Top 11 Waiter Certifications

Certifications can be extremely important for a waiter in the job market, as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They show potential employers that the waiter is committed to providing excellent customer service and has taken the time to learn about the industry. Certifications may also provide additional training and education on topics such as food safety, wine service, and customer service that can give an edge over other applicants who do not have certifications. In addition, some certifications can lead to higher wages or even supervisor positions within establishments.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Waiters and explain how they can contribute to a waiter's career development.

What are Waiter Certifications?

Waiter certification is a type of training provided to wait staff or service industry personnel. It is designed to improve customer service, increase customer satisfaction, and boost the overall efficiency of the restaurant. The certification program typically includes topics such as customer service etiquette, food and beverage knowledge, menu planning and presentation, and problem-solving techniques.

The certification provides waiters with the necessary skills needed to provide a high level of customer service. Waiters are expected to be able to greet customers in a friendly manner, take orders accurately, serve food in an efficient manner, respond quickly to requests from customers, and handle any customer complaints that arise during their shift. Having waiter certification demonstrates that an individual has received training in these areas and is equipped with the skills needed to deliver quality service.

Having waiter certification can also help waiters secure better job opportunities as employers often look for workers who have obtained this type of training. Additionally, restaurants may offer bonuses or other incentives for employees who have obtained waiter certification due to its positive impact on the overall quality of customer service offered at their establishment.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for waiter certification in your state or region before beginning the process. Many states require waiters to complete a food safety and sanitation course in order to become certified. Additionally, some states may require additional certifications depending on the type of establishment you plan on working for.

Related: What does a Waiter do?

Top 11 Waiter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Waiters today.

1. Certified Waiter/Waitress Certificate

A Certified Waiter/Waitress Certificate is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the restaurant service industry. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their wait staff has the necessary qualifications to provide quality customer service.

The length of time it takes to get a Certified Waiter/Waitress Certificate depends on the program you choose and how much time you devote to studying for the exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

To get a Certified Waiter/Waitress Certificate, you must first complete an approved training program or course. These courses are typically offered at colleges and universities, as well as through online programs. Once you have completed your training, you must pass an exam administered by a certified organization such as ServSafe or National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The cost of getting a Certified Waiter/Waitress Certificate varies depending on the program or course you take. Generally, the cost ranges from $100-$200 for online programs and up to $1,000 for college courses.

2. Professional Foodservice Certification

Professional Foodservice Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of excellence in the foodservice industry. It is awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and is recognized by employers throughout the United States.

The Professional Foodservice Certification program consists of two levels: Certified Foodservice Professional (CFP) and Certified Executive Chef (CEC). To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and experience through an assessment process that includes a written exam, practical skills test, and an interview.

The CFP certification takes approximately 8-12 months to complete, while the CEC certification can take up to 24 months. To get started, applicants must first register with NRAEF and pay the application fee. After registration, applicants will be sent instructions on how to prepare for the exam and complete other requirements for certification.

The cost of Professional Foodservice Certification varies depending on which level of certification you are pursuing. The CFP application fee is $250 USD, while the CEC application fee is $500 USD. In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with taking the exams or attending training courses.

3. National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification

The National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification is a food safety certification program that helps ensure the safety of food served in restaurants and other food service establishments. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of food safety, from proper handling and storage to preventing contamination and cross-contamination.

The certification is offered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). To earn the ServSafe certification, individuals must complete an online training course or attend a classroom-based course. The online course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and includes seven modules: Introduction to Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross Contamination & Allergens, Time & Temperature, Cleaning & Sanitizing, Food Safety Regulations, and HACCP Principles.

At the end of the course there is a proctored exam consisting of 90 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam you must score at least 75%. Upon successful completion of the exam you will be awarded your ServSafe Certificate valid for five years.

The cost for the online course varies depending on which package you purchase. The basic package costs $125 USD and includes access to the online training materials as well as one attempt at the proctored exam. Additional attempts at the exam cost extra. There are also packages available that include additional resources such as practice tests or study guides.

Classroom-based courses are also available through approved instructors in many locations around the country. These courses typically take two days to complete and include instruction on all seven modules covered in the online course as well as practice exams and hands-on activities. The cost for these courses varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD per person.

4. Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wines

The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wines is an introductory course designed to provide students with a basic understanding of wines. The course covers topics such as grape varieties, wine production, wine styles and quality factors, food and wine pairing, and responsible service of alcohol. It also provides the opportunity to taste a range of wines from around the world.

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines typically takes about 6 hours to complete. It can be taken as a classroom-based course or through self-study online. The cost for the classroom-based course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges between $150-$200 USD. The cost for the online self-study option is usually lower at around $100 USD. In order to obtain the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, students must successfully pass an exam at the end of their studies.

5. Certified Hospitality Supervisor

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). The CHS certification is designed to recognize hospitality supervisors who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage front-of-house operations in a hotel, resort, or other lodging property.

The CHS certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, conflict resolution, legal compliance, financial management, and more. It typically takes between four and six weeks to complete the course and pass the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CHS certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 USD and includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the exam. Higher-priced packages include additional features such as practice tests, study guides, webinars, and more.

To obtain the CHS certification, applicants must first register for an AHLEI account on their website. Then they must purchase one of the available packages and complete all of the required coursework before taking the exam. Once they have passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will be awarded their Certified Hospitality Supervisor certificate from AHLEI.

