Top 11 Produce Manager Certifications

Certifications for a produce manager in the job market are important for several reasons. Firstly, certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the produce manager has a strong knowledge base and experience in their field. Certifications also signify that the produce manager is up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Finally, certifications can help secure higher salaries and better opportunities due to the competitive edge they provide. Employers are often more likely to hire candidates with certifications as they have proven their commitment to excellence and indicate a greater level of expertise than non-certified applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Produce Managers and explain how they can provide a career boost for those in the profession.

What are Produce Manager Certifications?

Produce manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in produce management. It is designed for retail produce professionals who are responsible for the purchasing, merchandising, and handling of fresh fruits and vegetables. The certification program covers topics such as food safety, quality assurance, food handling practices, inventory control systems, product selection and pricing strategies.

By becoming certified, produce managers can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field. Certification also helps employers verify the qualifications of their produce managers and ensures they are up-to-date on industry standards. Additionally, it provides employers with access to a network of certified professionals who can offer guidance and advice on best practices in the industry. Finally, certified produce managers may have access to additional job opportunities or promotions within their organization due to their enhanced qualifications.

Pro Tip: When considering which produce manager certification to pursue, make sure to research the requirements and benefits of each certification program. Ensure that the program offers an up-to-date curriculum and covers topics related to the specific produce industry you are working in. Additionally, look for a program that is accredited by a reputable industry organization or government agency.

Related: What does a Produce Manager do?

Top 11 Produce Manager Certifications

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

1. Produce Manager Certification from the Produce Marketing Association

The Produce Manager Certification from the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is a comprehensive program designed to recognize and reward produce professionals who demonstrate superior knowledge, skills, and abilities in the industry. The certification includes a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as produce safety, food safety, quality assurance, product handling, and merchandising.

It typically takes around six months to complete the program. The first step is to fill out an application form online or by mail. Once accepted into the program, participants will receive access to course materials and resources. After completing all of the required courses and passing the exams with a minimum score of 70%, participants will be awarded their certification.

The cost for the PMA Produce Manager Certification program is $1,195 for members of PMA and $1,395 for non-members. This fee covers all course materials, access to resources, exam fees, as well as one year of membership in PMA if you are not already a member.

2. Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS) from the National Environmental Health Association

The Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS) is a food safety certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in food safety. The CP-FS certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to protecting public health through food safety.

To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of food safety, including HACCP principles, sanitation practices, personal hygiene, and food defense. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and typically takes two to three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CP-FS certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in the field of food safety or related area such as environmental health, public health or hospitality management. In addition, applicants must have completed an approved training program in food safety or have obtained equivalent education or experience.

The cost for the CP-FS certification is $225 for NEHA members and $325 for non-members. This fee includes the application fee and exam fee. The application process can take up to four weeks from the time it is received by NEHA until you receive your results. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official certificate within four weeks after passing the exam.

3. Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) from the International Food Safety Council

The Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) is a certification program offered by the International Food Safety Council (IFSC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of food safety. The CFSP is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to food safety and their knowledge of the principles and practices of safe food handling.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass an examination administered by the IFSC. The exam covers topics such as food safety regulations, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), sanitation, pest control, traceability and recall systems, and food defense. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

To be eligible for the CFSP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of food safety or related areas. Applicants must also possess a bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university or have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours in courses related to food safety.

The cost for taking the CFSP exam varies depending on where you are located; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with becoming certified such as membership fees or application fees.

Once certified, individuals can maintain their certification status through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to food safety topics.

4. Certified Fresh Produce Manager (CFPM) from the American Institute of Baking

The Certified Fresh Produce Manager (CFPM) certification is a professional designation offered by the American Institute of Baking (AIB). The CFPM is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of fresh produce management, including food safety, quality assurance, and supply chain management.

The certification program consists of three courses: Fresh Produce Safety & Quality Assurance, Supply Chain Management for Fresh Produce, and Food Safety Management Systems. Each course is self-paced and can be completed online in approximately 10 hours. Upon successful completion of all three courses, participants will receive their CFPM certificate.

To become certified as a CFPM, individuals must pass an exam administered by AIB International. The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an AIB-approved testing center. The cost for the exam is $150 USD. After passing the exam, individuals will be awarded their CFPM certificate.

The CFPM certification is valid for two years from the date it was issued; after two years, re-certification is required to maintain the designation. Re-certification requires passing an updated version of the CFPM exam and costs $150 USD per attempt.

5. Certified Organic Produce Manager (COPM) from the Organic Trade Association

The Certified Organic Produce Manager (COPM) from the Organic Trade Association is a certification program for produce managers in retail stores. It is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage organic produce departments, increase sales of organic products, and ensure customer satisfaction. The COPM program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment.

