Top 10 Kitchen Worker Certifications

Certifications are important for kitchen workers in the job market because they establish a level of expertise and trustworthiness. Certifications demonstrate that an individual has taken the time to learn and understand the required skills, knowledge and safety protocols necessary to be successful in a kitchen setting. Employers view certifications as evidence of an individual’s commitment to their profession, which can give them an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications provide a way to stay current on industry trends, new techniques and best practices, which can help a kitchen worker stay ahead of the competition.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for kitchen workers and discuss how they can enhance their career opportunities.

What are Kitchen Worker Certifications?

Kitchen worker certification is a type of training program that ensures food safety and sanitation standards are met in professional kitchens. This certification is important for anyone who works in the food industry, from restaurant staff to institutional cooks.

The kitchen worker certification program covers topics such as food safety and handling, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, temperature control, proper storage of food items, and pest control. It also teaches important skills such as knife safety, equipment operation, and recipe preparation. By taking this course, workers can gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely prepare meals for customers or clients.

Having a kitchen worker certification can help individuals looking for jobs in the food industry stand out from other applicants by demonstrating their commitment to safety and professionalism. Additionally, employers may prefer to hire candidates with kitchen worker certifications due to their confidence in the employees’ ability to handle food properly and safely. Finally, having a kitchen worker certification can provide peace of mind to employers knowing that their kitchen staff has been trained in best practices that help reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses or other accidents occurring in the workplace.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for the kitchen worker certification in your state or country. Each jurisdiction may have different regulations, so it's important to understand the specific requirements in order to ensure you are properly certified.

Related: What does a Kitchen Worker do?

Top 10 Kitchen Worker Certifications

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

1. Food Handler Certification

Food Handler Certification is a certificate that proves an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the food service industry. This certification is required by many employers, especially those who serve food to the public. It is also often a requirement for obtaining a food safety license or permit.

The certification process typically takes 1-2 hours and can be completed online or in-person. To get certified, individuals must complete a course that covers topics such as food safety regulations, safe food handling practices, and basic sanitation principles. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of these topics.

The cost of Food Handler Certification varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it costs between $10-$50 USD to receive certification from an accredited provider.

2. ServSafe Food Safety Certification

ServSafe Food Safety Certification is a nationally recognized certification program that provides food service professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to protect their customers from foodborne illnesses. The certification is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The ServSafe Food Safety Certification Program consists of an online course and exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety principles, safe food handling practices, proper storage and preparation techniques, and more. The exam tests the participant’s knowledge of these topics. Upon successful completion of the exam, participants receive a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification valid for five years.

The online course typically takes between four and six hours to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level. After completing the course, participants can schedule their exam at an approved proctor site or take it online using a webcam proctoring service.

The cost of the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you purchase additional materials such as textbooks or study guides. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay around $150-$200 for the entire certification process (including both the course and exam).

3. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Food Safety Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Food Safety Certification is a program that provides food safety training and certification to individuals working in the restaurant and foodservice industry. The certification is designed to help ensure that restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice establishments are providing safe, healthy meals to their customers.

The NRAEF Food Safety Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, proper food handling techniques, personal hygiene, storage and preparation of food items, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, temperature control methods, pest control measures, and more. After completing the course, participants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

The entire process typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete depending on the individual’s learning style and pace. To get certified through the NRAEF Food Safety Certification program, individuals must first register for the online course at www.nraefcertification.org/register/. There is a fee associated with registering for the course which varies by state but generally ranges from $50-$100 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam portion of the program, individuals will receive their official NRAEF Food Safety Certification card which is valid for 5 years from date of issue.

4. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) is a professional who oversees the food service operations of healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, and other institutions. They are responsible for managing the nutritional needs of patients and residents, as well as ensuring that all food safety regulations are met.

To become a CDM, one must first complete an accredited Dietary Manager Program. This program typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete and includes coursework in nutrition, food service management, sanitation, and safety. After completing the program, applicants must pass a certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM).

The cost of becoming a CDM varies depending on the school or program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000 to $4,000 per semester. In addition to tuition costs, applicants must also pay an application fee and exam fee. The application fee is usually around $50 while the exam fee is around $200.

5. Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional certification granted by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). It is the highest level of certification offered by the ACF and signifies mastery of culinary skills and knowledge. The CEC designation is recognized as one of the most prestigious credentials in the foodservice industry.

To earn a CEC, candidates must have at least five years of experience working as an executive chef or similar position in a commercial kitchen. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 250 hours of continuing education courses related to culinary arts, food safety, nutrition, and management.

The process for obtaining a CEC typically takes about one year to complete. Candidates must first submit an application to the ACF along with documentation verifying their work experience, educational background, and continuing education credits. Once approved, candidates are eligible to take the Certified Executive Chef exam which consists of two parts: written and practical.

The cost for becoming a CEC varies depending on several factors such as membership status with the ACF and whether or not you choose to participate in any additional training programs offered by them. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $350 - $1,000 USD to become certified.

6. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification that demonstrates a food manager's knowledge of food safety and sanitation principles. The certification is issued by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to help ensure that foodservice operations are managed in accordance with industry best practices.

The CPFM exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within two hours. The exam covers topics such as food safety, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, pest control, HACCP and more. To pass the exam, applicants must achieve a score of at least 70%.

In order to take the CPFM exam, applicants must first complete an approved food safety training program. The NRAEF offers an online course that meets the requirements for certification. This course takes approximately eight hours to complete and costs $125 USD. After completing the course, applicants can register for the CPFM exam at their local Prometric testing center or online through the NRAEF website. The cost of taking the exam is $150 USD.

Once applicants have passed the CPFM exam, they will receive their certification card in the mail within four weeks. The card is valid for five years from its date of issue and must be renewed after that time period has elapsed.

