Certifications

CERTIFIED FOOD ASSOCIATE (CFA)

Welcome to the International Food Service Executive Association (IFSEAEF) Certified Food Associate certification program. CFA is the entry-level certification for individuals beginning their careers in the Food Service/Hospitality Industry. This certification program assists many members to attain their food service employment goals. IFSEAEF and the Certification Committee wishes you great success as you further your career in the rewarding food service and hospitality industry.

Meeting the criteria for the CFA certification requires dedication and perseverance. Applications are evaluated upon documentation submitted, utilizing a point system based on three categories, which encompass the following:

· Education

· Additional points of industry, IFSEAEF activity and special achievement and recognition

· Written Examination

Once the applicant submits the necessary documents and accumulates the minimum required points, a written exam is taken to provide a quantifiable means to measure the applicant’s qualifications to be awarded the CFA designation. 

Continuing education is heavily weighted, as true professionals pursue self-improvement. Industry and IFSEAEF activity is awarded in the form of additional points, as they represent the food service professional’s willingness to contribute to the overall betterment of the food service and hospitality industry profession. This is accomplished by participating in IFSEAEF activities. Additional points are also awarded for exceeding minimum point levels in education and special food service recognition through special awards and special contributions to the food service and hospitality industry.

First step requirements from the following three categories: 

· Education – Submit copies of originals

o  Diplomas

o  Certificates

o  Degrees or transcripts from an accredited high school, vocational school, GED, continuing education hours (CEH), accredited culinary arts programs, specific military occupational specialties or military rate courses and/or any other applicable apprenticeship programs.

o High school or vocational school senior with two consecutive years in a Food Service/Culinary Arts/Hospitality program OR 

o Student at a 2 or 4 year college, enrolled in Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality program OR

o Military E1-E4 (Food Service MOS/Rate – 2 Years)

· Additional Points – 10 points minimum required

Additional points are awarded for IFSEAEF, food service hospitality activities, accomplishments or recognition in the food service industry and volunteering in community service projects. 

o 5 points for attendance at an IFSEAEF annual conference

o 1 point for attendance at an IFSEAEF workshop or seminar

o 1 point per year for IFSEAEF student level or regular membership

o 1 point for each sponsoring an IFSEAEF student or regular member

o 1 point per year for service on an IFSEAEF student branch committee or IFSEAEF committee

o 3 points (per culinary or hospitality competition), such as: IFSEAEF Culinary, American Culinary Federation (ACF), National Restaurant Association (NRA), ProStart, Skills USA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) etc. 

o 3 points for attendance at other professional association conferences, such as: ACF, Student Nutrition Association (SNA), NRA, etc.

o 2 points for each continuous year as a member in another food service or hospitality association, such as: ACF, SNA, NRA etc.

o 1 point for each award given in, Culinary Arts, Food Service, Hospitality, Nutrition, Management or Leadership

o 2 points per year for volunteering in a Community Service project, such as: school/college activities, government, helping the hungry/homeless, the environment, senior citizens, helping animals, neighborhood enhancements etc. 

Note: to qualify with community service, a minimum of 24-hours a year must be documented with the following information: (You may volunteer for more than one project, and receive additional points)

o Name of project

o Date of project

o Total time worked

o Description of what was done and accomplished

o Signature and date of the person in charge of the project

· Qualifying for the Written Examination

Eligibility for the Written examination will be determined by the verification of the IFSEAEF national office. They will ensure that the applicant has accumulated the required minimum levels established for each category. Once the levels are verified, IFSEAEF headquarters will notify the applicant of his or her eligibility to take the written examination. 

The requirements listed above must be proven by evidence of documentation to be included with the application. Please submit the application and documentation requirements for approval to (email is preferred)

IFSEAEF EF

3085 Achilles Drive

Reno, Nevada 89512

Toll Free: 775-636-7992

Fax# 775-861-4415

Email: ifsea.certifications@gmail.com

Once the candidate is approved he or she will be eligible to take the written exam. You can register for the exam by calling, 775-636-7992 (between 8 AM – 5 M EST) or by emailing certification at the address above. 

The final step in the CFA process is the closed book, written examination. All candidates for CFA are required to score a minimum of 75% on a comprehensive 80 question, multiple choice test.

