Top 11 Food Service Worker Certifications

Certifications for food service workers are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the worker has a certain level of knowledge and experience in the industry. They also show potential employers that the worker is committed to meeting safety, hygiene, and quality standards set by regulatory bodies. Certifications can help food service workers stand out from other applicants and give them an advantage when seeking employment. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries or promotions as they show a commitment to professional development.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Food Service Workers and explain how they can help enhance a food service worker's career.

What are Food Service Worker Certifications?

Food service worker certification is a program that provides formal recognition of an individual's knowledge and skills in food safety, sanitation, and customer service. It is designed to help food service workers prepare for their roles in the industry by providing them with the necessary training to ensure food safety and high-quality customer service.

The certification process typically involves completing a course, passing an exam, or both. Courses typically include topics such as proper food handling techniques, how to safely store and prepare food items, basic nutrition knowledge, and customer service principles. The exam is used to assess the candidate's understanding of these topics.

Having a food service worker certification can provide individuals with greater opportunities for employment in the foodservice industry. Employers often prefer employees who have such certifications as they demonstrate an understanding of safe food handling practices and customer service standards that are critical in this field. Additionally, having a certification can make employees more competitive when applying for jobs due to their demonstrated level of knowledge and experience related to the industry.

Ultimately, obtaining a food service worker certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment in this field as it demonstrates their commitment to safety standards, customer service excellence, and professional development.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for food service worker certification in your state. Many states require food handlers to be certified, so it’s important to know what you need to do in order to receive your certification. Additionally, check with your local health department for additional regulations that may apply in your area.

Related: What does a Food Service Worker do?

Top 11 Food Service Worker Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to help food handlers learn safe food handling practices. This certification is designed to help protect public health by providing food safety training and certification for employees in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

The ServSafe Food Handler Certification course takes approximately 2 hours to complete, depending on the student's pace. The course covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, pest control, and more. After completing the course, students must pass an exam to earn their certification.

To get certified in ServSafe Food Handler Certification, individuals must register for a class through an approved provider or take the online course. For those taking the online course, they can register at www.servsafe.com/foodhandler/register/. The cost of the online course is $15 USD per person plus applicable taxes. In addition to registering for the online course, individuals must also purchase a copy of the ServSafe Manager Book 7th Edition which includes access to additional materials needed for successful completion of the exam ($50 USD plus applicable taxes).

Once individuals have successfully completed all components of the program they will receive their official ServSafe Food Handler Certificate from NRAEF via email within 48 hours of passing their exam.

2. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Manager Certification

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program that is designed to help restaurant managers and supervisors protect the public from foodborne illness. This certification program is recognized by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies throughout the United States.

The ServSafe Manager Certification program consists of an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, safe food storage, temperature control, pest control, cleaning and sanitizing, and more. After completing the online course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

To get your ServSafe Manager Certification you must first register for the course through the National Restaurant Association website. The cost for the online course and exam is $180 USD (plus applicable taxes). Once you have completed the online course and passed the proctored exam you will receive your certificate via email within 3-5 business days.

3. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) Certification is a nationally recognized food safety certification program for food service professionals. It is designed to provide assurance that food handlers have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle, prepare, and serve food. The certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years in order to remain current.

In order to obtain the NRFSP Certification, applicants must first complete an approved training course. This can be done either online or in a classroom setting. Once the course has been completed, applicants must pass an exam administered by the NRFSP with a minimum score of 75%. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification from the NRFSP.

The cost of obtaining the NRFSP Certification varies depending on how the applicant chooses to take the training course and where they take it. Generally speaking, online courses are more affordable than classroom courses, but both typically range from $50-$150 USD.

4. American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced culinarians. It is the highest level of certification offered by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

To become certified, individuals must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the culinary field, or equivalent part-time experience. They must also pass an ACF-administered exam that covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, sanitation, and menu planning.

The process for becoming a Certified Culinarian typically takes about six months. Candidates must first apply to take the exam and submit their work experience documentation for review. After approval, they can register for the exam and pay the associated fee ($300 for members of ACF). Once registered, candidates will receive study materials from ACF to help them prepare for the exam.

