Top 11 Restaurant Operations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a restaurant operations manager in the job market as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. They can provide evidence of specialized skills, knowledge, and abilities related to specific areas such as food safety, customer service, financial management, and regulatory compliance. These certifications are also important for demonstrating a commitment to professional development. They show that the individual has taken initiative to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or jurisdictions in order to be eligible for certain positions or promotions.

This article reviews the top certifications for Restaurant Operations Managers and explains how each certification can help to further the career of an operations manager in the restaurant industry.

What are Restaurant Operations Manager Certifications?

Restaurant operations manager certification is a professional credential that provides recognition and validation of the skills and knowledge required to manage the daily operations of a restaurant. It is designed for restaurant owners, managers, supervisors, and other professionals who are responsible for ensuring the success of their establishment.

The certification covers topics such as personnel management, financial management, customer service, food safety and sanitation, marketing strategies, menu design and execution, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary skills to lead their restaurants in an effective manner.

The certification also serves as proof that the individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in restaurant operations management. This can give them an edge over other applicants when applying for positions or promotions within the industry. Additionally, it can be used as a tool to help employers assess whether or not an individual has the right experience or qualifications for a particular position.

In addition to providing recognition for those with expertise in restaurant operations management, this certification also allows individuals to stay up-to-date on best practices in the field so that they can remain competitive in their role. By completing regular training courses related to this area of expertise, certified professionals can continue to hone their skills and increase their value as employees within their organization.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a restaurant operations manager certification, research and review the requirements of the certifying body to ensure you meet all necessary criteria. This will help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to take the exam.

Related: What does a Restaurant Operations Manager do?

Top 11 Restaurant Operations Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Restaurant Operations Manager (CROM)

Certified Restaurant Operations Manager (CROM) is a certification program designed to help restaurant professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to become successful restaurant operations managers. The CROM program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). This certification program is designed for those who want to take their career in the restaurant industry to the next level.

The CROM certification requires candidates to complete a series of online courses, exams, and assessments that cover topics such as food safety, customer service, financial management, human resources management, and marketing. Candidates must also demonstrate mastery of key operational concepts and techniques by passing an exam at the end of the course.

The CROM certification program typically takes six months or more to complete depending on how quickly you are able to complete all required courses and exams. The cost of this program varies depending on which courses you choose but generally ranges from $500-1000 USD. In order to get certified, you must submit an application form with proof of completion of all required courses and exams along with payment for the certification fee. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your official CROM certificate in the mail.

2. Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM)

Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM) is a professional certification offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in food and beverage management. The certification requires successful completion of an exam which covers topics including menu planning, food safety, sanitation, cost control, labor management, financial management, marketing, customer service and operations.

The program takes approximately three months to complete. The first step is to purchase the CFBM study guide from the NRAEF website. This guide provides detailed information on the exam content as well as study tips for each topic area. After studying for the exam using the guide, applicants must register for the CFBM examination with the NRAEF. Once registered, applicants can select an available testing location and date from those listed on the NRAEF website.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Food and Beverage Manager certification is $395 USD for members of the NRAEF or $495 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to online resources such as practice exams and webinars as well as a copy of the CFBM study guide.

3. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of hospitality professionals. It is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHS program was created to provide an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in hospitality operations and management. The certification is valid for three years and requires recertification every three years.

To become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as customer service, food safety, housekeeping, human resources management, and marketing. Candidates must also have at least two years of work experience in the hospitality industry.

The cost of the CHS program varies depending on the type of registration chosen. The basic registration fee is $195 USD and includes access to online study materials and practice exams. An additional fee may be required for proctored examinations or other services.

4. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Manager Certification

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety training and certification program that provides food service managers with the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety of the food they serve. The certification is recognized by health departments throughout the United States and Canada.

The program consists of an online course, a proctored exam, and an optional hands-on assessment. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as foodborne illness, personal hygiene, cross contamination, time/temperature control, cleaning/sanitizing, safe food storage, pest control, and more. The proctored exam is 2 hours long and consists of 90 multiple choice questions. The optional hands-on assessment is a three-hour practical exercise in which participants demonstrate their understanding of proper food handling techniques.

To get certified in ServSafe Manager Certification you must first purchase the ServSafe Manager Book 7th Edition from either the National Restaurant Association or other approved vendors. After purchasing the book you will have access to an online exam registration form that must be completed prior to taking the exam. You can then choose from a variety of testing locations near you or take it online at home with remote proctoring services available for an additional fee.

The cost for ServSafe Manager Certification varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $100-$150 USD for both the book and exam fees combined.

5. Professional Food Service Manager (PFSM)

Professional Food Service Manager (PFSM) is an industry-recognized certification program for food service managers. The program is designed to provide food service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a food service operation.

The PFSM certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive training program, including both online and in-person instruction. The online portion consists of 16 modules that cover topics such as nutrition, sanitation, safety, customer service, financial management, menu planning and more. After completing all 16 modules, participants must pass a multiple-choice exam to earn their certification.

The in-person instruction portion of the program typically takes place over two days and includes hands-on training in topics such as inventory control and cost analysis. Participants must also complete an internship or work experience in order to become certified.

The cost of the PFSM certification varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs range from $500-$1000 USD.

6. Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)

A Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification that demonstrates a food service professional’s knowledge of the principles and practices of safe food handling. This certification is issued by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CPFM program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful foodservice manager. The program consists of an online course, which covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, customer service, and personnel management. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are eligible to take the CPFM exam.

The CPFM exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 75% on all sections. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CPFM certificate from NRAEF.

The cost for taking the CPFM program and exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $200-$300 USD. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking an additional online refresher course and retaking the CPFM exam.