6. Certified Professional Food Manager

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) is a certification program that provides food service managers with the knowledge and skills to ensure safe food handling practices in their establishments. This certification is administered by the National Restaurant Association and is recognized in many states as part of their food safety requirements.

The CPFM exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as food safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), and other related topics. The exam must be taken in person at an approved testing center and typically takes about two hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, three years of experience working in a food service establishment, and completion of a state-approved training course. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam online or via mail.

The cost of the CPFM exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges between $50-$150. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $25 to maintain your certification status.

7. Advanced Table Service Certification

Advanced Table Service Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest level of service and hospitality in the restaurant industry. It is offered by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and requires successful completion of an exam.

The Advanced Table Service Certification exam covers topics such as food and beverage knowledge, customer service, communication skills, menu knowledge, table service techniques, and wine knowledge. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or in person at a testing center. It typically takes up to two hours to complete the exam.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in a restaurant setting as well as a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English language skills.

The cost for the Advanced Table Service Certification is $150 USD for NRA members and $200 USD for non-members. This fee covers registration for the exam as well as access to study materials such as practice tests and sample questions.

8. Barista Certification

Barista Certification is a program designed to help coffee professionals learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become an expert barista. It covers topics such as coffee extraction, brewing techniques, customer service, and espresso machine maintenance. The certification is offered by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and typically takes about 12 hours to complete.

To get certified, individuals must attend a SCAA-approved barista course or workshop. These courses are offered online or in-person at various locations around the world. Upon completion of the course, students must pass a written exam and demonstrate their skills on an espresso machine in order to receive their certification.

The cost of Barista Certification varies depending on the type of course taken and where it is taken. Generally speaking, courses range from $150-$500 USD for online courses and $300-$1000 USD for in-person courses.

9. Certified Bartender Certificate

A Certified Bartender Certificate is a professional certification program designed to teach and certify individuals in the art of bartending. It is designed to provide an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful bartender. The program typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete, depending on the provider and specific course requirements.

In order to get a Certified Bartender Certificate, you must first complete an accredited bartending school or course. These courses are offered both online and in-person at various schools across the country. Upon completion of the course, you will be tested on your knowledge of bartending techniques, safety protocols, customer service, and other topics related to being a successful bartender. After passing this exam, you will receive your certificate from the school or organization that provided the training.

The cost of getting a Certified Bartender Certificate can vary depending on where you take the course and what type of program it is. Generally speaking, most courses range from $500-$1,500 for basic certification programs. For more advanced programs such as mixology or flair bartending certifications, costs may be higher due to additional materials needed for those courses.

10. Customer Service Excellence Certificate

The Customer Service Excellence Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate excellence in customer service. The program is administered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The certificate requires participants to complete a series of online courses, including topics like customer service fundamentals, communication skills, problem solving and conflict resolution. Participants must also pass an exam to receive their certification. The entire process typically takes between 8-12 weeks.

To get the Customer Service Excellence Certificate, individuals must register for the program through ICSA’s website and pay a fee of $249 USD. After registering, participants will be given access to the online courses and materials needed to complete the program. Upon successful completion of all requirements, participants will be awarded their certificate.

11. International Bartender Association (IBA) Certification

The International Bartender Association (IBA) is an international organization that provides certification for bartenders. The IBA Certification is a professional qualification that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of bartenders and helps them stand out in the job market.

The IBA Certification program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Bartender (CPB), Certified Advanced Bartender (CAB) and Certified Master Bartender (CMB). Each level requires a different amount of training and experience. To get certified at any level, you must pass an exam administered by the IBA.

The CPB certification requires you to have completed an approved bartender training course or have at least one year of bartending experience. The CAB certification requires two years of experience or completion of an approved advanced bartender course. The CMB certification requires five years of experience or completion of an approved master bartender course.

It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete the required training and exams for each level. You can find approved courses online or through local schools, bars and hospitality organizations.

The cost for each level varies depending on where you take your courses and exams, but generally ranges from $150-$500 USD per level.

Do You Really Need a Waiter Certificate?

Whether or not you need a waiter certificate depends on the type of job you are looking for. In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a formal certification in order to work as a waiter. For example, if you want to work at an upscale restaurant, then having a certificate may be required. Furthermore, some restaurants may offer additional training and require their waiters to have certain certifications.

On the other hand, there are many restaurants that do not require any sort of certification for their wait staff. These establishments may simply prefer that applicants have prior experience working in the food service industry and knowledge of basic customer service techniques. If this is the case, then obtaining a waiter certificate might not be necessary.

In short, it is important to consider your situation before deciding whether or not you need a waiter certificate. If you are applying for a job at an upscale restaurant or one that offers additional training and requires certain certifications, then obtaining a certificate may be necessary. Otherwise, having experience in the food service industry may suffice when applying for more casual positions as a waiter.

Related: Waiter Resume Examples

FAQs About Waiter Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a certified waiter?

Answer: The requirements vary by state, but typically involve completing a food safety and sanitation course, passing a certification exam, and having at least one year of experience in a restaurant or hospitality setting.

2. How long does a waiter certification last?

Answer: Most waiter certifications are valid for two years from the date of issue.

3. Do I need to be certified in multiple states if I work in different locations?

Answer: Yes, you may need to obtain multiple certifications depending on the state laws where you will be working.

4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining waiter certification?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for obtaining waiter certification as long as you meet the other criteria listed above.

5. Are there any online courses available for obtaining waiter certification?

Answer: Yes, many states offer online courses that can be completed to obtain your waiter certification.