Top 11 Meat Cutter Certifications

Certifications for a meat cutter are important in the job market because they demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and skills in the field. Employers may require certifications as proof of competency, and they can also help an individual stand out from other applicants. Certifications provide evidence that the individual has taken the time to learn proper procedures, processes, and safety standards related to meat cutting, which helps to ensure quality products. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher wages and more job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Meat Cutters and explain how they can help advance one's career in the field.

What are Meat Cutter Certifications?

Meat cutter certification is a process that ensures that individuals who work in the meat industry are trained and experienced in food safety and handling practices. This certification is required by most state and local health departments before an individual can legally cut or process meat for sale.

The certification process typically involves passing an exam that tests the applicant’s knowledge of food safety procedures, product identification, meat cutting techniques, and basic math skills. The exam is administered by a third-party organization and must be passed with a minimum score to receive certification. After completing the exam, applicants will usually receive their certificate within 2 to 3 weeks.

Having a meat cutter certification can help individuals gain employment in the food services industry since employers prefer to hire certified personnel. It also provides assurance to customers that their food is being handled safely and properly. Certification also serves as evidence of expertise and experience in the field, which may lead to career advancement opportunities. Additionally, many states require meat cutters to have current certifications in order to remain employed in the industry; therefore, having current certification helps ensure job security for those employed as meat cutters.

Pro tip: Make sure to check the requirements for your state or local area for obtaining a meat cutter certification. Different states have different certifications, so it's important to research the requirements in your specific area before beginning the process.

Related: What does a Meat Cutter do?

Top 11 Meat Cutter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Meat Cutters today.

1. Certified Meat Cutter (CMC)

A Certified Meat Cutter (CMC) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the meat cutting industry. This certification is administered by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a trade association representing the beef industry.

To become a Certified Meat Cutter, individuals must first complete a minimum of 400 hours of approved meat cutting instruction from an accredited program. This can include apprenticeship programs, technical schools, community colleges, or universities. After completing the required training, applicants must pass an exam and demonstrate their proficiency in the areas of safety, sanitation, cut identification, customer service skills, and other related topics.

The cost to become a Certified Meat Cutter varies depending on the type of training program chosen and any associated fees charged by the institution providing it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 to complete the required coursework and obtain certification.

Once certified, individuals are eligible for various job opportunities within the meat cutting industry such as butchers or meat cutters at grocery stores or butcher shops. Additionally, many employers may offer higher pay for those who have obtained their CMC certification as it demonstrates their commitment to excellence in their craft.

2. Certified Professional Meat Cutter (CPMC)

Certified Professional Meat Cutter (CPMC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of meat cutting. The certification is offered through the American Meat Science Association (AMSA).

To obtain the CPMC certification, applicants must first complete an approved training program or apprenticeship in meat cutting, which typically takes between one and two years. After completing the program or apprenticeship, applicants must then pass an exam administered by AMSA. The exam covers topics such as food safety, knife skills, product identification, portion control, customer service, and more.

The cost of obtaining the CPMC certification varies depending on where you take the exam and other factors. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 to take the exam.

Once you have obtained your CPMC certification, you will be eligible for a variety of job opportunities in the meat industry. These include positions such as butcher shop manager, meat processor supervisor, retail meat cutter, and more.

3. Certified Master Meat Cutter (CMMC)

A Certified Master Meat Cutter (CMMC) is a professional certification awarded by the American Meat Science Association (AMSA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in meat cutting and merchandising. The CMMC certification requires that an individual demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of meat cutting and merchandising.

To become certified as a CMMC, an individual must complete an approved AMSA training program, pass an exam administered by the AMSA, and meet certain experience requirements. The training program typically takes between three to six months to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. After completing the training program, individuals must take a comprehensive exam covering topics such as safety procedures, sanitation standards, product identification, portion control, merchandising techniques, and customer service.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMMC varies depending on the specific training program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs range from around $500-$1000 for tuition plus additional fees for books or materials.

Once certified as a CMMC, individuals must renew their certification every five years by taking continuing education courses or attending seminars related to meat cutting and merchandising.

4. American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (ACF CEC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (ACF CEC) is a professional certification offered by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). It is designed to recognize chefs who have achieved a high level of culinary expertise and mastery. The ACF CEC requires chefs to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a variety of areas including menu planning, food preparation, nutrition, sanitation, safety, and management.

To become an ACF CEC, chefs must have at least five years of experience working in the culinary field as well as complete continuing education credits from an accredited institution. Additionally, chefs must pass an exam administered by the ACF which covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, menu planning and development, purchasing and inventory control systems.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become an ACF CEC depending on how quickly you can complete the necessary requirements.

