cost of taking this exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Food Service Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals. Generally speaking, having a Food Service Supervisor Certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career in the food service industry. It can provide an additional credential that employers look for when hiring and promote job security and advancement opportunities.

For those who already have experience in the food service industry, a Food Service Supervisor Certificate may not be necessary, as knowledge and experience of the industry is often enough to secure a job. However, it may give you an edge over other applicants if you are looking to move up in the company or apply for higher-level positions. It also shows that you have a commitment to your profession and are willing to invest time and money into furthering your knowledge and skillset.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not you need a Food Service Supervisor Certificate comes down to your personal goals. If you want to gain recognition as an expert in the foodservice industry or increase your marketability to potential employers, then investing in this certificate may be worth it.

Related: Food Service Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Food Service Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Food Service Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Food Service Supervisor Certification is a credential that demonstrates the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely manage food service operations in a restaurant, cafeteria, or other food-related business.

2. How do I get certified as a Food Service Supervisor?

Answer: To get certified as a Food Service Supervisor, you must complete an approved training program and pass an examination. The training program typically covers topics such as food safety and sanitation, nutrition, customer service, and management principles.

3. Does certification expire?

Answer: Yes, most Food Service Supervisor certifications are valid for three years before renewal is required.

4. Are there different types of Food Service Supervisor Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different types of certifications available depending on the type of foodservice operation you manage (e.g., full-service restaurant, catering facility). It’s important to research which certification best suits your needs before enrolling in a course or taking an exam.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates mastery of food safety and sanitation regulations and provides credibility with customers and employers alike. Additionally, many states have laws requiring certain levels of certification for foodservice supervisors to ensure public health standards are met in restaurants and other establishments serving food to the public.