The online course covers topics such as organic production practices, food safety, labeling requirements, merchandising strategies, and more. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, you must pass the online course with a score of 80% or higher and then pass the on-site assessment with a score of 70% or higher. The on-site assessment tests your knowledge of organic produce management by having you perform tasks related to product selection, storage, display, pricing and other areas.

The cost for the COPM certification program is $195 USD per person plus applicable taxes.

6. Certified HACCP Manager (CHM) from the International HACCP Alliance

The Certified HACCP Manager (CHM) from the International HACCP Alliance is a professional certification program for individuals who are responsible for developing and implementing food safety programs based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). The CHM certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, monitor, and maintain a HACCP plan.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CHM program. To get certified, applicants must first complete a self-study course or attend a training course. After completing either option, applicants must pass an exam administered by the International HACCP Alliance.

The cost of the CHM program varies depending on whether you choose to take the self-study course or attend a training course. The self-study course costs $395 USD while attending a training course will cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on location and duration of the class.

7. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification from the National Restaurant Association

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification from the National Restaurant Association is a food safety certification program that helps restaurants identify, assess, and control food safety risks. It is designed to help restaurant operators develop and implement comprehensive food safety management systems that meet local, state, and federal regulations.

The HACCP certification process typically takes about two months to complete. The first step is to complete an online application form which includes providing contact information for the restaurant’s primary contact person and the location of the restaurant. Once the application has been submitted, a representative from the National Restaurant Association will review it and provide feedback on any areas that need improvement or clarification before it can be approved.

Once the application has been approved, an on-site inspection will be conducted by a qualified inspector who will evaluate all aspects of food safety at the establishment including kitchen layout, equipment maintenance, employee hygiene practices, pest control measures, temperature control procedures, and more. The inspector will then provide a report detailing their findings which must be addressed before certification can be granted.

The cost for HACCP certification varies depending on the size of the establishment being certified but generally ranges from $500-$2,000 USD. This fee covers both the initial application process as well as any follow-up inspections or consultations required to ensure compliance with HACCP standards.

Once all requirements have been met and all documentation has been submitted successfully, a certificate of completion will be issued by the National Restaurant Association confirming that your establishment meets all necessary standards for food safety under HACCP guidelines.

8. Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Certification from Global GAP

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Certification from Global GAP is an internationally recognized certification program that ensures food safety and quality assurance in the production and handling of agricultural products. It is based on a set of standards for Good Agricultural Practices that have been developed by Global GAP, an international organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture worldwide.

The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of farm operations, including the implementation of good agricultural practices, traceability systems, pest control, and environmental management. The assessment is conducted by an independent third-party auditor who evaluates the farm’s compliance with the Global GAP standards. Upon successful completion of the audit, farms are issued a certificate valid for three years.

The process usually takes around 3-6 months to complete depending on the size and complexity of the farm operations. The cost of getting certified varies depending on the size and scope of the operation but typically ranges from $3,000-$10,000 USD.

To get certified farms must first register with Global GAP and select an approved certification body to conduct their assessment. Once registered they will need to provide detailed information about their farm operations to the certification body which will then be used to plan and conduct their audit. After completing all necessary steps they will receive their certificate if they pass the audit successfully.

9. Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification from SQFI

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification from SQFI is an internationally recognized food safety and quality certification program. It is designed to help food producers, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers meet the needs of their customers by providing a comprehensive food safety management system. The SQF certification program covers all aspects of food safety and quality assurance including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and traceability.

The process for obtaining SQF Certification typically takes between four to six months depending on the complexity of the organization’s operations. The first step in obtaining SQF Certification is to contact a certified lead auditor or consultant who can guide you through the process. This includes completing an initial assessment of your facility and operations, developing a HACCP plan, training staff on GMPs, implementing corrective actions as needed, and finally undergoing a final audit from an independent third-party auditor.

The cost of SQF Certification varies depending on the size of your organization, its complexity, and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs several thousand dollars to obtain SQF Certification. This cost includes fees for consulting services, training materials, auditing fees, and any corrective action costs that may be incurred during the process.

10. PrimusGFS Certification for Good Agricultural and Handling Practices

PrimusGFS Certification for Good Agricultural and Handling Practices (GAP) is a certification program developed by PrimusLabs, an independent third-party auditing company. The certification is designed to ensure that food safety and quality standards are met in the production, handling, and distribution of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products.

The certification process takes approximately 3-6 months to complete. The process involves an initial audit to assess compliance with the GAP standards, followed by corrective action plans (CAPs) if any non-conformances are identified during the audit. Once all CAPs have been addressed satisfactorily, a final audit will be conducted to verify that corrective actions were effective.

To get PrimusGFS Certification for Good Agricultural and Handling Practices, companies must first contact PrimusLabs to request an application form. Companies must then fill out the form and submit it along with supporting documents such as farm maps, product specifications, traceability records, etc. After submitting the application form and supporting documents, companies will receive a quote from PrimusLabs for the cost of the certification process.