The exam itself consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CC certification from ACF. This certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed with additional continuing education credits.

5. American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional certification for chefs who have achieved the highest level of culinary expertise. The CEC designation is the most widely recognized and respected culinary credential in the United States. To become a CEC, chefs must demonstrate mastery of the culinary arts through a combination of work experience, education, and testing.

To earn the CEC credential, chefs must meet certain requirements set by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). These include having at least seven years of professional cooking experience, including three years as an executive chef or related position; completing an ACF-approved apprenticeship program; passing a written examination; and passing a practical exam.

The process to become certified can take several months or longer depending on individual circumstances. It typically takes about six months to complete all of the necessary steps to become certified.

To get started, applicants must first join ACF as a Professional Member ($90/year). After joining ACF, applicants can then apply for certification by submitting an application packet that includes their work history, educational background, references, and other materials required by ACF. Once their application has been reviewed and approved by ACF’s Certification Board, they will be eligible to take the written and practical exams.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of an organization. For individuals, it costs $325 for both exams ($150 for each exam), plus any applicable taxes and fees. For organizations with multiple applicants seeking certification at once, there are discounts available based on volume.

6. American Culinary Federation Certified Sous Chef (CSC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Sous Chef (CSC) is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of experienced chefs. It is designed to validate the expertise of sous chefs who have demonstrated mastery in all areas of culinary arts. The CSC credential is recognized by employers, peers, and customers as a mark of excellence in the culinary field.

To become a CSC, an individual must have at least three years of full-time work experience as a sous chef. This includes two years in a supervisory role and one year in an executive chef role. Additionally, applicants must pass an ACF-administered written exam and demonstrate their skills through a series of practical assessments.

The process for becoming certified typically takes between six months and one year from start to finish. During this time, applicants should be actively studying for the written exam, taking practice tests, and preparing for the practical assessment.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the package chosen by the applicant. The basic package costs $550 and includes registration fees, study materials, written exam fees, and practical assessment fees. Additional packages are available that include additional study materials or online courses for an additional fee.

7. National Restaurant Association Professional Server Certification

The National Restaurant Association Professional Server Certification (NRA PSC) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of restaurant servers. The NRA PSC is an industry-recognized credential that can help servers demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent customer service.

The NRA PSC program consists of an online course that takes approximately four hours to complete. The course covers topics such as food safety, customer service, menu knowledge, and alcohol service. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from the National Restaurant Association.

To get the certification, you must first register for the online course through the NRA website. The cost of registration is $49.95 and includes access to the online course material and a certificate upon successful completion of the exam. Once registered, you will have 60 days to complete the course and take the exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your certificate from the NRA within two weeks.

In addition to receiving recognition for your professional server skillset, having this certification may also be beneficial when applying for jobs in restaurants or other foodservice establishments as it shows employers that you are knowledgeable about food safety regulations and customer service standards.

8. National Restaurant Association Professional Bartender Certification

The National Restaurant Association Professional Bartender Certification is a certification program that provides bartenders with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide exceptional customer service and mix drinks safely and responsibly. The program is designed to help bartenders increase their job opportunities and career advancement.

The certification process typically takes about two hours to complete. It includes an online exam, which covers topics such as alcohol laws, customer service, drink recipes, and responsible alcohol service. Once the exam is completed, the bartender will receive their official certificate from the National Restaurant Association.

To get certified, bartenders must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or state ID card. They must also have a minimum of six months of experience working as a bartender in a restaurant setting. Additionally, they must complete an approved Responsible Alcohol Service (RAS) training course prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the National Restaurant Association Professional Bartender Certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $50-$100 USD for the exam and associated materials.

9. National Restaurant Association Professional Cook Certification

The National Restaurant Association Professional Cook Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professional cooks. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of food safety, sanitation, nutrition, culinary fundamentals, and kitchen operations.

To get the certification, applicants must complete an approved training course and pass an exam. The training course can be completed online or in-person at a participating school or organization. The length of the course varies depending on the type of program chosen but typically takes between 10-12 weeks to complete.

Once applicants have successfully completed their training course, they must take and pass a written exam administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions covering topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, culinary fundamentals, and kitchen operations. A passing score on this exam will earn applicants their Professional Cook Certification from NRAEF.

