Top 10 Restaurant Server Certifications

Certifications for restaurant servers are important in the job market because they demonstrate that a server has the knowledge and experience necessary to perform their duties. Certification also shows employers that a server is committed to providing excellent customer service and understands the importance of food safety and sanitation. Certifications can also give servers an edge over other applicants, as employers may view them as more knowledgeable and reliable than those without certification. Finally, certifications provide servers with a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can be beneficial for morale in the workplace.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Restaurant Servers and explain how they can enhance a restaurant server's career.

What are Restaurant Server Certifications?

Restaurant server certification is a type of professional certification intended to demonstrate proficiency in the skills required to be an effective restaurant server. The certification typically involves taking a course or passing an exam that covers topics such as customer service, food safety, and alcohol regulations. This type of certification can help restaurant servers by demonstrating their knowledge and abilities to potential employers, helping them stand out from other job applicants. Additionally, it can provide servers with the confidence they need to effectively do their job and ensure that customers have the best experience possible. With this certification, servers may also have access to additional educational resources and training opportunities that can further enhance their skillset. Finally, having this certification may make servers eligible for higher wages or tips from customers who recognize their expertise.

Pro Tip: To become a certified restaurant server, take advantage of online certifications such as ServSafe or other state-specific programs. These programs provide comprehensive training and testing to help you become a better server. Additionally, most employers require that servers obtain certification before being hired.

Related: What does a Restaurant Server do?

Top 10 Restaurant Server Certifications

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

1. ServSafe Food Handler Certification

ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a program designed to help food handlers learn the basics of food safety. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, and safe food preparation. The certification is available online or in-person and typically takes between 2-4 hours to complete.

To get certified, individuals must register for the exam either online or in-person. Once registered, they will be assigned an instructor who will provide them with all of the necessary materials to complete the course. After completing the course, individuals must take a proctored exam which consists of multiple choice questions covering all topics discussed during the course.

The cost of ServSafe Food Handler Certification varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in-person. Online courses typically range from $10-$20 while in-person courses typically range from $50-$100.

2. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in foodservice management. The FMP certification is designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage a restaurant or other foodservice operation.

The FMP Certification program consists of three levels: Certified Foodservice Manager (CFM), Advanced Certified Foodservice Manager (ACFM), and Executive Certified Foodservice Manager (ECFM). To obtain the CFM level, candidates must complete an online course and pass an exam. The ACFM and ECFM levels require additional coursework, as well as passing an exam.

The online courses are self-paced, so the amount of time it takes to complete them will vary from person to person. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all three levels of certification.

In order to get certified, individuals must first register for the NRAEF's FMP Program. Registration requires a one-time fee of $225 USD, which covers the cost of all three courses and exams. Once registered, individuals will be able to access the online courses and exams at their own pace.

Upon successful completion of all three levels of certification, individuals will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement as well as a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

3. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Alcohol Primary and Advanced Certifications

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Alcohol Primary and Advanced Certifications are a comprehensive training program designed to help restaurant staff understand the laws and regulations governing the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol. The program is designed to help ensure that employees understand their responsibilities when serving alcohol and prevent underage drinking.

The NRAEF ServSafe Alcohol Primary Certification is an online course that takes approximately two hours to complete. It covers topics such as legal requirements for selling alcohol, identifying intoxicated customers, preventing over-service, and responsible alcohol management practices. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate valid for five years. The cost of the Primary Certification is $15 per person.

The NRAEF ServSafe Alcohol Advanced Certification is a three-hour classroom course that provides more in-depth knowledge on the topics covered in the Primary Certification. It also covers topics such as recognizing signs of intoxication and dealing with difficult customers. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate valid for five years. The cost of the Advanced Certification is $50 per person.

Both certifications are available through authorized trainers located throughout the United States and Canada. To find an authorized trainer near you, visit www.servsafealcohol.com/findatrainer/.

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

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in hospitality operations. The CHS Certification is designed to help hospitality supervisors develop their leadership skills, improve their operational performance, and increase their value to their organization.

The CHS Certification takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete. In order to get the certification, individuals must first enroll in the AHLEI Certified Hospitality Supervisor Program which consists of completing four online courses: Leadership & Management, Human Resources Management, Financial Management, and Food & Beverage Management. Upon successful completion of all four courses, individuals must then pass the CHS Exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the AHLEI Certified Hospitality Supervisor Program is $749 USD. This includes access to all four online courses as well as one attempt at the CHS Exam.

5. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) Certification

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) Certification is a professional certification for food and beverage executives. It is designed to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the management of all aspects of a food and beverage operation, from menu design to customer service. The CFBE certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as food safety, nutrition, menu planning, budgeting, cost control, marketing, human resources management, customer service and more.

The CFBE certification takes approximately four hours to complete. To get certified, applicants must first register with AHLEI and pay the required fee. They will then receive access to the online exam which they must pass with a score of at least 70%. Once the exam is successfully completed, applicants will receive their official certificate within two weeks.

The cost for the CFBE certification is $295 USD plus applicable taxes.

6. International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM) Certification

The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Certified Food and Beverage Manager (CFBM) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced food and beverage managers. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

To become certified, applicants must have three years of full-time experience in a food and beverage management role, as well as completion of ICHRIE's CFBM coursework. The coursework consists of five modules: Food Safety & Sanitation; Menu Planning & Design; Purchasing & Receiving; Cost Control & Financial Management; and Leadership & Human Resources. The coursework can be completed online or through ICHRIE's face-to-face training sessions.

