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Best Restaurant Manager certifications
Restaurant manager certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an restaurant manager to employers. However, not all restaurant manager certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a restaurant manager are Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST), Food Safety Manager Certification, and Certified Food Manager (CFM).
Below is a list of the best restaurant manager certifications. Obtaining an restaurant manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for restaurant managers
| Rank | Restaurant Manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) | ALOA |
| 2 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 3 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 4 | ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | National Rest... |
| 5 | Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) | NEHA |
| 6 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 7 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 8 | Certified Sales Professional (CSP) | MRERF |
| 9 | Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) | ANFSP |
| 10 | International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) | ACAT |
| 11 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 12 | Certified Restaurant Server | AHLAEI |
| 13 | Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP) | IATA |
| 14 | Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP) | AHLAEI |
| 15 | Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) | AHLAEI |
| 16 | Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) | PMI |
| 17 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 18 | Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) | AAPM |
| 19 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 20 | Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) | ANFSP |
20 best restaurant manager certifications
1. Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST)
A CMST has successfully demonstrated advanced proficiency in safe and vault related categories.
- 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)
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 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)
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 Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- 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 1 year(s)
7. 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?
8. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- 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)
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. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- 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? No
11. 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
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. Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP)
Travel is an exciting, multi-faceted business for service oriented professionals that want to work independently or for a variety of employers.
- 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 2 year(s)
14. Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP)
- 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)
15. 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)
16. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- 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?
17. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- 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)
18. 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)
19. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in 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 3 year(s)
20. 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?
What is the best certification for a restaurant manager?
The best restaurant manager certification is Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST). The Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) is awarded by the Associated Locksmiths of America. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this restaurant manager certification:
- To become a certified Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST), 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 restaurant managers?
The most in-demand restaurant manager certification is Food Safety Manager Certification based on all active job postings. Having this restaurant manager certification will give you access to more restaurant manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a restaurant manager career and salary?
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification certification will help you to secure a general manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A general manager's average salary is $82,775 whereas restaurant managers make an average salary of $52,202.
The most common combination of restaurant manager certifications include: Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST), Food Safety Manager Certification, and Certified Food Manager (CFM).
Online courses for restaurant 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. Project Management: Cost & Schedule Monitoring using EVM
Earned Value Management, Project Management, Cost Control & Monitor, Budget, Schedule & Cost Variance, Performance Index...
4. 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...
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. Operational Risks Management ORM
Operational Risks Management ORM Case Studies for Risk Management, Compliance, Audit, IS Security, Banking Professionals...
7. ISO 22000 (HACCP and PRPs) for Food Safety
Standards, analysis, control points, and risk management related to ISO 22000 for food industry professionals...
8. The Ultimate Food and Restaurant Business Course
For Existing Food & Restaurant Businesses & Start Ups. This course will significantly improve you chance of success...
9. 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...
10. Project Schedule: Monitor & Control Specialist (Accredited)
Schedule Management: Monitor & Control Schedule, Analyze Schedule, Solve Project Schedule Problems Earn CPDs & PDUs...
11. 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...
12. 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...
13. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings
A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
14. Django In Real Life - Build Complex Restaurant Platform
Python Django Multi-Vendor Restaurant Marketplace with location based search, nearby restaurants. Beginner to Expert...
15. Cost Reduction: Cut Costs and Maximise Profits
Cost cutting & cost reduction for a profit focused business...
16. OSHA Safety Training: Heat Stress Management
A Workplace Safety Management Course for Current and Future Safety Professionals...
17. 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...
18. Bank Reconciliations & Cash Internal Controls
Mastering Internal Controls and Cash Management: Safeguarding Business Assets and Ensuring Financial Accuracy...
19. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.
OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...
20. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert
Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...