Top 10 Steward Certifications

Certifications are important for stewards in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and experience to potential employers. They also provide proof that a steward has completed specific training courses, passed exams, and met industry standards. Employers are more likely to hire stewards who have certifications because it shows that the individual is knowledgeable and qualified to do the job. Furthermore, having certifications can help a steward stand out from other applicants in the job market. Certifications not only show employers that a steward is competent enough for the position, but also that they are dedicated to their profession.

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

What are Steward Certifications?

Steward certification is a process that helps organizations identify and certify land stewards who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to manage natural resources in a responsible and sustainable manner. Through this certification process, organizations are able to ensure that their land stewards are knowledgeable about local ecological systems, have the necessary skill sets to properly manage the resources under their care, and demonstrate an understanding of the principles of sustainability. This certification can help organizations ensure that their land stewards are well-equipped to provide quality management of natural resources while protecting them from potential damage or misuse. Additionally, it can also help organizations establish credibility and trust with stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to responsible resource management.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a steward certification, take the time to research and understand the qualifications and expectations of the particular program you are considering. This will help ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is required and can properly prepare yourself to become certified.

Related: What does a Steward do?

Top 10 Steward Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Steward (CPS)

Certified Professional Steward (CPS) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote professional standards of excellence in the field of stewardship. The program is administered by the Association of Professional Stewards (APS).

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of stewardship, have completed a minimum of 30 hours of approved continuing education credits, and pass an examination administered by APS. The exam covers topics such as basic stewardship principles, legal and ethical issues, financial management, risk management, and communication skills.

The cost for the CPS certification program varies depending on the number of credits required for completion. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$500 to complete the program.

It typically takes about one year to complete all requirements for CPS certification. After completing all requirements and passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPS certificate from APS.

2. Certified Food and Beverage Steward (CFBS)

Certified Food and Beverage Steward (CFBS) is a professional certification program designed to provide foodservice professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform their duties in a safe, sanitary and efficient manner. The CFBS program is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CFBS program consists of three courses: Food Safety, Sanitation & Hygiene; Food & Beverage Management; and Alcohol Service & Responsible Alcohol Service. Each course must be completed within one year of enrollment. Upon completion of all three courses, participants receive a certificate from NRAEF certifying them as Certified Food and Beverage Stewards.

To become certified as a CFBS, individuals must complete all three courses within one year of enrollment. Participants can take the courses online or in-person at an approved training location. Online courses are self-paced and typically take approximately 10 hours to complete each course. In-person classes are instructor-led and vary in length depending on the specific class being taken.

The cost for the CFBS program varies depending on whether you choose to take the classes online or in-person. The cost for taking the classes online ranges from $200-$250 per course, while in-person classes range from $300-$400 per course.

3. Certified Banquet Steward (CBS)

Certified Banquet Steward (CBS) is a certification program that is designed to teach and certify banquet stewards on the principles of hospitality, food and beverage service, and event management. The program is offered by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).

The CBS program consists of two separate courses: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as customer service, food safety, event planning, and more. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the online course. After completing the online course, participants must attend a one-day in-person workshop where they will participate in hands-on activities related to banquet stewarding.

To get certified as a Certified Banquet Steward (CBS), applicants must first successfully complete both the online course and the in-person workshop. Upon successful completion of both courses, applicants will receive their official CBS certificate from IACC.

The cost for the CBS certification program varies depending on whether you are an IACC member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD for both the online course and one day in-person workshop. For IACC members, it costs $295 USD for both courses.

4. Certified Hospitality Steward (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Steward (CHS) is a certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It is designed to help hospitality professionals develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of customer service, housekeeping, food and beverage operations, and front office operations. The CHS certification is internationally recognized and provides career advancement opportunities for those who have completed it.

The CHS certification program consists of three courses: Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Management, and Food & Beverage Operations. The courses are self-paced and can be completed online or through a combination of online and in-person sessions. The total time required to complete the program varies depending on individual learning styles but typically takes between 60-90 hours to complete.

To obtain the CHS certification, individuals must pass all three course exams with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will receive an official AHLEI Certificate of Completion as well as a digital badge that can be used to showcase their credentials on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

The cost of the CHS certification program varies depending on how it is taken; however, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD for all three courses combined.

5. Certified Cruise Ship Steward (CCSS)

Certified Cruise Ship Steward (CCSS) is a certification program designed to provide cruise ship professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the hospitality industry. The CCSS program is offered by the International Association of Cruise Ship Stewards (IACSS).

The CCSS certification requires students to complete an online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, food safety, sanitation, and housekeeping. It also provides training in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. Once you have completed the course, you will need to take the CCSS exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You must score at least 80% on the exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the CCSS certification is $99 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and the exam fee.

6. Certified Hotel Steward (CHS)

Certified Hotel Steward (CHS) is a certification program that is designed to provide hotel and hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their chosen field. The CHS certification is awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHS program consists of three courses, which can be taken at any AHLEI-approved school or online. The courses cover topics such as guest service, housekeeping, food and beverage management, and front office operations. Each course must be completed within one year of enrollment. Upon completion of all three courses, students are eligible to take the CHS exam.

The cost of the CHS program varies depending on where you take the courses. Online courses typically cost around $500-$600 while in-person classes can range from $1,000-$2,000. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the exam which usually ranges from $100-$200.

