Top 11 Restaurant Cashier Certifications

Certifications for a restaurant cashier are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional competency and provide employers with assurance that their employees are knowledgeable and trained in the necessary skills. Certified restaurant cashiers have gone through rigorous testing to ensure they possess the fundamental knowledge needed to perform their duties, such as handling customer transactions, balancing ledgers, and counting money accurately. Certification also shows employers that these employees have made an effort to stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. This can be especially helpful for those looking for a position in a fast-paced environment where accuracy is essential. Ultimately, certifications provide employers with peace of mind that their staff is qualified to handle financial transactions efficiently and effectively.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for restaurant cashiers and explain how they can help enhance a restaurant cashier's career.

What are Restaurant Cashier Certifications?

Restaurant cashier certification is a type of certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in restaurant cashiering. This certification is usually offered by professional organizations and educational institutions and requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service, money management, and food safety. With this certification, restaurant cashiers can demonstrate their skills to potential employers and gain credibility in the industry.

Having a restaurant cashier certification can be beneficial for both current and future employees in the restaurant industry. For current employees, having this certification may give them an edge over other candidates when applying for promotions or higher-paying positions at their current job or elsewhere. Additionally, it adds credibility to the employee’s resume, which may help them land better jobs in the future. For those just starting out in the restaurant industry, having a restaurant cashier certification may give them an advantage over other applicants when looking for employment as well as allowing them to start at higher pay rates than those without the credential. Overall, obtaining a restaurant cashier certification is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their dedication and expertise while also helping them advance their career opportunities within the field of restaurant work.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check with your local government for any restaurant cashier certification requirements before hiring new staff. This can help ensure that your staff is properly trained and qualified to handle the responsibilities of a restaurant cashier.

Related: What does a Restaurant Cashier do?

Top 11 Restaurant Cashier Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Restaurant Cashiers today.

1. National Restaurant Association Certified Professional Foodservice Cashier

The National Restaurant Association Certified Professional Foodservice Cashier (NRA-CPFC) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of foodservice cashiers. This certification is designed to help ensure that foodservice cashiers are knowledgeable about the industry and have the necessary skills to perform their job duties effectively and efficiently.

To become certified as an NRA-CPFC, individuals must pass a written exam administered by the National Restaurant Association. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customer service, food safety, sanitation, sales techniques, cash handling procedures and more. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least six months of experience in a foodservice establishment or completing an approved training course in foodservice operations. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

The cost of taking the NRA-CPFC exam is $150 for NRA members and $200 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official certification card from the National Restaurant Association.

2. National Restaurant Association Certified Professional Foodservice Manager

The National Restaurant Association Certified Professional Foodservice Manager (CFPM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association. It is designed to recognize foodservice professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to manage a food service operation.

The CFPM certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, personnel management, financial management and customer service. The exam is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

In order to be eligible to take the CFPM exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a managerial role in a restaurant or other foodservice establishment. Additionally, applicants must complete an approved training course in food safety and sanitation prior to taking the exam.

The CFPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $250 for NRA members and $350 for non-members.

3. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certified Hospitality Cashier

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Cashier (CHC) is a certification program designed to help hospitality professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in handling cash transactions. The CHC certification is a nationally recognized credential that validates the ability to accurately handle cash, credit cards, and other forms of payment. It also demonstrates an understanding of basic accounting principles and customer service best practices.

To obtain the CHC certification, applicants must first complete an online self-study course offered by AHLEI. This course covers topics such as cash handling procedures, customer service techniques, and security protocols. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must then pass an online exam administered by AHLEI. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the material from the self-study course.

The cost for the CHC certification program is $149 USD for AHLEI members and $199 USD for non-members. The entire process typically takes about 8 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace.

