Top 10 Restaurant Certifications

Certifications are important for restaurants in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the restaurant staff is knowledgeable and experienced in food safety and sanitation. They also provide evidence of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Certifications can help a restaurant stand out from competitors when it comes to attracting new employees or customers. Lastly, certifications can give employers confidence that their staff has the necessary skills and qualifications to serve customers safely and effectively.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Restaurants and explains how they can help to advance a restaurant's career.

What are Restaurant Certifications?

Restaurant certification is a process of verifying that a restaurant meets certain standards for quality and safety. This certification is typically obtained through a third-party organization, such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). The certification process involves an in-depth review of the restaurant’s food safety and sanitation practices, as well as its operational processes.

Having a restaurant certified can help restaurants in several ways. First, it can increase customer confidence in the food preparation and service provided by the restaurant. Customers may be more likely to visit or return to a restaurant if they know that the establishment has been certified for safe and quality food handling. Second, being certified may also provide legal protection for the business in case of any health code violations or other issues related to food safety. And third, having a certification can help restaurants stand out from their competitors and attract new customers who are looking for establishments with high standards of quality and sanitation.

Pro Tip: Make sure to always check the credentials of any restaurant certification organization before choosing to pursue certification. Research their reputation, and make sure that they are reputable and reliable. Additionally, read reviews from previous customers to get a better understanding of the quality of service they provide.

Related: What does a Restaurant do?

Top 10 Restaurant Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Manager Certification

ServSafe Food Manager Certification is a program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to certify food managers in the safe handling, preparation, and storage of food. This certification is recognized by health departments across the United States.

The ServSafe Food Manager Certification exam takes about two hours to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, you must receive a score of 75% or higher.

To get certified, you must first purchase the ServSafe Food Manager Exam from the NRAEF website. The cost for this exam is $125 for members and $175 for non-members. After purchasing the exam, you will be given instructions on how to register for an online proctored exam or an in-person proctored exam at an approved testing center.

Once you have completed and passed your exam, your certification will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage a safe and sanitary foodservice operation. The CPFM program consists of an online course, in-person proctored exam, and a verification process.

The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Upon completion of the course, students must take a proctored exam at an approved testing center. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 2 hours. Once the student passes the exam, they will receive their CPFM certificate.

To get certified as a CPFM, you must first register for the program through the NRAEF website. You will then be able to access the online course material and take the proctored exam at an approved testing center. There are several testing centers located throughout the United States that offer CPFM exams.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPFM varies depending on where you take your exam and how many courses you need to complete in order to pass it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$200 for registration fees, course materials, and proctoring fees.

3. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the food safety industry. The NRFSP provides a standardized way to demonstrate knowledge and skills in food safety management, as well as a way to verify that individuals are qualified to work in the food service industry.

To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training course and pass an exam. The training courses vary depending on the level of certification desired and can range from basic food safety principles to advanced topics such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Once the course is completed, applicants must pass a written exam with a score of at least 70% or higher.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to receive certification after completing all requirements. To get started, applicants should contact an accredited provider listed on the NRFSP website for more information about available courses and exams.

The cost for certification varies depending on which level of certification is desired. Basic certifications start at around $150 USD while more advanced certifications can cost up to $400 USD or more.

4. HACCP Certification

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a certification program designed to ensure the safety of food products. It is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of food-borne illness by identifying and controlling potential hazards in the production, processing, storage, and distribution of food products.

HACCP certification typically takes between four to six weeks to complete. The process begins with an assessment of existing processes and procedures related to food safety. This includes a review of personnel training, equipment maintenance, sanitation practices, product handling, and more. After the assessment has been completed, a HACCP plan must be developed that outlines all critical control points in the production process. Once this plan has been approved by a qualified HACCP auditor, it must be implemented and monitored on an ongoing basis.

To get HACCP certified, you will need to contact a third-party certification body that is accredited by your local government or international organization such as ISO or FSSC 22000. These organizations provide training courses on HACCP principles and can help you develop your own customized HACCP plan based on your specific needs.

The cost of getting HACCP certified depends on several factors such as the size of your business, type of product being produced, number of employees involved in the process, etc. Generally speaking however, it can range from $2,000 - $10,000 USD depending on these factors.

5. Allergen Awareness Training

Allergen Awareness Training is a type of training that teaches food handlers and food service staff how to identify, prevent and manage allergen risks in the workplace. The training covers topics such as understanding food allergies, recognizing the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans), proper labeling of foods containing allergens and safe storage and handling of allergenic ingredients. It also includes information on how to respond to an allergic reaction in customers or staff.

The length of Allergen Awareness Training varies depending on the provider but typically takes between 1-2 hours. It can be obtained through online courses or in-person workshops from a variety of providers. Costs for Allergen Awareness Training vary depending on the provider but typically range from $30-$150 per person.

6. Restaurant Management Certification

Restaurant Management Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a restaurant. It is awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The certification typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience in the foodservice industry.

To obtain Restaurant Management Certification, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements which include having at least two years of full-time management experience in a restaurant or food service establishment. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as restaurant operations, human resources, finance and marketing.

The cost of obtaining Restaurant Management Certification varies depending on the program and whether or not applicants are members of the NRAEF. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for non-members to take the exam and receive their certification.