The cost for the Professional Cook Certification varies depending on where you take your training course and if you choose to purchase additional study materials or resources. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$700 USD for the entire certification process including both the training course and exam fees.

10. National Restaurant Association Professional Baker Certification

The National Restaurant Association Professional Baker Certification is a program designed to recognize the professional skills and knowledge of bakers. The certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a baker’s commitment to excellence in their craft.

To earn the NRAEF Professional Baker Certification, bakers must pass an exam that covers topics such as baking fundamentals, ingredient selection and handling, equipment operation and maintenance, food safety and sanitation, and customer service. The exam takes about three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

To be eligible for the exam, bakers must have at least two years of full-time experience in commercial baking or a related field. They must also attend an approved NRAEF Professional Baking Course or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through other means.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you take it online or in person at an approved testing center. Online exams cost $125 while in-person exams cost $150. The fee includes access to study materials, practice tests, and a certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

11. National Restaurant Association Professional Pastry Chef Certification

The National Restaurant Association Professional Pastry Chef Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of pastry chefs. The certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and is recognized by employers as a mark of excellence in the pastry chef profession.

The certification program consists of three components: an online assessment, a practical exam, and a written exam. To qualify for the certification, candidates must pass all three components with a score of 80% or higher. The online assessment covers topics such as baking techniques, food safety, nutrition, and customer service. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in various areas such as cake decorating, plating desserts, and making mousses. Finally, the written exam tests candidates’ knowledge on topics such as baking science and recipe development.

The entire process typically takes about one year to complete. Candidates are encouraged to begin studying for the exams early on so that they can be prepared when it comes time to take them.

The cost of the certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an NRAEF member. For non-members, the cost is $495; for members, it is $395. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as registration fees for all three components of the certification process.

Overall, obtaining your National Restaurant Association Professional Pastry Chef Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the pastry chef profession and set yourself apart from other applicants in this competitive field.

Do You Really Need a Food Service Worker Certificate?

A food service worker certificate is not a requirement in every state or city, but it can be helpful for those who are looking to work in the food service industry. Having a certificate can help you stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand the importance of food safety. It may also give you an edge in obtaining a job with higher pay or more responsibility.

Having a food service worker certificate will make it easier for you to get hired because employers know that someone with certification has completed training and is knowledgeable about the industry. In addition, many states require food handlers to have some form of certification before they are allowed to work in restaurants or other establishments. Depending on your state, this could mean passing an exam or completing an approved course.

The courses for certifications vary by location, but generally cover topics such as proper hygiene practices, safe food handling techniques, and knowledge of laws related to food service. You may also learn about customer service skills and how to handle difficult situations. While these topics may seem basic, they are important for anyone working in the food service industry and having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, while having a food service worker certificate is not required everywhere, it can be beneficial when it comes to finding employment in the field. It shows potential employers that you have taken steps to become knowledgeable about the industry and demonstrates your dedication to safety standards.

Related: Food Service Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Food Service Worker Certifications

1. What is a food service worker certification?

Answer: A food service worker certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has completed the necessary training and education to work in the food service industry. It may be required by employers or regulatory bodies in order to work in certain roles.

2. How do I obtain a food service worker certification?

Answer: To obtain a food service worker certification, you must meet the eligibility requirements for your state or jurisdiction and complete approved training courses. Depending on where you live, you may need to take an exam or pass a background check as well.

3. Is there an expiration date for my food service worker certification?

Answer: Yes, most food service worker certifications have an expiration date and must be renewed periodically in order to remain valid. The frequency of renewal depends on the jurisdiction where you obtained your certification and can range from every one to five years.

4. Are there any fees associated with obtaining or renewing my food service worker certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be fees associated with obtaining or renewing your food service worker certification depending on where you live and what type of certificate you are seeking. Some jurisdictions require payment for exams or background checks as part of the process for obtaining or renewing certifications.

5. What happens if I lose my food service worker certification?

Answer: If you lose your food service worker certification, contact the issuing agency immediately to request a replacement copy. Depending on the agency, there may be fees associated with ordering a replacement certificate, so it is important to act quickly if yours is lost or damaged.