The cost of PrimusGFS Certification for Good Agricultural and Handling Practices varies depending on factors such as size of operation and complexity of operations. Generally speaking, however, most companies can expect to pay between $2,000 - $4,000 USD for the entire certification process.

11. Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized certification schemes such as BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000, SQF or GLOBALGAP

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an international collaboration between leading food safety experts from retail, manufacturing and food service companies. It was created to develop and promote harmonized food safety standards that are recognized around the world. The GFSI recognizes five certification schemes as meeting its benchmarked requirements: BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000, SQF and GLOBALGAP.

BRC (British Retail Consortium): This certification scheme focuses on food safety management systems for manufacturers of branded products sold in the UK retail sector. It is based on the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and covers a wide range of topics such as product control, process control, personnel hygiene and training, pest control, cleaning and sanitation, traceability and recall systems. It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the certification process depending on the size of the company and the complexity of their processes. The cost can vary significantly depending on the size of the business but generally ranges from £2-5K.

IFS (International Featured Standards): This certification scheme focuses on food safety management systems for manufacturers supplying products to multiple retailers in Europe. It is based on ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements as well as additional criteria related to product safety and legality. It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification process depending on the size of the company and complexity of their processes. The cost can vary significantly depending on the size of the business but generally ranges from €3-10K.

FSSC 22000: This certification scheme focuses on food safety management systems for manufacturers supplying products to a variety of customers worldwide including retailers, caterers, restaurants etc.. It is based on ISO 22000:2005 requirements as well as additional criteria related to product safety and legality. It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification process depending on the size of the company and complexity of their processes. The cost can vary significantly depending on the size of the business but generally ranges from €2-8K.

SQF (Safe Quality Food): This certification scheme focuses on food safety management systems for manufacturers supplying products to a variety of customers worldwide including retailers, caterers, restaurants etc.. It is based on ISO 22000:2005 requirements as well as additional criteria related to product safety and legality. It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification process depending on the size of the company and complexity of their processes. The cost can vary significantly depending on the size of the business but generally ranges from €2-8K.

GLOBALGAP (Good Agricultural Practices): This certification scheme focuses specifically on agricultural production practices that ensure safe foods with minimal environmental impact while promoting sustainability in terms such as water conservation or energy efficiency measures taken by farmers or producers during production or processing activities .It typically takes 6-12 months to complete this certification process depending upon complexity involved in it .The cost for this varies significantly according to country where it is applied ,but usually range from $500-$5000 USD

Do You Really Need a Produce Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career path. If you are looking to advance in the food industry, then a Produce Manager Certificate could be beneficial for you. This certificate is designed to give you the knowledge and understanding of produce products in order to better manage them. With this certificate, you will gain an understanding of how to properly store, rotate, and display produce items; learn about food safety laws and guidelines; and understand the importance of customer service when dealing with produce customers.

Having a Produce Manager Certificate can help open doors for potential career opportunities within the food industry. Companies that deal with fresh produce need knowledgeable managers who understand the proper handling and storage of these items. With a Produce Manager Certificate, employers may feel more confident in hiring you as their produce manager because they know that you have the necessary knowledge and skillset to successfully manage their produce department.

In addition, this certification can provide you with credibility when applying for jobs in the food industry. Having a certificate that shows your expertise in produce management can set you apart from other applicants and give employers assurance that they are getting someone who is knowledgeable about managing these products effectively.

Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a Produce Manager Certificate is right for you depends on your individual goals and objectives within the food industry. If having a knowledge base on how to properly manage produce products is important to your career path, then obtaining this certificate could be beneficial for you.

Related: Produce Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Produce Manager Certifications

1. What is a Produce Manager Certification?

A Produce Manager Certification is a certification from the United Fresh Produce Association that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the produce industry. It helps to demonstrate an individual’s competence in managing a produce department, including handling, storage, display, merchandising and safety standards.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Produce Manager Certification?

The requirements for obtaining a Produce Manager Certification include completing an approved training program, passing an exam with a score of 75% or higher and having at least one year of experience in the produce industry. Additionally, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have no prior felony convictions.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Produce Manager?

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the training and obtain certification as a Produce Manager. The time frame may vary depending on the individual’s availability and the number of courses they need to take in order to meet all requirements for certification.

4. What are some benefits of becoming certified as a Produce Manager?

Becoming certified as a Produce Manager provides many benefits such as increased job security, higher pay potential, more career opportunities and greater credibility within the industry. It also allows individuals to stay up-to-date on new techniques and regulations in the produce industry which can help them better manage their departments.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

The certification must be renewed every three years by taking additional coursework or attending seminars related to the produce industry. This helps ensure that those with this certification remain knowledgeable about current trends and regulations in the field of produce management.