7. Alcohol Service Training

Alcohol Service Training is a course designed to educate and train individuals in the responsible service of alcohol. It is intended to help servers, bartenders, and other alcohol sellers understand the laws and regulations governing the sale of alcohol, how to identify signs of intoxication, and how to handle difficult situations that may arise from serving alcohol.

The length of Alcohol Service Training courses vary depending on the provider. Generally, they range from four hours to eight hours in length.

In order to get Alcohol Service Training, individuals must first find a provider that offers the training. This can be done by searching online or asking local establishments for recommendations. Once a provider has been identified, individuals can register for the class either online or in person.

The cost of Alcohol Service Training varies depending on the provider and location; however, most courses range from $20-$50 per person.

8. Responsible Alcohol Service (RAS) Certification

Responsible Alcohol Service (RAS) Certification is a training program designed to help alcohol servers and sellers learn the laws, regulations, and best practices for serving and selling alcohol responsibly. It is an important part of reducing underage drinking, over-serving, and other alcohol-related problems.

The RAS certification program typically takes between 4-6 hours to complete. This can be done in either an online or classroom setting. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $25-$50.

To get certified, individuals must first complete the required coursework which includes topics such as legal responsibilities for serving alcohol, identifying intoxicated customers, preventing over-service, recognizing false IDs, and handling difficult situations. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass a final exam with a score of at least 80%. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exam, individuals will receive their RAS certification.

9. SafeStaff® Food Handler Certification

SafeStaff® Food Handler Certification is a nationally recognized food safety certification program designed to help ensure that food handlers have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle and prepare food. The certification is valid for three years and can be obtained through an approved training provider.

The SafeStaff® Food Handler Certification course typically takes about two hours to complete, depending on the provider. During the course, participants learn about basic food safety principles, such as proper handwashing techniques, safe food temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, and other important topics. After completing the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of SafeStaff® Food Handler Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $20-$50 per person for the course and exam. Some providers may also offer group discounts or online courses for a discounted rate.

10. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Certifications

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Certifications are a series of food safety certifications that demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of food safety principles and practices. The certification is designed to help ensure that foodservice workers have the skills and knowledge necessary to protect the public from foodborne illness.

The ServSafe program includes three levels of certification: Food Handler, Manager, and Professional Food Safety Certification. Each level requires a different amount of time to complete and has different requirements for passing the exam.

To obtain a Food Handler certification, individuals must complete a 2-hour online course and pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher. This certification is valid for 3 years.

To obtain a Manager certification, individuals must complete an 8-hour online course and pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher. This certification is valid for 5 years.

To obtain a Professional Food Safety Certification, individuals must complete an 8-hour online course and pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. This certification is valid for 5 years.

The cost for each level varies depending on the type of course taken (online or in person). Generally, the cost ranges from $50-$150 per person per level.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Certificate?

Yes, you do need a restaurant certificate if you want to open and operate a restaurant. A restaurant certificate is an important document that shows that the restaurant meets all of the local health codes and regulations. It also shows that the business follows all of the necessary safety guidelines and procedures. This certification is required by law in most states and gives customers peace of mind that their food is being prepared in a safe environment.

The restaurant certificate is granted after an inspection by local health officials. During this process, they make sure that the kitchen meets all of the standards for cleanliness and sanitation, as well as making sure there are no violations with food safety protocols such as proper storage temperatures or handling practices. The inspector will also check to make sure that employees are properly trained in food safety procedures and cross-contamination prevention techniques. Additionally, they will check to make sure that any food-handling equipment is functioning properly and meeting all of the necessary standards.

Having a valid restaurant certificate not only keeps customers safe, but it also helps protect businesses from potential liability should something go wrong with their food preparation or service practices. Without this certification, restaurants can face fines or even be shut down by local authorities if they are found to be in violation of any health codes or regulations. Therefore, having this certification can save businesses time, money, and hassle in the long run by avoiding potential legal problems down the line.

In conclusion, having a valid restaurant certificate is essential for anyone who wants to open and operate a successful restaurant business. It ensures customers have peace of mind knowing their food is being prepared safely and protects businesses from potential legal issues down the line.

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FAQs About Restaurant Certifications

1. What is a restaurant certification?

A restaurant certification is a recognition that a restaurant has met certain safety, health, and quality standards set by local or national authorities.

2. How do I know if a restaurant has been certified?

Look for signs or logos in the restaurant that indicate it has been certified. The certifying organization should also have an online presence with information about the restaurants they have certified.

3. What are the benefits of having a restaurant certification?

Having a restaurant certification can help increase customer confidence in your food safety practices, as well as improve your reputation and credibility among customers and peers within the industry. It can also lead to increased business and higher profits due to improved customer loyalty and trust.

4. Does my restaurant need to be certified?

It depends on what country you’re located in, but most countries require restaurants to be certified for food safety reasons. Check with your local government for more information about what certifications are required for restaurants in your area.

5. How much does it cost to get my restaurant certified?

The cost of getting your restaurant certified varies depending on the type of certification you’re looking for, as well as other factors such as location and size of operation. Generally speaking, expect to pay between $500-$2000 USD for most certifications, although some may be more or less expensive depending on the specifics of your situation.