Once you have passed the exam and earned your CHS certification, you will have access to exclusive job opportunities and networking events through AHLEI’s member organizations. You will also receive discounts on educational materials and products related to hotel management and hospitality industry training programs.

7. Certified Club House Steward (CCHS)

Certified Club House Steward (CCHS) is a certification program that provides members of the hospitality industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their roles as a club house steward. The CCHS program is designed to provide an understanding of the essential elements of club house management, including food service, beverage service, customer service, and operational procedures.

The CCHS program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, customer service, and operational procedures. After completing the online course, candidates must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The on-site assessment is conducted by a certified instructor who evaluates the candidate’s knowledge and skills in areas such as food safety and sanitation, customer service, operational procedures, and other related topics. This assessment typically takes 4-6 hours to complete. Once the candidate passes this assessment they are awarded their CCHS certification.

The cost for the CCHS program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD.

8. Certified Wine Steward (CWS)

A Certified Wine Steward (CWS) is a professional who has completed an advanced level of wine education and training. The CWS program is offered by the Society of Wine Educators, an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wine education.

The CWS program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as viticulture, enology, sensory evaluation, and wine service. It takes approximately six months to complete the self-study course. Once the course is completed, students must pass a comprehensive exam in order to become certified.

The cost of the CWS program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the Society of Wine Educators. For non-members, the cost is $295 for the self-study course and $95 for the exam fee. For members, it's $245 for the self-study course and $75 for the exam fee.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program, you will receive your official certificate from the Society of Wine Educators which will certify you as a Certified Wine Steward (CWS). This certification is valid for five years and may be renewed by taking additional courses or passing additional exams.

9. Certified Catering Steward (CCS)

Certified Catering Steward (CCS) is a certification program designed to provide hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage catering operations in a safe and efficient manner. The program is offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CCS program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site exam. The online course covers topics such as menu planning, food safety, customer service, catering operations, event management, and marketing. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course.

To get certified as a CCS, you must first complete the online course. After completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the on-site exam at a local NRAEF testing center or other approved location. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about 90 minutes to complete.

The cost for the CCS program varies depending on whether you are an NRAEF member or non-member. For members, the cost is $200 for both the online course and exam; for non-members, it is $250 for both components.

10. Certified Bar and Beverage Service Steward (CBBSS).

Certified Bar and Beverage Service Steward (CBBSS) is a program designed to provide bar and beverage service professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry. The program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The CBBSS program consists of three levels: Certified Bar and Beverage Service Professional (CBBSP), Certified Bar and Beverage Service Manager (CBBSM), and Certified Bar and Beverage Service Instructor (CBBSI). Each level requires a different set of courses that must be completed in order to obtain certification.

The time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience level. For those with no prior experience, it can take up to six months or more to complete all three levels of certification. For those with some experience, it can take as little as two months or less.

To become certified, individuals must first register for the exam online through NRAEF's website. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access their study materials and take the exam. The exam fee varies depending on the level of certification being sought; however, fees typically range from $50-$200 USD per level.

Once an individual has successfully passed all three exams, they will receive their official CBBSS certification card in the mail within four weeks. This card serves as proof that they have met all requirements for certification and are now eligible for employment in bar and beverage service positions around the world.

Do You Really Need a Steward Certificate?

Whether or not you need a steward certificate depends on the type of job you are applying for and the requirements set forth by your employer. A steward certificate is a document that certifies a person has been trained on how to properly serve food and drinks in an establishment. It is often required by restaurants, bars, hotels, and other hospitality-related businesses.

If your employer requires a steward certificate, then it is important that you obtain one in order to be considered for the position. The certification not only verifies that you have had proper training and understand the rules and regulations of serving food, it also shows potential employers that you take your job seriously and are committed to providing excellent customer service.

Even if a steward certificate is not required for the job you are applying for, having one may still be beneficial. Having this certification shows employers that you have taken initiative to become certified in an area related to hospitality service. This can demonstrate your ambition and dedication which will make your resume stand out from other applicants.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a steward certificate depends on the requirements of the job you are applying for as well as any additional qualifications that may help set yourself apart from other applicants. If obtaining this certification can help increase your chances of getting hired, then it would be highly recommended that you consider taking advantage of this opportunity.

Related: Steward Resume Examples

FAQs About Steward Certifications

Q1. What is a Steward Certification?

A1. A Steward Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field and have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the areas of sustainability, resource management, and environmental stewardship.

Q2. How can I become a Certified Steward?

A2. To become a Certified Steward, you must complete an approved course of study, pass an exam, and demonstrate mastery of the topics covered in the coursework. You may also need to fulfill additional requirements depending on the type of certification you are pursuing.

Q3. Who offers Steward Certifications?

A3. There are several organizations that offer Steward Certifications, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), International Society for Environmental Management (ISEM), and Global Alliance for Eco-Certification (GAEC).

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Steward?

A4. Becoming a Certified Steward provides numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities and higher salaries, recognition as an expert in your field, access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities, and more credibility with employers and peers alike.

Q5. How long does it take to become a Certified Steward?

A5: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Steward Certification varies depending on your experience level and the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to two years or more to complete all requirements for certification.