Top 10 Restaurant Supervisor Certifications

Certifications for a restaurant supervisor are important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate to potential employers that the supervisor has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a restaurant. This can give them an advantage over other applicants who may not have the same level of training or experience. Furthermore, certifications show that the supervisor is committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications can help supervisors stand out from their peers and make them more attractive candidates when seeking new employment opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Restaurant Supervisors and explain how they can help to advance their career.

What are Restaurant Supervisor Certifications?

Restaurant supervisor certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage a restaurant. The certification program typically consists of training courses and an examination that tests the individual’s understanding of restaurant management principles. Individuals who obtain this certification can demonstrate to employers their expertise in the field, as well as their commitment to professionalism.

Having restaurant supervisor certification can help individuals secure employment or advance in their current positions. Because the certification provides proof of qualifications, it can give potential employers confidence that the individual is capable of meeting expectations for managing a restaurant. Furthermore, obtaining this credential may open doors for advancement within an organization since it demonstrates excellence in the field. Additionally, having this certification may qualify individuals for higher salaries because they are seen as more knowledgeable and experienced than those without it.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a restaurant supervisor certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the restaurant industry. Additionally, having this certification may also qualify you for advancement opportunities within your current organization or open up new job opportunities at other restaurants.

Related: What does a Restaurant Supervisor do?

Top 10 Restaurant Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Restaurant Supervisor (CRS)

Certified Restaurant Supervisor (CRS) is a certification program offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is designed to provide restaurant supervisors with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their teams and operations. The CRS program provides supervisors with the tools they need to lead their teams, create a safe work environment, and increase profitability.

The CRS certification process consists of three parts: an exam, an online course, and a hands-on practicum. The exam is a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as food safety, customer service, financial management, human resources management, and operational efficiency. The online course provides additional in-depth information on each topic area covered in the exam. Finally, the hands-on practicum gives supervisors the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes around 3 months to complete all three components of the CRS certification process. To get started, interested individuals must first register for the program through the NRAEF website. Registration fees are $300 for NRAEF members and $500 for non-members. After registering for the program, individuals will receive access to study materials and instructions on how to take the exam. Once they have successfully completed all three components of the program, they will be awarded their CRS certification from NRAEF.

2. Certified Food and Beverage Supervisor (CFBS)

Certified Food and Beverage Supervisor (CFBS) is a professional certification program that provides food and beverage supervisors with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage their operations. The program is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CFBS program consists of three components: an online course, a proctored exam, and an on-site practicum. The online course covers topics such as menu planning, cost control, sanitation, customer service, and human resources management. The proctored exam tests the student’s knowledge of the material covered in the online course. Finally, the on-site practicum requires students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It takes approximately six months to complete all three components of the CFBS program. Students must register for the program through NRAEF’s website and pay a fee of $399 USD. After completing all three components successfully, students become certified food and beverage supervisors and receive a certificate from NRAEF.

3. Professional Certified Hospitality Supervisor (PCHS)

Professional Certified Hospitality Supervisor (PCHS) is a certification program that provides hospitality supervisors with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead their teams in an ever-changing industry. The certification is designed to help supervisors develop the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the hospitality industry.

It typically takes about 8-10 weeks to complete the PCHS program. To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application and submit their resume. Once accepted into the program, participants are required to attend a series of lectures and workshops, as well as take part in various hands-on activities designed to help them develop their leadership skills. At the end of the program, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the PCHS program varies depending on where it is taken; however, most programs range from $500-$1000 USD.

4. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ServSafe Manager Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) ServSafe Manager Certification is a food safety certification program designed to help restaurant managers and other foodservice professionals protect the public from foodborne illness. The program provides comprehensive training on proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques, as well as sanitation and safety regulations.

The certification process requires participants to attend an 8-hour class or complete an online course that covers topics such as personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, time/temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, pest management, and more. After completing the coursework, participants must pass a 70-question multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The online course typically takes about 10 hours to complete and costs $125 for NRAEF members or $175 for non-members. The 8-hour classroom course costs $145 for NRAEF members or $195 for non-members. Both courses include the cost of the exam and certificate upon successful completion.

5. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ServSafe Alcohol Certification

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ServSafe Alcohol Certification is a certification program designed to help servers, sellers, and managers of alcohol learn responsible alcoholic beverage service. It is the most widely accepted alcohol training program in the United States.

The certification course typically takes about 4 hours to complete and covers topics such as recognizing signs of intoxication, identifying fake IDs, understanding state laws regarding alcohol sales and service, and strategies for managing difficult situations. The course also includes a final exam which must be passed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get the certification, individuals must attend an approved ServSafe Alcohol classroom session or take an online course. Once completed, participants must pass the final exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the ServSafe Alcohol Certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $50-$90 USD.

6. National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certified Food Service Manager (CFSM)

The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certified Food Service Manager (CFSM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in food safety. It is the only nationally recognized certification program for food service managers and is accepted by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

In order to obtain the CFSM certification, an individual must complete a training program approved by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals. This training program typically consists of 8-12 hours of instruction and covers topics such as food safety regulations, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), proper sanitation practices, and food safety management systems. Once the training has been completed, an individual must pass an exam administered by the National Registry in order to receive their certification.

The cost for obtaining the CFSM certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course but typically ranges from $100-$300 USD. The time required to obtain this certification also varies depending on how quickly an individual can complete their training course.