The examination is normally administered during the annual IFSEAEF conference, however; exceptions can be made, such as: taking the examination by appointment at the IFSEAEF headquarters office, at a mutually agreed upon location, (high school, college or library) proctored by an approved IFSEAEF proctor. 

The approval process to be awarded the CFA designation will be dependent upon the receipt of all pre-qualifications and the passing of the written examination. Each will be reviewed for completion, reviewing the qualifications, each applicant must complete the following schedule:

o Education – Submit copies of original documents

o Additional Points – 10 points minimum

o Written Examination – Pass the written examination 

CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (CFM)

Welcome to the IFSEAEF Certified Food Manager certification program. This is our second level certification for those who have worked two years or more as a Food Service Manager, Director or equivalent level of leadership or management, or three years or more as an Assistant Food Service Manager, Director or equivalent level of leadership or management. This certification program has been instrumental in helping many of our members attain their food service employment goals. IFSEAEF and the Certification Committee wishes you great success as you work your way up in the Food Service/Hospitality industry.

Meeting the criteria for the CFM certification requires dedication and perseverance. Applications are evaluated upon documentation submitted, utilizing a point system based on three categories, which encompass the following:

· Education

· Job Experience

· Additional Points for industry, IFSEAEF activities and special achievement recognition

· Written Examination

Once the applicant submits the necessary documents and accumulates the minimum required points, a written exam is taken to provide a quantifiable means to measure the applicant’s qualifications to be awarded the CFM designation. 

Emphasis is placed on job experience. It is primarily through “hands-on” experience that a manager is able to develop and demonstrate competence. Continuing education is also heavily weighted, as true professionals pursue self-improvement. Industry and IFSEAEF activity is awarded in the form of additional points, as they represent the food service professional’s willingness to contribute to the overall betterment of the food service and hospitality industry profession. This is accomplished by participating in IFSEAEF activities. Additional points are also awarded for exceeding minimum point levels in education and special food service recognition through special awards and special contributions to the food service and hospitality industry.

Step requirements from the following four categories:

· Education – Submit copies of originals

o Diplomas

o Certificates

o Degrees or transcripts from an accredited high school, vocational school, GED, 150 hours of continuing education hours (CEH), accredited culinary arts programs, specific military occupational specialties or military rate courses and/or any other applicable apprenticeship programs.

CEH should include the following courses: 

o 40 hours Food Safety, Sanitation and Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) program or certifications.

o 30 hours Supervisory management

o 20 hours Nutrition

o 30 hours Basic business math

o 10 hours Alcohol awareness program or certification

o 20 hours Culinary Arts or a certified apprenticeship program, such as: ACFEF Apprenticeship program

Note: Education documents may be a combination of a high school diploma and completed an advanced military occupational specialty OR advanced military rate course in Food Service or Culinary Arts programs.

o Associates Degree, in Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality related field

o Bachelors Degree, in Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality related field

· Job Experience – On-the-job experience documents must be provided by using the IFSEAEF Employment Documentation Form to verify one of the following:

o A minimum of two years performing duties as a food service manager, director or equivalent leadership or management position

o A minimum of three years performing duties as an assistant food service manager, assistant director or equivalent leadership or management position

· Additional Points – 50 points minimum required

Additional points are awarded for IFSEAEF, food service hospitality activities, accomplishments or recognition in the food service industry and volunteering in community service projects.

o 5 points for attendance at an IFSEAEF annual conference

o 1 point for attendance at an IFSEAEF workshop or seminar

o 1 point per year for IFSEAEF student level or regular membership

o 1 point for each sponsored IFSEAEF student or regular member

o 3 points per year for IFSEAEF Executive Board Member

o 2 points per year for IFSEAEF Officer

o 1 point per year for IFSEAEF Branch Officer

o 2 points per year for IFSEAEF Committee Chairperson

o 1 point per year for IFSEAEF Committee Member

o 1 point per each Branch meeting attended

o 1 point per year for service on an IFSEAEF student committee or IFSEAEF committee

o 3 points per culinary or hospitality competition such as: (per culinary or hospitality competition), such as: IFSEAEF Culinary, American Culinary Federation (ACF), National Restaurant Association (NRA), ProStart, Skills USA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) etc. 

