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Best chef manager certifications
The best certifications for a chef manager are ServSafe Alcohol, Certified Food Manager (CFM), and Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA).
Chef manager certifications demonstrate your competency as a chef manager to employers. However, not all chef manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best chef manager certifications. Obtaining a chef manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
17 best certifications for chef managers
| Rank | Chef manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ServSafe Alcohol | National Rest... |
| 2 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 3 | Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) | ACF |
| 4 | ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | National Rest... |
| 5 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 6 | Certified Master Chef (CMC) | ACF |
| 7 | Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) | ANFSP |
| 8 | Certified Executive Chef (CEC) | ACF |
| 9 | Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) | NEHA |
| 10 | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | BCNS |
| 11 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 12 | Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) | ANFSP |
| 13 | NSF-IFSEA HACCP Manager (HACCP) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 14 | Certified Master Pastry Chef (CMPC) | ACF |
| 15 | Certified Administrative Manager (CAM) | ICPM |
| 16 | Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) | National Rest... |
| 17 | Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) | AAPM |
17 best chef manager certifications
1. ServSafe Alcohol
The ServSafe Alcohol program outlines effective responsible alcohol service practices for all front-of-the-house staff, including bartenders, waiters, hosts, busers, security and valets.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA)
This certification is for an executive level chef who is responsible for the administrative functions of running a professional food service operation. This culinary professional must demonstrate proficiency in culinary knowledge, human resources, operational management and business planning skills. This position supervises at least 10 fulltime equivalent employees and reports directly to the owner, general manager or corporate office.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is nationally recognized and accredited. ServSafe has always set the standard in food safety training and certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
5. Food Safety Manager Certification
The National Registry's Certified Food Safety Professional examination has been developed following the strictest test development procedures. The Certified Food Safety Manager examination is accredited by the American National Standards Institute using standards set by the Conference for Food Protection.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Certified Master Chef (CMC)
The consummate chef. A CMC possesses the highest degree of professional culinary knowledge, skill and mastery of cooking techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
7. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) program is one of the most popular benefits of membership in ANFP. By earning your CDM certification, you will join the top levels of nutrition and foodservice managers in the field. It can advance your career and open many new opportunities for employment!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
A chef who is the department head usually responsible for all culinary units in a restaurant, hotel, club, hospital or foodservice establishment, or the owner of a foodservice operation. A CEC must supervise a minimum of five full-time employees and pass a practical exam in front of peers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS)
The Certified Professional - Food Safety is for food safety professionals and is designed for individuals within the public and private sectors whose primary responsibility is the protection and safety of food. The exam for this prestigious credential integrates food microbiology, HACCP principles and regulatory requirements into questions that test problem solving skills and knowledge.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Nutrition Specialist professionals are on the front lines battling the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease, and the BCNS supports these efforts and certifies nutrition professionals who maintain the highest standard of nutrition competence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
11. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP)
A certified dietary manager, certified food protection professional (CDM, CFPP) has the education, training, and experience to competently perform the responsibilities of a dietary manager and has proven this by passing a nationally-recognized credentialing exam and fulfilling the requirements needed to maintain certified status.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. NSF-IFSEA HACCP Manager (HACCP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
14. Certified Master Pastry Chef (CMPC)
The consummate pastry chef. A CMPC possesses the highest degree of professional culinary knowledge, skill and mastery of cooking techniques as they apply to pastry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
15. Certified Administrative Manager (CAM)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
16. Foodservice Management Professional (FMP)
The Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) credential distinguishes restaurant and foodservice managers who achieve the high level of knowledge, experience, leadership and professionalism our industry most desires. For this reason, more employers prefer candidates who hold the FMP credential.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
17. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)
Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a chef manager?
The best chef manager certification is ServSafe Alcohol. The ServSafe Alcohol is awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this chef manager certification:
- To become a certified ServSafe Alcohol, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for chef managers?
The most in-demand chef manager certification is Certified Dietary Manager based on all active job postings. Having this chef manager certification will give you access to more chef manager jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of chef manager certifications include: ServSafe Alcohol, Certified Food Manager (CFM), and Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA).
Online courses for chef managers to earn certifications
1. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...
2. Food Safety for Managers and Supervisors
The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...
3. Fun food safety and sanitation course
The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...
4. ISO 22000 (HACCP and PRPs) for Food Safety
Standards, analysis, control points, and risk management related to ISO 22000 for food industry professionals...
5. Supply Chain Management A-Z: Operations & Logistics Basics
Supply Chain Management Basics: An MBA style course to boost your career as a business operations & logistics manager...
6. Fundamentals of Logistics, Supply Chain & Customer Service
Learn Logistics, Supply Chain and Customer Service. 3 Courses in 1...
7. Projects Cost Management, Estimating, Budgeting and Control.
Learn how to estimate costs for any project, how to determine budget and how to use Earned Value Management tools. 3 PDU...
8. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer
Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...
9. Operational Risks Management ORM
Operational Risks Management ORM Case Studies for Risk Management, Compliance, Audit, IS Security, Banking Professionals...
10. Complete Health and Safety Auditor Course. OHSAS 18001.
How to implement and audit a health & safety management system and obtain certification to OHSAS 18001 Standard...
11. Food Photography: Capturing Food in Your Kitchen
With DIY Food Photography, you'll be taking better photos in no time with what you have in your own kitchen!...
12. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS
Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...
13. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system
Upgrate your health and safety career by understanding the requriements for an OH & S management system from ISO 45001...
14. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment
Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...
15. Blockchain applications in Food Safety, Healthcare & Pharma
Best course to learn about Blockchain Business Applications in Pharma, Food Safety, Healthcare and Insurance Industries...
16. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives
Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...
17. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert
Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...
18. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)
Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...
19. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings
A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
20. Cost Reduction: Cut Costs and Maximise Profits
Cost cutting & cost reduction for a profit focused business...