7. Certified Kitchen Manager (CKM)

Certified Kitchen Manager (CKM) is a professional certification program designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a commercial kitchen. The program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CKM program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, personnel management, and more. It typically takes about 10 hours to complete the course.

The in-person exam is a three-hour proctored test that evaluates your understanding of the material covered in the online course. To pass the exam you must score at least 80%.

The cost of the CKM program varies depending on whether you are an NRAEF member or not. For non-members it costs $299 for both the online course and exam. For members it costs $199 for both components.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the CKM program you will receive your official Certified Kitchen Manager certificate from NRAEF.

8. Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) is a professional certification program developed by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to recognize hospitality professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. The CHA certification validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to hospitality operations and management.

In order to obtain the CHA certification, individuals must first complete an AHLEI-approved training course. This course takes approximately 60 hours to complete, depending on the provider. After completion of the training course, individuals must pass an exam administered by AHLEI. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive the CHA certification.

The cost for obtaining the CHA certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes both the training course and exam fees.

9. National Restaurant Association ManageFirst Program Certification

The National Restaurant Association ManageFirst Program Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to help restaurant professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to manage a successful foodservice operation. The program provides comprehensive training in various areas of restaurant management, including food safety, human resources, financial management, marketing and customer service.

The program consists of two levels: the Level 1 Certificate and the Level 2 Professional Certification. To obtain the Level 1 Certificate, participants must complete three courses—Food Safety Manager Training, Human Resources Management and Financial Management—and pass a final exam. The Level 2 Professional Certification requires completion of five courses—Food Safety Manager Training, Human Resources Management, Financial Management, Marketing & Customer Service and Operations & Productivity—and passing a final exam.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to earn both certifications depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework.

To get started with the ManageFirst Program Certification, you will need to register for each course online at www.managefirstprogram.org or by calling 800-765-2122. Each course costs $100-$150 depending on which level you are pursuing.

10. American Culinary Federation Educational Institute Certification

The American Culinary Federation Educational Institute (ACFEI) Certification is a professional certification program for culinary professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of chefs, cooks, and other foodservice personnel who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The ACFEI certification program is offered in four levels: Certified Professional Chef (CPC), Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Pastry Chef (CPCP), and Certified Sous Chef (CSCC).

To obtain an ACFEI Certification, candidates must first complete an approved educational program or apprenticeship. This can include courses from accredited culinary schools, apprenticeships with experienced chefs, or other related programs. After completing the required education/training, candidates must then pass a written exam administered by the ACFEI. The exam covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, menu planning, and kitchen management. Once the written exam has been passed, candidates must then complete a practical assessment to demonstrate their skills in the kitchen.

The amount of time it takes to get an ACFEI Certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and how quickly they are able to complete all of the required steps. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to earn an ACFEI Certification.

The cost of obtaining an ACFEI Certification varies depending on the level being pursued. For example, the cost for becoming a Certified Professional Chef is $400 USD while becoming a Certified Executive Chef costs $500 USD.

In order to maintain their certification status, certified individuals must renew their certifications every three years by completing continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee which ranges from $50 - $100 USD depending on the certification level held.

11. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) is a certification program designed to ensure that food safety professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills to protect public health. It is an internationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of food safety principles, practices, and procedures.

To get the NRFSP certification, individuals must pass a written exam that covers topics such as foodborne illness prevention, sanitation, HACCP principles, and more. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, individuals can take an online course or attend in-person training sessions.

The cost of the NRFSP certification depends on the type of training taken. For those who take an online course, the cost ranges from $150-$200 USD; for those who attend in-person training sessions, the cost ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam and received their NRFSP certification, it is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completing additional continuing education courses or passing another written exam.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Operations Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Restaurant Operations Manager certificate depends on your individual situation. If you already have experience working in the restaurant industry, and are looking to move up in the ranks to become a manager, a certification may be beneficial. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to learn the ins and outs of running a successful restaurant, which can help set you apart from other candidates.

On the other hand, if you are new to the restaurant industry and don't have any experience yet, then a certification may not be necessary. In this case, it would be more beneficial for you to gain some hands-on experience so that you can better understand what is involved in managing a restaurant. Once you get some experience under your belt and feel comfortable with the job duties associated with being an operations manager, then obtaining a certificate could help further solidify your knowledge and give potential employers peace of mind when considering hiring you for their managerial position.

To sum up, whether or not to pursue a Restaurant Operations Manager certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you already have some experience in the industry and want to demonstrate your commitment to learning about how to effectively manage restaurants, then getting certified could be worth it. However, if you are still relatively new to the field and don’t yet understand all of its nuances, then gaining some hands-on experience first might be best before pursuing certification.

Related: Restaurant Operations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Restaurant Operations Manager Certifications

1. What is a Restaurant Operations Manager Certification?

Answer: A Restaurant Operations Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of the fundamental concepts and best practices of restaurant operations management. It provides evidence that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competency in the field.

2. How Do I Become Certified as a Restaurant Operations Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Restaurant Operations Manager, you must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet any other requirements set by the certifying body.

3. What Are the Benefits of Being Certified as a Restaurant Operations Manager?

Answer: Being certified as a Restaurant Operations Manager can help improve your job prospects, give you access to higher positions within the industry, provide recognition for your skills and expertise, and increase your earning potential. Additionally, it can help demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and excellence in restaurant operations management.

4. How Long Does It Take to Become Certified as a Restaurant Operations Manager?

Answer: The time required to become certified varies depending on the certifying body and program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs require at least 6 months of study before taking the certification exam.

5. Is Certification Required to Be Hired as a Restaurant Operations Manager?

Answer: No, certification is not typically required for hiring as a restaurant operations manager; however, many employers prefer or require applicants with this type of certification due to its indication of expertise in the field.