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Best cook/server certifications
Cook/server certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an cook/server to employers. However, not all cook/server certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a cook/server are Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS), Certified Food Manager (CFM), and Food Safety Manager Certification.
Below is a list of the best cook/server certifications. Obtaining an cook/server certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
12 best certifications for cook/servers
| Rank | Cook/server certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) | NEHA |
| 2 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 3 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 4 | ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | National Rest... |
| 5 | Professional Credit Associate (PCA) | CPI |
| 6 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 7 | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | BCNS |
| 8 | Flagger (Instructor) | NSC |
| 9 | Computer Service Technician (CST) | ETA |
| 10 | Professional Credit Specialist (PCS) | CPI |
| 11 | Equipment Management Specialist (EMS) | AEMP |
| 12 | Level One Instructor | CHA |
12 best cook/server certifications
1. 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)
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. 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)
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. Professional Credit Associate (PCA)
Certification enables you to make your clients, customers, colleagues,employers and others with whom you do business aware of the knowledge and skill you have invested in your career in the credit industry.
- 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. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- 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?
7. 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)
8. Flagger (Instructor)
In the Flagger Training Instructor Course, you'll learn to teach work zone crews standard flagging procedures and how to provide safe passage in and around work areas. Get certified to deliver the Flagger Training Course to your work zone crews. No prerequisites required.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
9. Computer Service Technician (CST)
The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.
- 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 4 year(s)
10. Professional Credit Specialist (PCS)
Certification enables you to make your clients, customers, colleagues,employers and others with whom you do business aware of the knowledge and skill you have invested in your career in the credit industry.
- 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)
11. Equipment Management Specialist (EMS)
The Equipment Management Specialist designation is a recognized standard for developing the qualifications of a person involved with equipment in a private, municipal, or government fleet within the first five (5) years of career development.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Level One Instructor
qualified to provide foundational instruction to beginners, with a strong emphasis on safety and group control; candidates must demonstrate ability in ground handling, mounting, correct position and control at walk-trot.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a cook/server?
The best cook/server certification is Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS). The Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) is awarded by the National Environmental Health Association. 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 cook/server certification:
- To become a certified Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What certifications can impact a cook/server career and salary?
The Certified Professional - Food Safety certification will help you to secure a cashier position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A cashier's average salary is $24,655 whereas cook/servers make an average salary of $29,716.
The most common combination of cook/server certifications include: Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS), Certified Food Manager (CFM), and Food Safety Manager Certification.
Online courses for cook/servers to earn certifications
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Cooking is one of the most powerful ways in which we can optimize our enjoyment of great quality food while protecting our health. Even on a tight budget, cooking can be a cost-effective, joyful and rewarding way to love the food that will love us back for a lifetime. In this course, you’ll learn some basic recipes from a home cook and two professional chefs who prioritize healthful eating. You’ll also learn some of the fundamentals of principle-based cooking that can help you break free from...
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The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...
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The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...
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8. ISO 22000 (HACCP and PRPs) for Food Safety
Standards, analysis, control points, and risk management related to ISO 22000 for food industry professionals...
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Learn how to take delicious food photos from scratch...