Top 10 Kitchen Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for kitchen managers in the job market because they demonstrate that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage a kitchen. Certifications can help a kitchen manager stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they are dedicated to their profession. Certifications also provide valuable insight into a candidate's abilities and can help employers make informed decisions when hiring. Additionally, certifications can provide a sense of credibility and trustworthiness to an employer, as they may be more likely to hire someone who is certified in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for kitchen managers and to explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Kitchen Manager Certifications?

Kitchen manager certification is a program designed to provide formal training and recognition of individuals in the food service industry. This certification recognizes those who have achieved proficiency in the management of kitchen operations, including safety, sanitation, personnel management, menu planning, purchasing and inventory control. The certification also provides a benchmark of professional kitchen management standards that can be used to evaluate existing and potential employees.

The benefits of kitchen manager certification are numerous. It can help employers hire qualified personnel who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills as a kitchen manager. It can also be used as an incentive for employees to strive for excellence in their positions by providing them with recognition for their hard work and dedication. Additionally, it provides a level of assurance that the staff understands and follows proper procedures for food safety and sanitation. Finally, it offers a way for employers to stay up-to-date on best practices in the industry which helps ensure optimal performance in their kitchens.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become a certified kitchen manager, consider taking an online course that covers the basics of food safety and sanitation. This will give you a better understanding of the regulations and requirements necessary for certification, as well as provide you with the knowledge needed to effectively manage a professional kitchen.

Related: What does a Kitchen Manager do?

Top 10 Kitchen Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Kitchen Manager (CPKM)

Certified Professional Kitchen Manager (CPKM) is a certification program that provides kitchen managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a professional kitchen. The program is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CPKM certification requires completion of an online course and an in-person exam. The online course consists of six modules, each covering a different aspect of kitchen management, such as food safety, nutrition, cost control, menu planning, and more. The in-person exam tests your knowledge of these topics and your ability to apply them in a professional setting.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete the CPKM certification program. To get started, you must first register for the program through the NRAEF website. After registering, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the in-person exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CPKM certification program varies depending on where you live, but it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. This includes both the online course materials and the in-person exam fee.

2. Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

A Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional certification awarded by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). It is the highest level of certification available for chefs in the United States and is recognized internationally. The CEC credential demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in culinary arts and management, as well as a commitment to continuing education and professional development.

In order to become a CEC, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements. These include having at least five years of experience as an executive chef or equivalent position in the foodservice industry; completing at least 450 hours of approved continuing education courses; passing both written and practical exams; and demonstrating professionalism in their work.

It typically takes three to five years to complete all of the requirements for becoming a CEC. During this time, individuals must maintain their ACF membership, attend continuing education courses, and keep up-to-date on industry trends.

The cost of becoming a CEC varies depending on the number of courses taken, but it generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD. This includes fees for ACF membership, exam registration, course materials, and other associated costs.

3. Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP)

The Certified Foodservice Management Professional (CFMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in foodservice management. The CFMP is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in the foodservice industry, or one year of full-time experience plus an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

The CFMP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as menu planning, cost control, customer service, human resources management, and food safety. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center around the world.

The cost for the CFMP exam is $395 USD and includes study materials and access to online practice exams. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official CFMP certification card valid for five years.

4. ServSafe Manager Certification

ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to help restaurant and food service managers protect their customers from foodborne illnesses. The certification is valid for five years and it requires passing an exam.

The ServSafe Manager Certification Program consists of a two-hour online course, followed by an exam that must be taken at an approved testing center. The online course covers topics such as food safety regulations, proper hygiene practices, safe food handling techniques, and more. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be passed with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the ServSafe Manager Certification Program varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges between $100-$200 USD. This includes the cost of the online course and exam fees.

In order to maintain certification, individuals must complete a recertification process every five years that includes completing an updated version of the online course and taking another exam at an approved testing center.

5. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Kitchen Manager Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Kitchen Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of kitchen managers in the restaurant industry. The certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in their field and provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on the applicant’s availability for testing and other requirements. To become certified, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with a non-refundable fee of $125. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then complete an online course covering topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, purchasing and inventory management. After successfully completing the coursework, applicants must then pass a written exam administered by NRAEF. Upon successful completion of both the coursework and the exam, applicants will receive their official NRAEF Kitchen Manager Certification.

The cost of this certification includes a $125 application fee as well as any fees associated with taking the course or exam.

6. American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC) is a professional certification program for chefs and cooks. It is the highest level of certification offered by the American Culinary Federation, and it requires a comprehensive knowledge of culinary arts and management. To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a professional kitchen, complete an accredited culinary program, and pass an exam administered by the American Culinary Federation.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CC exam. During this time, applicants should focus on mastering all aspects of the culinary industry including nutrition, sanitation, food safety, menu planning, purchasing and inventory control. They should also become familiar with various cooking techniques such as braising, roasting, baking and grilling.

To get certified as a CC, applicants must submit an application to the American Culinary Federation along with their resume and proof of work experience in a professional kitchen. Once accepted into the program, they will be provided with study materials that they can use to prepare for the exam. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the American Culinary Federation; non-members pay $395 while members pay $295.

7. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Food Safety Manager Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Food Safety Manager Certification is a program designed to help foodservice operators meet local and state food safety regulations. The certification is based on the FDA Food Code, which sets standards for safe food handling, storage, and preparation. To receive the certification, foodservice operators must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the FDA Food Code.

The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete and can be taken at any NSF-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $100-$200. Candidates who successfully pass the exam will receive a certificate valid for five years from the date of issue.

To prepare for the exam, candidates should review their local and state food safety regulations as well as study materials provided by NSF or other organizations such as ServSafe or Prometric. Additionally, there are online courses available through NSF that provide comprehensive instruction on how to properly handle, store, and prepare food in accordance with FDA guidelines.

8. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of food safety hazards in food production and preparation. It is based on seven principles that focus on identifying potential food safety hazards, establishing critical control points to prevent or reduce those hazards, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

HACCP Certification is a process by which a food business can demonstrate its commitment to safe food practices. The certification requires a thorough review of the company's HACCP plan, including procedures for monitoring and verifying the effectiveness of the plan. Companies must also provide evidence that their staff has been trained in HACCP principles and are following the plan consistently.

The time it takes to get HACCP Certification depends on the size and complexity of the business’s operations. Generally, it takes between 4-6 months from start to finish. To get certified, businesses must first develop a HACCP plan that meets all requirements set out by their local regulatory body. Once this is done, they must submit their plan for review by an accredited third-party certification body. If approved, they will receive their certificate of compliance with HACCP standards.

The cost of getting HACCP Certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the business’s operations as well as the type of certification body used. Generally speaking, costs range from $2,000-$5,000 USD depending on these factors.

9. Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) Level 3 Certification

The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) Level 3 Certification is a globally recognized food safety certification program that ensures food products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. The SQFI Level 3 Certification requires companies to demonstrate their commitment to food safety through rigorous assessment, audit and verification processes.

It typically takes about 6 months for a company to receive the SQFI Level 3 Certification. This timeline can vary depending on the size of the organization and complexity of its operations. To obtain the certification, companies must first complete an application process that includes providing detailed information about their operations, including facility layout, production processes, personnel qualifications and training records.

Once approved for certification, companies are required to undergo an on-site audit by an SQFI-certified auditor. During this audit, the auditor will assess all aspects of a company’s operations to ensure they comply with SQFI’s standards and requirements. If any issues are identified during the audit, corrective actions must be taken before certification can be granted.

The cost of obtaining SQFI Level 3 Certification varies depending on the size and complexity of a company’s operations. Generally speaking, it can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars for larger organizations.

10. International Food Safety Managers Association (IFSMA) Certified Food Safety Manager

The International Food Safety Managers Association (IFSMA) Certified Food Safety Manager is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of food safety managers. It is designed to ensure that food safety managers have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage food safety programs in their workplace.

To become an IFSMA Certified Food Safety Manager, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program and pass a rigorous exam. The training program typically consists of two parts: classroom instruction and an online course. The classroom instruction covers topics such as food safety principles, hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP), sanitation, microbiology, personal hygiene, pest control, and product recall procedures. The online course covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, safe handling practices, allergen management, HACCP plan development, and regulatory compliance.

The IFSMA Certified Food Safety Manager exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the United States. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of food safety management including HACCP principles, sanitation practices, regulatory compliance, product recall procedures, and more. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70%.

The cost for taking the IFSMA Certified Food Safety Manager exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking the training program depending on where it is taken.

Do You Really Need a Kitchen Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a kitchen manager certificate depends on where you want to work and what type of job you are looking for. If you are interested in working in a restaurant or food service setting, it is likely that having a kitchen manager certificate will be beneficial. A kitchen manager certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a kitchen, including understanding food safety regulations, managing staff, overseeing food preparation and presentation, financial management, and ordering supplies.

Having a kitchen manager certificate can make you more attractive to employers looking for someone with relevant experience and qualifications. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to manage a kitchen successfully. Additionally, some states may require that restaurant managers possess a valid certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a kitchen manager certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you plan on working in the food service industry, it is likely worth investing in getting certified as it can help give you an edge over other candidates.

Related: Kitchen Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Kitchen Manager Certifications

1. What is a Kitchen Manager Certification?

Answer: A Kitchen Manager Certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and ability to manage food safety and sanitation practices in a kitchen setting. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or educational institution after completion of an approved training course.

2. Who should get a Kitchen Manager Certification?

Answer: Anyone who works in the food service industry, such as chefs, cooks, kitchen managers, and waitstaff, may benefit from obtaining a Kitchen Manager Certification. It can help demonstrate their commitment to safety and quality standards in the workplace.

3. How long does it take to get a Kitchen Manager Certification?

Answer: The time required to obtain a Kitchen Manager Certification varies depending on the institution offering the program and the student's prior experience. Generally, it takes anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all coursework and exams required for certification.

4. What topics are covered in Kitchen Manager Certification courses?

Answer: Common topics covered in Kitchen Manager Certification courses include food safety regulations, safe food handling practices, nutrition basics, menu planning principles, kitchen organization strategies, cost control techniques, customer service best practices, and more.

5. Is there an exam required for Kitchen Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, most institutions require students to pass an exam in order to be certified as a Kitchen Manager. The exam may include written questions or practical tests that assess knowledge of food safety regulations and safe food handling practices.