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Best first cook certifications
First cook certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an first cook to employers. However, not all first cook certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a first cook are Certified Food Manager (CFM), Food Safety Manager Certification, and Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA).
Below is a list of the best first cook certifications. Obtaining an first cook certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for first cooks
| Rank | First cook certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 2 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 3 | Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) | ACF |
| 4 | Advanced First Aid & CPR | NSC |
4 best first cook certifications
1. 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)
2. 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)
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. Advanced First Aid & CPR
- 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 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a first cook?
The best first cook certification is Certified Food Manager (CFM). The Certified Food Manager (CFM) is awarded by the International Food Service Executives 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 first cook certification:
- To become a certified Certified Food Manager (CFM), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for first cooks?
The most in-demand first cook certification is Food Safety Manager Certification based on all active job postings. Having this first cook certification will give you access to more first cook jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a first cook career and salary?
The Food Safety Manager Certification certification will help you to secure a executive chef position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A executive chef's average salary is $54,707 whereas first cooks make an average salary of $34,044.
The most common combination of first cook certifications include: Certified Food Manager (CFM), Food Safety Manager Certification, and Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA).
Online courses for first cooks to earn certifications
1. Cooking for Busy Healthy People
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...
2. Cook Real Food: How to Make Simple Plant-Based Meals
Learn how to cook whole plant foods to make quick, easy, and healthy vegan meals for practical everyday eating...
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 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...
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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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12. 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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Real World SAP CS and SD, Repair Orders, Service Orders, Service Contracts...
14. Customer Service Basics: Improve your Service now
The basic golden rules to kickstart your service...
15. Your Customer Service Toolbox: Best Practices for Beginners
Excel as a front-line customer service agent using problem-solving & relationship-building skills, etiquette, and more...
16. The Customer: Build a Customer Service Strategy (BITE SIZE)
For you and your team to be successful in providing great customer service, start by putting your customer first...
17. Customer Service
How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...
18. Customer Service: Keep 'em coming back!
How to give the best customer service in your industry and keep those customers raving about your business...
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With DIY Food Photography, you'll be taking better photos in no time with what you have in your own kitchen!...