23
Aug
2017
Certified Foodservice Professional
Solidify your skills.
Through our Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) program, we aim to elevate our industry’s professionalism – across the spectrum. This globally recognized, in-demand credential is open to professionals throughout the industry. Read on to learn more.
About NAFEM’s CFSP program
The CFSP credential was established in 1987 – and remains the most important industry certification for foodservice professionals.
Program objectives
- Raise the professional standards and quality of the foodservice industry
- Encourage continuing educational development among foodservice professionals
- Foster self-assessment by offering guidelines for achievement in the foodservice industry
- Award special recognition to those foodservice professionals who have demonstrated high levels of competence and ethics
Am I eligible for certification?
Requirements for certification:
- To become certified, you are required to document 35 points of foodservice experience (see where you stand by downloading and completing the Point Accumulation Worksheet).
- Once you have achieved the required number of points, purchase the In-person or Online Course Package and start the certification process.
- Complete and submit your application and payment for the package of your choice.
- Successfully pass a written examination (score at least 75%) within one year of submitting your application to the program.
Course options
Achieve your CFSP certification through flexible course options.
- CFSP In-person Course Package
Each August, a day-long CFSP overview seminar is offered at NAFEM’s Chicago headquarters. The next NAFEM-hosted overview is Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You are welcome to return on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., to take the exam. The CFSP In-Person Course Package fee is $550/person and includes the application fee, a copy of the 20-chapter textbook, An Introduction to the Foodservice Industry, the one-day overview and exam. Call us at +1.312.821.0201 or contact us here.
- CFSP Online Course Package
NAFEM’s online overview course allows you to take the course at your own pace, from the comfort of your home office. It is based on the CFSP textbook, An Introduction to the Foodservice Industry, and features 14 hours of content. Passing the CFSP exam is still a requirement to certification, and the test is administered manually. The CFSP Online Course Package is $775/person and includes the application fee; a digital copy of the review questions and glossary of terms from the textbook; the online module; and the exam. To get an idea of the format and content, watch this preview video. Call us at +1.312.821.0201 or contact us here.
How to apply and other FAQs
Industry professionals interested in the CFSP program should send us a note. Read on for more FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once I have attained the CFSP designation, how do I maintain it?
To maintain your certification, pay dues ($50 every two years) and participate in one point-earning activity each year. While one point is required to maintain your certification during each two-year cycle, there is no limit to how many points you can earn.
Are there different levels of CFSP designation I can work toward?
There are three levels of achievement in the CFSP program. You advance naturally through the levels of certification as you earn the required number of points.
- Level III: 35 (minimum number of points required to take the CFSP exam) to 54 points accumulated
- Level II: 55 to 74 points accumulated
- Level I: 75+ points accumulated
How do I report/update my foodservice industry activities to earn additional points?
Login to the CFSP online business center to report industry activities and view your certification records and status. Remember to provide proof of attendance to earn points: simply scan supporting documents into your computer and upload them when you’re on the site.
What is NAFEM’s overview seminar and when is it offered?
The overview seminar is a day-long review session offered by NAFEM in preparation for the CFSP exam. It is part of the CFSP In-Person Product Package or it can be purchased separately. NAFEM hosts an overview every August at its Chicago headquarters.
My company is interested in hosting its own in-house overview seminar and exam. How can I set it up?
Call us at +1.312.821.0201 or contact us here.
Where else can I take the CFSP exam?
If you are preparing to become certified, you can take the exam at NAFEM headquarters anytime you’re in Chicago. We have ample conference room space and any member of the NAFEM staff can proctor the test. If you prefer to take the test in your hometown, you can use a local proctor. For more information or to schedule your exam, call us at +1.312.821.0201 or contact us here.
Can I include a CFSP logo on my website?
Once you have been certified, make sure to add the designation to your email signatures and any day-to-day business communication you send. The logo (.jpg) is available for you to download and NAFEM encourages you to promote your CFSP status whenever possible. You worked hard to achieve the designation – show your commitment to ongoing professional development in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry and help us spread the word about the program!
What are the fees associated with the CFSP program?
- CFSP In-Person Product Package (includes application fee, a copy of the 20-chapter textbook, An Introduction to the Foodservice Industry, the one-day overview and exam); $550/person
- CFSP Online Product Package (includes application fee, a digital copy of the review questions and glossary of terms from the textbook, the online overview and exam); $775/person
- Application Fee (a la carte, includes exam); $400/person
- CFSP Online Overview Seminar (a la carte, no exam); $595/copy.
- CFSP Textbook: An Introduction to the Foodservice Industry; $300/book
- CFSP In-Person Overview Seminar (a la carte, no exam); $200/person
- CFSP Exam Re-Take: $25/person
How long does it take for the materials to arrive once I purchase a package?
- CFSP In-Person Product Package: allow 7-10 business days for delivery
- CFSP Online Product Package: allow 2-3 business days for delivery
Can I get a refund or transfer my payment to someone else?
Once you authorize payment for a CFSP Product Package or any a la carte item, you will not be eligible to receive a refund or transfer the payment to someone else.