Top 10 Restaurant Manager Certifications

Certifications for a restaurant manager can be beneficial in the job market by providing evidence of the manager’s skillset and knowledge. Certifications demonstrate to employers that the individual has taken initiative to learn and develop their skills, which is attractive to employers looking for well-rounded and experienced managers. Additionally, certifications provide assurance that the candidate is knowledgeable in industry standards and regulations, so they are able to confidently lead a team and manage operations safely and effectively. Finally, having certifications can give candidates an edge over other applicants when competing for managerial positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Restaurant Managers and explain how they can help advance a restaurant manager's career.

What are Restaurant Manager Certifications?

Restaurant manager certification is an industry-recognized qualification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and proficiency in managing a restaurant. It is usually achieved through completing a course or program offered by an accredited institution. The certification covers topics such as food safety, hospitality management, menu planning, cost control, customer service and staff management.

Having a restaurant manager certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise to employers and increase their professional credibility in the restaurant industry. This could result in more job opportunities with higher salaries and better benefits. Additionally, having this certification can help managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry, as well as provide them with valuable insights into how to run a successful restaurant. Furthermore, it can also open up new career paths for those looking to move up the ladder within the industry or take on larger roles within restaurant operations.

Pro Tip: When considering a restaurant manager certification, make sure to research the accreditation of the program and the reputation of the organization offering it. A reputable certification can be invaluable in helping you stand out from other job applicants and give you the edge in an increasingly competitive job market.

Related: What does a Restaurant Manager do?

Top 10 Restaurant Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program designed to help foodservice professionals demonstrate their knowledge of food safety and sanitation. The CPFM certification is offered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CPFM program requires individuals to complete an online course and pass an exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, pest control, and more. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in two hours or less.

In order to obtain the CPFM certification, individuals must successfully complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the online course, depending on the individual's prior knowledge of food safety and sanitation.

The cost of obtaining the CPFM certification varies depending on where you take the course and exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 for both the course and exam fees.

2. Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)

Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program for restaurant managers. The program is designed to help restaurant managers develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as food safety, financial management, customer service, and operations. It also provides a way to demonstrate competency and commitment to the profession.

The CRM program typically takes about six months to complete. It consists of online courses, on-site training sessions, and an exam. The online courses cover topics such as food safety, customer service, financial management, and other operational topics. The on-site training sessions are conducted by experienced restaurant professionals who provide hands-on instruction in the various aspects of managing a restaurant. Finally, there is an exam that tests the student’s knowledge of the material covered in the coursework.

To get certified as a CRM, you must first complete all of the required coursework and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which courses you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to become certified as a CRM.

3. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Manager Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program for restaurant managers. It provides them with the knowledge and skills to protect their customers from foodborne illness. The certification is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

To get the certification, individuals must attend an approved ServSafe Manager Certification Course and pass the exam with a score of 75 percent or higher. The course can be taken in-person or online and typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD. This includes the course materials, such as a textbook, practice tests, and access to online resources. Additionally, there is a separate fee for taking the exam which usually costs around $50 USD.

4. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of hospitality supervisors. It is designed to help hospitality professionals develop their supervisory skills and advance their careers.

The CHS program consists of four courses: Supervising for Success, Employee Relations, Problem Solving and Decision Making, and Leadership Development. The courses are offered online or in a classroom setting. The program takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass all four courses with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the coursework, individuals must submit an application to AHLEI along with a fee of $225 USD for the certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their CHS certification from AHLEI.

The cost of the CHS program varies depending on how it is taken – online or in a classroom setting – but typically ranges from $500-$700 USD.

5. AHLEI Certified Food and Beverage Executive

AHLEI Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced food and beverage professionals. It is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CFBE is a two-level certification program that includes an online exam and an in-person assessment.

The online exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as food safety, menu planning, cost control, customer service, and more. After passing the online exam, candidates must successfully complete an in-person assessment conducted by AHLEI faculty members. This assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of food and beverage operations through hands-on activities.

The cost for the CFBE program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AHLEI. For non-members, the cost is $495 for both levels of the program; for members, it’s $395 for both levels. This fee does not include any required materials or textbooks.

It typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish to complete the CFBE program once you have registered and paid the necessary fees.

6. International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certified Hospitality Administrator

The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification program that recognizes the highest level of competency in hospitality management. The CHA designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry. It is a globally recognized credential that can be used to advance one’s career and increase earning potential.

The CHA program consists of four core courses: Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Strategic Management, and Operations Management. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes online lectures, case studies, quizzes, and exams. The entire program takes approximately six months to complete.

To become certified as a CHA, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the hospitality industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass all four core courses with a grade of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CHA program varies depending on the institution offering the courses. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $2,000 to $3,000 USD for all four courses combined.