o 2 points for attendance at other professional association conferences, such as: ACF, Student Nutrition Association (SNA), NRA, etc.

o 2 points for each continuous year as a member in another food service or hospitality association, such as: ACF, SNA, NRA etc.

o 1 point for each award given in, Culinary Arts, Food Service, Hospitality, Nutrition, Management or Leadership

o 2 points per instructional hour (half-hour increments are accepted for one point) the following directly related to Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality industry:

o Conferences

o Coursed (including certification review)

o Meetings (instructional)

o Seminars

o Webinars

o Tutorials

o Workshops

o Other Presentation

Note: Points are awarded only once per year for presentation on the same topic. The time required to prepare presentations is not eligible for points. 

o 2 points for an article or contribution on a subject matter relating directly to food service or hospitality industry that is published in the following:

o Newsletter/Newspaper

o Magazine

o Booklet

o Monograph

o Book (published book 10 points per publication)

o Proceedings

Note: The time required to research and develop material is not eligible for points.

o 2 points per year for volunteering in a Community Service project, such as: school/college activities, government, helping the hungry/homeless, the environment, senior citizens, helping animals, neighborhood enhancements etc. 

Note: to qualify with community service, a minimum of 24-hours a year must be documented with the following information: (You may volunteer for more than one project, and receive additional points)

o Name of project

o Date of project

o Total time worked

o Description of what was done and accomplished

o Signature and date of the person in charge of the project

· Qualifying for the Written Examination

Eligibility for the Written examination will be determined by the verification of the IFSEAEF national office. They will ensure that the applicant has accumulated the required minimum levels established for each category. Once the levels are verified, IFSEAEF headquarters will notify the applicant of his or her eligibility to take the written examination. 

The requirements listed above must be proven by evidence of documentation to be included with the application. Please submit the application and documentation requirements for approval to (email is preferred)

IFSEAEF EF

3085 Achilles Drive

Reno, Nevada 89512

Toll Free: 775-636-7992

Fax# 775-861-4415

Email: ifsea.certifications@gmail.com

Once the candidate is approved, he or she will be eligible to take the written exam. You can register for the exam by calling, 775-636-7992 (between 8 AM – 5 M EST) or by emailing certification at the address above. 

The final step in the CFM process is the closed book, written examination. All candidates for CFM are required to score a minimum of 75% on a comprehensive 100 question, multiple choice test.

The examination is normally administered during the annual IFSEAEF conference, however; exceptions can be made, such as: taking the examination by appointment at the IFSEAEF headquarters office, at a mutually agreed upon location, (high school, college or library) proctored by an approved IFSEAEF proctor. 

The approval process to be awarded the CFM designation will be dependent upon the receipt of all pre-qualifications and the passing of the written examination. Each will be reviewed for completion, reviewing the qualifications, each applicant must complete the following schedule:

o Education – Submit copies of original documents

o Job Experience – All experience must have taken place in the past 10 years

o Additional Points – 50 points minimum

o Written Examination – Pass the written examination 

CERTIFIED FOOD EXECUTIVE (CFE)

Welcome to the IFSEA EF Certified Food Executive certification program. This is our Third level certification for those who have worked seven years or more as a Food Service Manager, Director or equivalent level of leadership or management, or nine years or more as an Assistant Food Service Manager, Director or equivalent level of leadership or management. This certification program has been instrumental in helping many of our members attain their food service employment goals. IFSEA EF and the Certification Committee wishes you great success as you work your way up in the Food Service/Hospitality industry.

Meeting the criteria for the CFE certification requires dedication and perseverance. Applications are evaluated upon documentation submitted, utilizing a point system based on three categories, which encompass the following:

· Education

· Job Experience

· Additional Points for industry, IFSEA EF activities and special achievement recognition

· Written Examination

Once the applicant submits the necessary documents and accumulates the minimum required points, a written exam is taken to provide a quantifiable means to measure the applicant’s qualifications to be awarded the CFE designation. 