4. International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certified Foodservice Cashier

The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certified Foodservice Cashier is a certification program designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively handle cash transactions in a foodservice setting. This certification is ideal for those who are looking to advance their career in the hospitality industry or those who are already employed in the foodservice industry.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, cash handling procedures, credit card processing, and other related topics. The exam typically takes about 2 hours to complete.

To get started, applicants must register for the exam through ICHRIE’s website. The cost of the exam is $150 USD. Once registered, applicants will receive instructions on how to access the online exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official ICHRIE Certified Foodservice Cashier certificate.

5. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Cashier Certification

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Cashier Certification is a program that provides cashiers in the restaurant industry with the knowledge and skills needed to handle money properly. It covers topics such as counting money, making change, balancing a cash drawer, dealing with credit cards, and more. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking an online refresher course.

To get the certification, individuals must first complete an online course that takes approximately two hours to complete. Once the course is completed, individuals must pass a proctored exam to receive their certification. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.

The cost of the National Restaurant Association ServSafe Cashier Certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $50-$75 for the online course and exam.

6. National Retail Federation Customer Service Certification

The National Retail Federation (NRF) Customer Service Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional customer service. It is designed to help retailers ensure they are providing the highest level of customer service in their stores.

The NRF Customer Service Certification is a self-paced, online course that takes approximately 8 hours to complete. It covers topics such as communication, problem solving, customer interaction, and customer satisfaction. The course also includes an assessment that tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, you will receive your NRF Customer Service Certification.

To get certified, you must first purchase the NRF Customer Service Certification online from the NRF website. The cost of the certification is $99 USD for members of the National Retail Federation and $149 USD for non-members. Once you have purchased your certification, you will be provided with access to the online course materials and assessment. You can then complete the course at your own pace and take the assessment when you feel ready.

Once you have completed both parts of the certification process, you will receive your official NRF Customer Service Certification via email within 1-2 business days. Your certificate will be valid for two years from date of issue and can be renewed by completing a refresher course offered by the NRF each year prior to expiration.

7. American Payroll Association Certified Payroll Professional

The American Payroll Association Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is a professional designation for payroll professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of payroll administration. The CPP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of payroll.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CPP program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. To get certified, you will need to successfully pass a comprehensive three-hour exam that covers all aspects of payroll administration. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with topics ranging from federal and state tax laws and regulations to employee benefits and compensation plans.

The cost for taking the CPP exam varies depending on whether you are an APA member or not. For non-members, it costs $395; for members, it costs $295. In addition, there is an annual recertification fee of $50 for both members and non-members.

8. American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Travel Agent Certification

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Travel Agent Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes travel agents who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the travel industry. This certification is designed to help travel agents become more successful by increasing their credibility and marketability, as well as providing them with access to exclusive ASTA benefits.

To obtain the ASTA Travel Agent Certification, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as customer service, destination knowledge, marketing, sales, and business management. The course typically takes around 25 hours to complete and costs $495 USD for members or $795 USD for non-members. After completing the course, applicants must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

The ASTA Travel Agent Certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance. To renew the certification, agents must demonstrate they are actively engaged in selling travel services by submitting proof of at least 12 bookings within the past two years. Renewal fees are $195 USD for members or $295 USD for non-members.

Overall, obtaining the ASTA Travel Agent Certification can be a great way for agents to increase their credibility and marketability in the industry while also gaining access to exclusive benefits from ASTA.

9. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Passenger Services Agent Certification

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Passenger Services Agent Certification is a certification program designed to equip travel agents, customer service representatives and other airport personnel with the knowledge and skills required to provide excellent customer service in the air transport industry. It is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in passenger services.

To obtain IATA Passenger Services Agent Certification, individuals must complete a training course offered by an IATA-accredited training center. The course typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge. During the course, students will learn about airline ticketing procedures, customer service techniques, safety regulations, aircraft loading and unloading processes, baggage handling procedures and more.

To be eligible for IATA Passenger Services Agent Certification, candidates must have at least one year of work experience in the air transport industry or have completed an approved IATA training program. Candidates must also pass an examination administered by IATA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as airline ticketing procedures, customer service techniques and safety regulations.