7. National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) Certified Catering Executive

The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) Certified Catering Executive (CCE) is a professional certification program for catering professionals. It is designed to recognize the expertise and commitment of catering professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of catering.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of full-time experience in the catering industry and passing an examination that covers topics such as food safety, menu planning, event management, and budgeting. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CCE certification program varies depending on whether you are already a NACE member or not. For non-members, the cost is $450; for members it is $375. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($150 for members/$175 for non-members).

Overall, becoming a NACE Certified Catering Executive is an excellent way for catering professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. It also allows them to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices while providing potential employers with evidence that they possess the necessary qualifications for success in the profession.

8. Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Certified Meeting Professional

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is an internationally recognized certification for meeting and event professionals. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who manage meetings, conventions, conferences, and other events.

It typically takes 6-9 months to become a CMP. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of full-time work experience in the meetings industry within the past five years and completing a minimum of 25 clock hours of continuing education related to meeting management within the past three years. After these criteria have been met, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, finance & accounting, risk management & legal issues, technology & communications, strategic planning & execution, site selection & contracts.

The cost for becoming a CMP varies depending on where you are located. In the United States it can range from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes membership fees to PCMA as well as application fees for the certification process.

9. International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Certified Facility Manager

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program for facility managers. It is the most widely recognized and respected credential in the facility management field. The CFM credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of facility management.

It typically takes between two to four years to complete the requirements for the CFM credential. To become certified, one must pass a three-hour exam that covers topics such as financial management, operations and maintenance, human factors, project management, risk management, and sustainability. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational and experience requirements.

To get started on the path to becoming a CFM, applicants should first visit IFMA's website and review the eligibility requirements for certification. Once they have determined that they are eligible to apply for certification, they should register with IFMA and pay the application fee ($250). After submitting their application and paying the fee, applicants will be provided with access to study materials that can help them prepare for the exam.

Once an applicant has passed their exam and met all other requirements for certification, they will receive their official CFM certificate from IFMA. The cost of obtaining a CFM credential varies depending on whether or not an individual is already an IFMA member. For non-members, it costs $495 USD; for members it costs $395 USD.

10. National Restaurant Association Solutions’ Kitchen Manager Certification

The National Restaurant Association Solutions Kitchen Manager Certification is a professional certification program that provides restaurant professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their kitchen operations. The certification is designed to help restaurant professionals understand the key principles of kitchen management, including food safety, sanitation, cost control, menu planning, and personnel management.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as food safety regulations, proper storage and handling of food items, inventory management, menu development, labor scheduling, cost control strategies, and personnel management. Upon completion of the online coursework, participants must pass a proctored exam at an approved testing center to become certified.

The cost of the Kitchen Manager Certification program varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. There is no legal requirement for a restaurant manager to have a certificate, and there are many successful restaurant managers who do not have one. However, having a certificate in restaurant management can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

Having a restaurant management certificate can show employers that you are serious about the profession and have taken the time to gain knowledge and understanding of the job. It can demonstrate your commitment to excellence and give employers confidence that you will be able to handle the responsibilities of a restaurant manager successfully. With this certification, hiring managers may also see that you are up-to-date on industry standards and best practices, giving them assurance that your skillset is current and relevant.

Additionally, having a certification may make you more competitive when searching for jobs as it shows potential employers that you have the skills necessary to perform well in the position. It may also provide access to higher paying positions or help you gain promotions faster than those without certifications.

Overall, while having a restaurant management certificate is not required for all positions, it can be beneficial if you want to demonstrate your commitment to the profession or make yourself more competitive when seeking employment.

Related: Restaurant Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Restaurant Manager Certifications

1. What is a Restaurant Manager Certification?

Answer: A Restaurant Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a restaurant effectively. It is awarded by various organizations, such as the National Restaurant Association, and usually requires passing a written exam and/or completing certain educational requirements.

2. Is a Restaurant Manager Certification mandatory?

Answer: No, it is not mandatory to have a certification in order to be employed as a restaurant manager. However, having one can help demonstrate your proficiency in the field and may make you more attractive to potential employers.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified will vary depending on the organization offering the certification and which type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, certifications can take anywhere from several weeks up to several months to complete.

4. What topics are covered in the certification exams?

Answer: The topics covered in certification exams typically include food safety and sanitation, customer service, financial management, personnel management, marketing principles, legal responsibilities, menu planning and inventory control.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining certification?

Answer: Yes, many organizations require applicants to have prior experience working in the restaurant industry before they can apply for certification or sit for an exam. Additionally, some organizations may require that applicants possess certain educational qualifications such as a degree or certificate program related to restaurant management.