Once all course requirements are met, applicants must pass an exam administered by ICHRIE to receive their CFBM certification. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics from the five modules. Candidates have two hours to complete the exam and must score at least 70% to pass.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on how you choose to take the coursework. Online courses range from $200-$400 per module while face-to-face courses range from $500-$1,000 per module. In addition, there is an application fee of $100 and an exam fee of $150 that must be paid before taking the exam.

Overall, it typically takes 6-12 months to complete all requirements for CFBM certification depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework and pass the exam.

7. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Allergens Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Allergens Certification is a program designed to help foodservice professionals understand the importance of food allergies and how to safely prepare and serve food to customers with special dietary needs. The certification is valid for five years and requires successful completion of an online exam.

The NRAEF ServSafe Allergens Certification covers topics such as:

• Identifying common food allergens
• Understanding the symptoms associated with allergic reactions
• Preparing allergen-free meals
• Training staff on allergen safety protocols
• Developing policies for handling customer requests related to food allergies.

The certification takes approximately two hours to complete, depending on the individual's knowledge level. To obtain the certification, individuals must first register online and pay a fee of $50 USD. After registering, they will be able to access the online course materials and take the final exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, participants will receive their NRAEF ServSafe Allergens Certification.

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

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Manager Certification is a nationally recognized food safety certification program for restaurant managers and supervisors. The certification is designed to help ensure that foodservice professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public from foodborne illness.

The ServSafe Manager Certification program consists of an online course, an in-person exam, and a certificate of completion. The online course takes approximately six to eight hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and experience level. After completing the online course, participants must pass an in-person exam administered by a certified proctor. Upon successful completion of both components, participants receive their ServSafe Manager Certification valid for five years.

To get started with the ServSafe Manager Certification program, individuals must register for an account on the NRAEF website and purchase the appropriate materials. The cost of registration and materials varies based on what is included in each package; however, most packages range from $50-$100 USD.

Once registered, individuals can access their online course materials which include videos, practice quizzes, and other resources to help them prepare for their in-person exam. After completing their online coursework and passing their in-person exam with a score of 75% or higher, individuals will receive their ServSafe Manager Certification valid for five years.

9. American Culinary Federation Accredited Culinary Professional (ACP) Certification

The American Culinary Federation Accredited Culinary Professional (ACP) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced culinary professionals. It is designed to validate the competency of chefs who demonstrate mastery in the culinary arts.

In order to become an ACP, an individual must have at least five years of experience as a chef or cook in a professional kitchen setting. This experience must include at least two years of supervisory or management-level responsibilities. The candidate must also have completed a minimum of 400 hours of formalized culinary education from an accredited institution.

To obtain the ACP certification, individuals must pass a written exam administered by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety and sanitation, nutrition, menu planning and development, personnel management, purchasing and inventory control, and cost control.

The ACP certification process typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete. Candidates are encouraged to study for the exam prior to taking it by utilizing ACFEF’s online study materials or attending one of their review classes.

The cost for obtaining the ACP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an American Culinary Federation member. For members, the cost is $150 for the application fee plus $125 for each attempt at taking the exam; for non-members, it is $300 for the application fee plus $250 for each attempt at taking the exam.

10. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) Certification

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure safe food handling practices. The CPFM certification is recognized by many state and local health departments as meeting their requirements for food safety training.

To become certified, individuals must pass a two-part examination that covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation, personal hygiene, storage and preparation of food, pest control, and HACCP. The exam is administered by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP).

The entire process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish. To get started, individuals must first register for the exam online or by mail. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online study materials and practice tests. After studying the materials and taking practice tests, individuals can then schedule an appointment to take the actual exam at an NRFSP-approved testing center.

The cost of the CPFM certification is $200 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees. This fee includes both parts of the exam as well as access to study materials and practice tests.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Server Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of restaurant you plan to work in. If you plan to work in a full-service restaurant, then yes, it is important that you obtain a restaurant server certificate. This certificate will demonstrate to employers that you have been trained in the specific job duties and responsibilities related to being a server. It will also show potential employers that you are serious about your career and have taken the time to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge that they expect from their servers.

The certification can also be beneficial if you wish to move up in your career as a server; some restaurants may prefer certified servers when making promotions or hiring new staff members. Additionally, having a restaurant server certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess one, since it shows your commitment and dedication to the industry.

Finally, obtaining a restaurant server certificate is often required by local or state laws for certain types of restaurants that serve alcohol or adhere to health codes. In these cases, having a valid certificate can help ensure compliance with regulations and protect customers from any potential health hazards associated with food service.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a restaurant server certificate depends on the type of establishment you intend to work in; however, for many reasons it is generally recommended for those wishing to pursue a career as a server.

Related: Restaurant Server Resume Examples

FAQs About Restaurant Server Certifications

1. Q: What is a restaurant server certification?

A: A restaurant server certification is a document that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to serve food and beverages in a professional manner. It can be obtained through online or in-person courses, depending on the specific program.

2. Q: How long does it take to get certified as a restaurant server?

A: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a restaurant server varies depending on the specific program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. Generally, most programs require between 10-20 hours of study time and can be completed within 1-2 weeks.

3. Q: What topics are covered in a restaurant server certification course?

A: Restaurant server certification courses typically cover topics such as customer service, food safety and sanitation, menu knowledge, beverage service, table setting, taking orders, serving food and drinks, cash handling and more.

4. Q: Is there an age requirement for obtaining a restaurant server certification?

A: Yes, most states require that individuals be at least 18 years old to obtain a restaurant server certification. Some states also require individuals to be 21 years old if they will be serving alcoholic beverages.

5. Q: Is there an exam associated with obtaining a restaurant server certification?

A: Yes, most programs require individuals to pass an exam before they can obtain their restaurant server certification. This exam usually covers topics such as customer service, food safety and sanitation, menu knowledge and more.