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Best line cook certifications
The best certifications for a line cook are Certified Food Manager (CFM), Food Safety Manager Certification, and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Line cook certifications demonstrate your competency as a line cook to employers. However, not all line cook certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best line cook certifications. Obtaining a line cook certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for line cooks
| Rank | Line cook certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 2 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 3 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 4 | ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | National Rest... |
| 5 | Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) | NEHA |
| 6 | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | BCNS |
| 7 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 8 | Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) | ACF |
| 9 | Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) | ANFSP |
| 10 | Flagger (Instructor) | NSC |
| 11 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 12 | Certified Restaurant Server | AHLAEI |
| 13 | Certified Sous Chef (CSC) | ACF |
| 14 | Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS) | IAHCSMM |
| 15 | Standards Professional Certification (CStd) | SES |
| 16 | Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) | IIEI |
| 17 | Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) | AHLAEI |
| 18 | Computer Service Technician (CST) | ETA |
| 19 | Certified Safety Professional (CSP) | BCSP |
| 20 | Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) | NACE |
20 best line 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. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
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. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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?
8. Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC)
The purpose of the certification examinations is to assess and objectively measure the knowledge and skills of a candidate to determine if they meet ACF standards. Certification will expire in 3 years with no opportunity for recertification; however, we do encourage you to consider upgrading your certification at that point.
- 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)
9. 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)
10. 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
11. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- 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
12. Certified Restaurant Server
Today's successful resuarant servers must have effective cost control and sanitation standards as well as expertise, sound judgment, and practical skills. They must keep pace with change, improve their knowledge, and share their experience with others. The Hospitality Skill Certification for Restuarant Servers designation provides recognition for these skills.
- 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)
13. Certified Sous Chef (CSC)
The Sous Chef certification is designed to identify those chefs who have demonstrated a level of culinary competence and expertise through their education, work experience, culinary knowledge and skills that is consistent with a chef who supervises a shift or station(s) in a foodservice operation.
- 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)
14. Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)
Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Central Service professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever-growing. To help professionals stay abreast of rapidly changing medical technology, IAHCSMM offers the Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) exam, which tests knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, as well as reviewing instrumentation practice skills. The CIS exam will test your proficiency in the identification and cleaning of medical instruments, and upon completing and passing the exam you will hold the designation of Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).
- 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)
15. Standards Professional Certification (CStd)
"CStd" is a standards professional certification that demonstrates a thorough, more sophisticated knowledge of the principles, techniques and effects of standardization and recognizes a persons experience, expertise and contributions in the area of standards. The "CStd" level offers four specific interest categories: standards development, standards application, standards management, and standards information.
- 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. Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)
An individual earning the esteemed distinction of Certified International Trade Professional ® (CITP®) has met the international trade industry's highest professional standards across all four major areas within the industry, including logistics, marketing, documentation, finance, and has demonstrated mastery of practical knowledge necessary to orchestrate international trade activities.
- 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 5 year(s)
17. Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)
The Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) is the most prestigious certification available to a food and beverage executive. It is part of an elite group of hospitality professionals who by combining education and experience with dedication to the industry have achieved a high level of expertise.
- 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? Every 5 year(s)
18. 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)
19. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
CSP candidates must have professional safety experience. The exact number of years depends on their degree(s) and if they hold OHST/CLCS or CHST certification. BCSP has a broad definition of safety. Professional-level work experience in safety, health, environmental protection, fire protection, ergonomics, radiation protection and industrial hygiene is considered professional safety experience.
- 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)
20. Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE)
NACE encourages the professional development of caterers and event planners through voluntary participation in its certification program. Achievement of the Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) designation demonstrates expertise in catering and events and is earned by taking a comprehensive examination that covers the core competencies of the industry: Accounting, Beverage Management, Catering Services, Contracts and Agreements, Event Management, Food Production, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a line cook?
The best line 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 line 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 line cooks?
The most in-demand line cook certification is Food Safety Manager Certification based on all active job postings. Having this line cook certification will give you access to more line cook jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a line cook career and salary?
The Certified Food Manager certification will help you to secure a cook position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A cook's average salary is $27,996 whereas line cooks make an average salary of $32,894.
The most common combination of line cook certifications include: Certified Food Manager (CFM), Food Safety Manager Certification, and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Online courses for line cooks 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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4. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
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8. ISO 22000 (HACCP and PRPs) for Food Safety
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16. Basic Food Photography
Learn how to take delicious food photos from scratch...
17. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings
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18. Complete Health and Safety Auditor Course. OHSAS 18001.
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