Overall, obtaining a CFSM certification is a great way for individuals working in food service to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to food safety standards and regulations.

7. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program that provides hospitality supervisors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively manage their departments. The CHS certification is designed to help hospitality supervisors develop their leadership and management skills in order to better serve their guests and create a positive work environment.

It typically takes approximately six months of study and preparation to complete the CHS certification program. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application for the CHS exam. Once accepted, they must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of hospitality management principles and practices. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CHS certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

The cost of the CHS certification varies depending on whether you are taking the online or in-person version of the program. The online version costs $299 USD while the in-person version costs $399 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for optional courses or materials related to your studies.

8. International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Certified Hospitality Supervision (CHSE)

The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Certified Hospitality Supervision (CHSE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in hospitality supervision. It is the only international certification program for hospitality supervisors.

The CHSE certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive course of study that covers topics such as customer service, management skills, human resources, financial analysis, and operations. The coursework consists of eight modules that must be completed within six months. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass an examination administered by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE).

To get the CHSE certification, applicants must first register with ICHRIE and pay the registration fee. Once registered, applicants will receive access to the online learning platform which includes all of the course materials needed to complete the program. Upon completion of all eight modules and passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants will receive their CHSE certification from ICHRIE.

The cost for registering for the CHSE program is $495 USD.

9. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ManageFirst Program

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ManageFirst Program is a comprehensive program designed to help restaurant professionals develop the skills necessary for success in the industry. This program provides certification in areas such as food safety, customer service, human resources, and financial management. It also offers an array of online courses and resources to help students learn the fundamentals of restaurant management.

The ManageFirst Program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of a series of courses that cover topics such as nutrition, menu planning, marketing, cost control, and more. The courses are offered online or through approved educational institutions. Once all course requirements have been met, participants can take the ManageFirst Certification Exam to earn their certification.

The time it takes to complete the program depends on the individual's commitment and dedication to completing the coursework. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all three levels of the program depending on how quickly you work through each course.

To get started with the ManageFirst Program you must first register with an approved provider or institution that offers the program. Once registered you will be given access to all course materials and exams needed for completion of each level.

The cost for taking part in this program varies depending on which provider you choose and what type of materials you need (e-books vs physical books). Generally speaking though it may cost anywhere between $500-$1000 USD for all three levels combined.

10. American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC)

The American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian (CC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the competency of culinary professionals. It is a voluntary, non-degree program that tests the knowledge and skills of experienced culinarians in areas such as food safety, nutrition, menu planning, purchasing, inventory control, and sanitation. To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in the culinary field and pass an exam administered by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF).

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process. The first step is to submit an application along with proof of work experience and payment of fees to ACFEF. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for and take the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics related to food safety, nutrition, menu planning, purchasing, inventory control and sanitation.

Once applicants pass the exam they will be awarded their CC credential and receive a certificate from ACFEF. The cost for the certification program varies depending on whether or not you are an ACF member. For non-members it costs $395 while members pay $295. In addition to these fees there may also be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or study materials.

Do You Really Need a Restaurant Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and objectives. For some people, having a restaurant supervisor certificate may be necessary for advancement in their career. For others, the certificate may not be required, but it can still provide valuable knowledge and skills that can help them become more successful in their current position or in future positions.

If you are looking to advance in your career or enter a new field of work, then having a restaurant supervisor certificate could be beneficial. This type of certification will demonstrate to employers that you have a specific set of skills and knowledge related to managing and supervising employees in the restaurant industry. It is also possible that having this type of certification could open up opportunities for higher-level or supervisory positions within the industry.

On the other hand, if you are already working as a restaurant supervisor or manager and feel confident in your abilities to perform these duties without additional training or certification, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue it. In this case, it would be more important for you to focus on gaining experience and developing your leadership skills through on-the-job training and practice. The same goes if you are new to the industry but have prior management experience from another field – focusing on gaining relevant experience rather than pursuing a certificate could be more beneficial in terms of advancing your career.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a restaurant supervisor certificate depends on where you want to take your career and what level of expertise you want to achieve within the industry. If becoming certified seems like an appropriate step towards achieving your goals, then pursuing one can certainly be beneficial; however, there are also many other paths that one can take towards professional success without obtaining such a credential.

Related: Restaurant Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Restaurant Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Restaurant Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Restaurant Supervisor Certification is a certification program designed to provide supervisors in the restaurant industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and lead restaurant teams.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Restaurant Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining a Restaurant Supervisor Certification can vary depending on the institution offering the certification, but generally include completion of a course or courses related to restaurant management, food safety and sanitation, customer service, and other relevant topics.

3. How long does it take to complete a Restaurant Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete a Restaurant Supervisor Certification can vary depending on the institution offering the certification and the type of program chosen, but typically range from several weeks to several months.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Restaurant Supervisor Certification course?

Answer: Yes, most institutions require applicants to have prior experience in either the hospitality or restaurant industry before they can enroll in their certification program. Additionally, some institutions may also require applicants to pass an entrance exam or other assessment prior to enrollment.

5. What are some of the benefits of having a Restaurant Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Having a Restaurant Supervisor Certification provides individuals with increased job opportunities within the restaurant industry as well as greater potential for advancement into higher-level positions such as manager or executive chef. Additionally, having this certification may help individuals gain respect from colleagues and customers alike due to their increased knowledge and expertise in managing restaurants.