The cost of obtaining IATA Passenger Services Agent Certification varies from country to country and from training center to training center. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on the length of the course and any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

10. National Retail Federation Point-of-Sale Operations Certification

The National Retail Federation Point-of-Sale (POS) Operations Certification is a certification program designed to help retail professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully operate a point-of-sale system. It is designed to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of POS systems, including hardware, software, security, and customer service. The certification covers topics such as inventory management, payment processing, customer service, and data analysis.

The certification takes approximately 10 hours to complete and consists of five modules: Introduction to POS Systems; Hardware & Software; Security & Compliance; Customer Service & Data Analysis; and Troubleshooting & Maintenance. Each module includes interactive activities and quizzes that allow learners to test their knowledge.

To get the certification, individuals must first register for the course on the NRF website. They must then complete all five modules within six months of registering. Upon completion of the course, individuals will receive a certificate from the NRF confirming their successful completion of the course.

The cost for this certification is $250 USD per person.

11. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Quality Improvement Associate Certification

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Quality Improvement Associate Certification is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge of quality improvement principles and practices. It is intended for individuals who are involved in the implementation and management of quality improvement initiatives.

The certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, and statistical analysis. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To obtain the ASQ Quality Improvement Associate Certification, individuals must first become a member of the ASQ, which costs $48 per year. After becoming a member, they must then register for the exam, which costs $295. Once registered, they can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online.

Once an individual has successfully completed the exam, they will be awarded the certification. The certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking an additional exam or completing continuing education credits.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Cashier Certificate?

When it comes to working in the restaurant industry, there are many different job opportunities available. Many of these positions require a certain level of skill and expertise, such as bartending or cooking. However, one position that does not require any specialized training is that of a restaurant cashier. While there are some restaurants who may prefer to hire someone with a restaurant cashier certificate, it is not always necessary.

The main benefit of having a restaurant cashier certificate is that it shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the job and have been trained in proper customer service skills. This can be especially beneficial if you are applying for a more advanced position within a restaurant, such as supervisor or manager. Having this certification on your resume may also give you an edge over other applicants who do not have the same qualifications.

However, if you are simply looking for an entry-level job in the restaurant industry, then having a restaurant cashier certificate may not be necessary. Most employers understand that this type of position does not require any specialized training and will be willing to provide on-the-job training for new hires. Additionally, most restaurants will also provide employees with resources and guidance throughout their employment so they can better understand how to effectively perform their duties as cashiers.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a restaurant cashier certificate depends on the type of job you are applying for and what level of experience you already have in the industry. If you’re looking for an entry-level or mid-level position then having this certification may be helpful but won’t necessarily guarantee you the job over other applicants without it. However, if you’re seeking out higher level positions within a restaurant then having this certification could make all the difference when competing against other applicants who don’t have it.

Related: Restaurant Cashier Resume Examples

FAQs About Restaurant Cashier Certifications

1. What is a restaurant cashier certification?

Answer: A restaurant cashier certification is an official recognition of the knowledge and skills a restaurant cashier has acquired in order to efficiently handle customer transactions and accurately process payments.

2. Who needs a restaurant cashier certification?

Answer: Any individual who wants to work as a restaurant cashier should obtain a restaurant cashier certification. This certification can also be beneficial for individuals looking to gain an edge in their job search or promotion opportunities.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The time it takes to get certified as a restaurant cashier will depend on the specific program you are enrolled in, but typically ranges from 1-6 months depending on the course requirements and your own study habits.

4. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Benefits of getting certified as a restaurant cashier include increased job security, higher pay rates, better career opportunities, and improved customer service skills.

5. Are there any costs associated with obtaining certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be some costs associated with obtaining a restaurant cashier certification such as course fees, exam fees, and materials needed for the program you enroll in.