To get your ACF CEC certification you will need to:

1) Become a member of the American Culinary Federation

2) Complete at least five years of experience working in the culinary field

3) Earn continuing education credits from an accredited institution

4) Pass the ACF Certification Exam

5) Submit your application for certification with all required documentation

6) Receive your certificate once approved by the ACF Board of Directors

7) Maintain your certification through recertification every five years.

The cost for becoming an ACF CEC varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the American Culinary Federation. If you are not already a member then it will cost $100 for membership plus $250 for the exam fee. If you are already a member then it will cost $250 for the exam fee only.

5. National Meat Cutting & Processing Certification Program (NMCPP)

The National Meat Cutting & Processing Certification Program (NMCPP) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the skills and knowledge required for safe and efficient meat cutting and processing. The program provides an opportunity for those involved in the meat industry to demonstrate their expertise, increase their value, and advance their career.

The program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Meat Cutter, Certified Meat Processor, and Certified Master Meat Processor. Each level requires passing an exam that tests the individual’s knowledge of meat cutting and processing techniques.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete the program. To get certified, individuals must first apply to take the exam by submitting an application form and fee to the NMCPP office. After approval, they will be sent a study guide with information about the examination process as well as sample questions. Once they have studied for the exam, they can register for a testing session at one of several locations across the United States.

The cost of certification varies depending on which level you are seeking certification in. The cost for Certified Meat Cutter is $150; Certified Meat Processor is $200; and Certified Master Meat Processor is $250.

6. National Retail Meat Cutter Certification Program (NRMCCP)

The National Retail Meat Cutter Certification Program (NRMCCP) is a certification program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is designed to provide retail meat cutters with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge that are necessary for success in the industry. The program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires different qualifications and takes different amounts of time to complete.

To become certified at the Basic level, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as food safety, knife handling, meat cutting techniques, and customer service. This exam typically takes around two hours to complete and costs $75.

To become certified at the Intermediate level, applicants must have completed the Basic level certification and have at least one year of experience in retail meat cutting. In addition, they must pass an exam that covers topics such as advanced knife handling techniques, portion control, merchandising principles, and customer service skills. This exam typically takes around four hours to complete and costs $100.

Finally, to become certified at the Advanced level, applicants must have completed both the Basic and Intermediate levels of certification as well as have at least two years of experience in retail meat cutting. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as cost analysis methods, inventory management principles, product selection criteria, and customer service strategies. This exam typically takes around six hours to complete and costs $125.

Overall, it can take up to eight hours to complete all three levels of certification and cost up to $300 in total fees.

7. National Provisioners Association’s Certified Master Butcher Program (NPA CMBP)

The National Provisioners Association’s Certified Master Butcher Program (NPA CMBP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize the highest level of professional butchering skills. The program consists of three levels: Certified Journeyman Butcher, Certified Master Butcher, and Certified Master Craftsman.

To become a Certified Journeyman Butcher, an individual must complete an approved apprenticeship program or demonstrate equivalent experience in the meat industry. This includes a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and/or classroom instruction in topics such as food safety, sanitation, cutting techniques, animal anatomy and physiology, and customer service. Upon successful completion of the journeyman level requirements, individuals are awarded a certificate from the NPA CMBP.

To become a Certified Master Butcher, individuals must have completed their journeyman certification as well as pass an exam administered by the NPA CMBP. The exam tests knowledge and skills related to retail meat cutting techniques, product identification and fabrication methods, customer service principles and practices, food safety regulations and procedures, quality assurance protocols and more. Upon successful completion of the master level requirements, individuals are awarded a certificate from the NPA CMBP.

To become a Certified Master Craftsman in Meat Cutting & Fabrication (CMCF), individuals must have completed their master certification as well as pass an additional exam administered by the NPA CMBP. The exam tests knowledge and skills related to advanced retail meat cutting techniques such as whole animal breakdowns for specialty cuts; product identification; fabrication methods; customer service principles and practices; food safety regulations and procedures; quality assurance protocols; equipment maintenance procedures; inventory management systems; pricing strategies; marketing plans; business management concepts; financial analysis tools; employee supervision principles; human resources policies and more. Upon successful completion of the master craftsman level requirements, individuals are awarded a certificate from the NPA CMBP.

The cost of enrolling in each level varies depending on whether you choose to take part in an apprenticeship program or demonstrate equivalent experience in the meat industry. Generally speaking however it will cost approximately $1,000-$2,000 per level depending on your location/state/country etc.. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to complete all three levels depending on how quickly you progress through each one.

8. U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Safe Food Handler Certificate (USDA SFHSC)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Safe Food Handler Certificate (USDA SFHSC) is a voluntary certification program for food handlers who work in restaurants, retail stores, and other food service establishments. The certificate is designed to ensure that food handlers have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle food safely.

It takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete the coursework and receive the certificate. To get the certification, individuals must first complete an online course offered by an approved provider such as ServSafe or National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP). Once the course is successfully completed, individuals must pass a proctored exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the USDA SFHSC varies depending on which provider you choose. For example, ServSafe offers a basic package for $99 which includes access to online course material and one proctored exam voucher. NRFSP offers a similar package for $75 which includes access to online course material and two proctored exam vouchers.

9. Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Safe Food Handler Certificate (CFIA SFHSC)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Safe Food Handler Certificate (CFIA SFHSC) is a certification program designed to ensure that food handlers have the knowledge and skills to safely handle food in Canada. The program is designed for individuals who are employed in the food service industry, such as chefs, cooks, servers, bakers, and other food handlers.

It takes approximately two hours to complete the CFIA SFHSC course. The course is offered online or through an approved training provider. It covers topics such as personal hygiene, safe food handling practices, temperature control of foods, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, and preventing cross-contamination. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate valid for five years.

The cost of the CFIA SFHSC varies depending on the training provider you choose. Most providers charge between $50 and $100 for the course.

To obtain your CFIA SFHSC certificate you must complete an approved training program and pass a written exam with a score of at least 75%. You must also provide proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport). Once you have completed all requirements you will be issued a certificate that is valid for five years from the date of issue.

10. HACCP Training for Meat Cutters and Processors

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) Training for Meat Cutters and Processors is a food safety program designed to help food handlers identify, assess, and control potential hazards in their workplace. The training provides an understanding of the principles of HACCP, how to identify potential hazards, and how to implement effective controls.

The length of the training varies depending on the organization providing it. Generally, the course takes between 4-8 hours to complete. It is typically offered in a classroom setting or online.

In order to receive HACCP certification, individuals must first complete the required training and then pass an exam. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider; however, most organizations charge around $100-$200 per person for the course.

Once certified, individuals are expected to maintain their knowledge by attending refresher courses every two years or so in order to remain compliant with HACCP regulations.

11. ServSafe Food Handler Certificate

ServSafe Food Handler Certificate is a certificate program designed to help foodservice workers learn the basics of safe food handling and preparation. It is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and administered by ServSafe, a division of the NRAEF. The program is designed to provide food handlers with an understanding of basic food safety principles, such as proper handwashing techniques, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention.

The program consists of an online course that can be completed in 2-3 hours. During the course, participants will learn about topics such as personal hygiene, time/temperature control, contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing, and pest control. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a printable certificate indicating they have successfully completed the ServSafe Food Handler Certificate Program.

To get your ServSafe Food Handler Certificate you must first register for the online course on the ServSafe website. Once registered you can begin taking the course at any time. After completing all of the required modules you will be able to print out your certificate or purchase a physical copy for $10 USD.

The cost for taking the online course is $15 USD which includes access to all of the modules and materials needed to complete it as well as a free practice exam with instant grading upon completion.

Do You Really Need a Meat Cutter Certificate?

Whether or not you need a meat cutter certificate to become a professional meat cutter depends on the state you’re in. In some states, such as California, it is mandatory for all meat cutters to have a valid certificate from an accredited program. In other states, such as Texas, this isn't required and you can become a professional meat cutter without any certification.

That being said, having a meat cutter certificate does offer several benefits. First of all, it gives employers confidence that you have the necessary training to do the job correctly and safely. It also shows that you are committed to doing your job properly and up to industry standards. Furthermore, having a certificate can help you land better jobs with higher pay since employers often prefer certified candidates over those who don't possess any certification. Lastly, having a certificate may also open up opportunities for advancement within the field since some employers may be more willing to promote someone with formal training and credentials than someone without them.

Overall, while having a meat cutter certificate may not be mandatory in some states, it certainly offers numerous advantages that could potentially help you find better employment opportunities or advance your career in the field of meat cutting.

Related: Meat Cutter Resume Examples

FAQs About Meat Cutter Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a meat cutter?

Answer: Generally, to become a meat cutter, you must complete a formal apprenticeship program or a vocational training program related to cutting and preparing meats. You may also need to obtain certification from the American Meat Science Association (AMSA).

2. How long does it take to get certified as a meat cutter?

Answer: The amount of time needed to get certified varies depending on the program you choose and the level of certification you wish to achieve. A typical apprenticeship or vocational training program can take anywhere from one month to two years.

3. What is covered in a meat cutter certification program?

Answer: A typical meat cutter certification program will cover topics such as basic food safety, knife skills, sanitation procedures, cutting techniques, and more.

4. Where can I find an accredited meat cutter certification program?

Answer: There are several organizations that offer accredited meat cutter certification programs, including the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), National Restaurant Association (NRA), and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

5. Is there an exam required for obtaining a meat cutter certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The type of exam varies by organization; some require written tests while others require practical exams where applicants must demonstrate their knowledge through hands-on activities.