7. American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certification

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of chefs in the culinary industry. It is designed to provide chefs with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism.

To obtain ACF certification, chefs must first become members of the ACF. Then they must pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, menu planning, sanitation, and kitchen management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Once the exam has been passed successfully, chefs may apply for certification in one or more of the following areas: Certified Culinarian (CC), Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Sous Chef (CSC), Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC), or Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC).

The cost of obtaining ACF certification varies depending on which level of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it will cost around $200-$300 for each level of certification. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and study materials.

In order to maintain your ACF certification status, you must renew your membership every year and participate in continuing education activities related to your profession. This includes attending seminars and workshops or completing online courses related to food safety or nutrition. The renewal fee for each level of certification is typically around $50-$100 per year.

Overall, obtaining ACF certification can take anywhere from several months to a year depending on how quickly you are able to complete all the necessary requirements. However, once obtained it can open up many new opportunities for career advancement within the culinary industry.

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

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a certification program that helps organizations identify, assess, and control food safety hazards. It is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of foodborne illness. The goal of HACCP is to prevent contamination and spoilage by identifying potential hazards in the production process and implementing preventive measures.

HACCP certification typically takes between three to six months to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the organization's operations. To get HACCP certified, organizations must develop a detailed plan that outlines their processes for controlling food safety hazards. This plan must be reviewed by a qualified auditor who will assess its effectiveness and compliance with HACCP standards.

The cost of getting HACCP certified depends on the size of the organization and the scope of their operations. Generally, it can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with training staff or purchasing equipment needed to implement the HACCP plan.

9. Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) Level 2 or 3 Certification

Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) Level 2 or 3 Certification is a food safety and quality certification program that helps organizations meet customer and regulatory requirements for food safety and quality. It is based on the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards, which provide guidelines for implementing a food safety management system.

The SQFI Level 2 or 3 Certification Program requires an organization to demonstrate compliance with the GFSI standards, as well as additional criteria from the SQFI program. The certification process involves an audit of the organization’s food safety management system by an accredited third-party auditor. The audit includes a review of documents, interviews with personnel, and on-site observations of processes and procedures.

The time required to complete the certification process depends on the size and complexity of the organization’s food safety management system. Generally, it takes between three to six months to get SQFI Level 2 or 3 Certification.

To get SQFI Level 2 or 3 Certification, organizations must first register with SQFI and then select an accredited third-party auditor to conduct the audit. Organizations should also ensure they have all necessary documents in place before beginning the audit process.

The cost of SQFI Level 2 or 3 Certification depends on several factors including size and complexity of the organization’s food safety management system, number of sites to be audited, type of product being produced, etc. Generally, it costs between $2,000 - $10,000 USD for each site being audited.

10. Kitchen Steward/Stewarding Supervisor Certificate

A Kitchen Steward/Stewarding Supervisor Certificate is a professional certification that demonstrates the ability to manage and supervise kitchen staff. It is an important credential for those looking to advance in the food service industry. The certificate typically takes about six months to complete, depending on the program chosen.

To obtain the certificate, individuals must complete a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and an examination. The coursework covers topics such as sanitation, safety regulations, inventory management, food storage procedures, and customer service. Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will receive their Kitchen Steward/Stewarding Supervisor Certificate.

The cost of obtaining a Kitchen Steward/Stewarding Supervisor Certificate varies depending on the program chosen and other factors such as location and duration. Generally speaking, programs range from $500-$2,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Kitchen Worker Certificate?

When it comes to working in a kitchen, the answer to whether or not you need a Kitchen Worker Certificate depends on the type of job you are applying for. If you are looking for a job as a dishwasher, line cook, food preparer, waiter or other position within the food service industry, it is likely that you will need some form of certification. The certificate will provide proof that you have been trained in safe food handling practices and sanitation standards.

The exact type of certificate required may vary depending on your state and local laws as well as the requirements set forth by your employer. Generally speaking, however, most employers will require at least a basic Food Handler’s Certificate. This certification is usually obtained by taking an approved course and passing a written test. The courses typically cover topics such as proper hygiene and safety procedures while handling food, food storage guidelines, cooking temperatures and other related topics. Depending on where you live, there may also be additional certifications required such as an Allergen Awareness Certificate or HACCP Certification.

Having a Kitchen Worker Certificate can give employers confidence in your abilities and help ensure that their customers receive safe and properly prepared meals. It also shows dedication to your profession and sets you apart from those without the certificate when applying for jobs. Ultimately, having this certification demonstrates to employers that you have taken initiative to learn about proper kitchen safety practices which can benefit both them and their customers alike.

Related: Kitchen Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Kitchen Worker Certifications

1. What certifications are available for kitchen workers?

Answer: Certifications for kitchen workers vary depending on the country, state, or region. Common certifications include ServSafe Manager Certification, HACCP Certification, and Food Safety Manager Certification.

2. How do I become certified as a kitchen worker?

Answer: To become certified as a kitchen worker, you will need to complete an approved food safety certification course and pass the corresponding exam. Depending on the certification you are pursuing, you may also need to complete additional requirements such as hands-on training or work experience.

3. What topics are covered in a kitchen worker certification course?

Answer: Kitchen worker certification courses typically cover topics such as food safety regulations and procedures, food handling techniques, sanitation practices, temperature control methods, pest control measures, and other related topics.

4. How long does it take to get a kitchen worker certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get a kitchen worker certification depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and your own study habits. Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained within 2-3 months if you dedicate enough time to studying for the exam.

5. Do I need to renew my kitchen worker certification?

Answer: Yes, most food safety certifications must be renewed every few years in order to remain valid. The renewal process may involve retaking an exam or completing additional training courses depending on the type of certification you have obtained.