Emphasis is placed on job experience. It is primarily through “hands-on” experience that a manager is able to develop and demonstrate competence. Continuing education is also heavily weighted, as true professionals pursue self-improvement. Industry and IFSEA EF activity is awarded in the form of additional points, as they represent the food service professional’s willingness to contribute to the overall betterment of the food service and hospitality industry profession. This is accomplished by participating in IFSEA EF activities. Additional points are also awarded for exceeding minimum point levels in education and special food service recognition through special awards and special contributions to the food service and hospitality industry.

Step requirements from the following four categories:

· Education – Submit copies of originals

o Diplomas

o Certificates

o Degrees or transcripts from an accredited high school, vocational school, GED, 300 hours of continuing education hours (CEH), accredited culinary arts programs, specific military occupational specialties or military rate courses and/or any other applicable apprenticeship programs.

CEH should include the following courses: 

o 40 hours Food Safety, Sanitation and Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) program or certifications.

o 30 hours Supervisory management

o 30 hours Nutrition

o 50 hours Basic business math

o 20 hours Alcohol awareness program or certification

o 40 hours Culinary Arts or a certified apprenticeship program, such as: ACFEF Apprenticeship program

OR

o Associates Degree, in Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality or Nutrition related field

OR

o Bachelors Degree, in Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality or Nutrition related field

OR

o Bachelors Degree in any area with 150 CEH which includes the following courses:

o 40 hours Food Safety, Sanitation and Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) program or certifications.

o 30 hours Supervisory management

o 20 hours Nutrition

o 30 hours Basic business math

o 10 hours Alcohol awareness program or certification

o 20 hours Culinary Arts or a certified apprenticeship program, such as: ACFEF Apprenticeship program

OR

o Masters Degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing or Nutrition field

· Job Experience 

o At least seven years as a Food Service Manager, Director or equivalent leadership or management position

· Additional Points – 50 points minimum required

Additional points are awarded for IFSEA EF, food service hospitality activities, accomplishments or recognition in the food service industry and volunteering in community service projects.

o 5 points for attendance at an IFSEA EF annual conference

o 1 point for attendance at an IFSEA EF workshop or seminar

o 1 point per year for IFSEA EF student level or regular membership

o 1 point for each sponsored IFSEA EF student or regular member

o 3 points per year for IFSEA EF Executive Board Member

o 2 points per year for IFSEA EF Officer

o 1 point per year for IFSEA EF Branch Officer

o 2 points per year for IFSEA EF Committee Chairperson

o 1 point per year for IFSEA EF Committee Member

o 1 point per each Branch meeting attended

o 1 point per year for service on an IFSEA EF student committee or IFSEA EF committee

o 3 points per culinary or hospitality competition such as: (per culinary or hospitality competition), such as: IFSEA EF Culinary, American Culinary Federation (ACF), National Restaurant Association (NRA), ProStart, Skills USA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) etc. 

o 2 points for attendance at other professional association conferences, such as: ACF, Student Nutrition Association (SNA), NRA, etc.

o 2 points for each continuous year as a member in another food service or hospitality association, such as: ACF, SNA, NRA etc.

o 1 point for each award given in, Culinary Arts, Food Service, Hospitality, Nutrition, Management or Leadership

o 2 points per instructional hour (half-hour increments are accepted for one point) the following directly related to Food Service, Culinary Arts/Hospitality industry:

o Conferences

o Coursed (including certification review)

o Meetings (instructional)

o Seminars

o Webinars

o Tutorials

o Workshops

o Other Presentation

Note: Points are awarded only once per year for presentation on the same topic. The time required to prepare presentations is not eligible for points. 

o 2 points for an article or contribution on a subject matter relating directly to food service or hospitality industry that is published in the following:

o Newsletter/Newspaper

o Magazine

o Booklet

o Monograph

o Book (published book 10 points per publication)

o Proceedings

Note: The time required to research and develop material is not eligible for points.

o 2 points per year for volunteering in a Community Service project, such as: school/college activities, government, helping the hungry/homeless, the environment, senior citizens, helping animals, neighborhood enhancements etc. 

Note: to qualify with community service, a minimum of 24-hours a year must be documented with the following information: (You may volunteer for more than one project, and receive additional points)

o Name of project

o Date of project

o Total time worked

o Description of what was done and accomplished

o Signature and date of the person in charge of the project

· Qualifying for the Written Examination

Eligibility for the Written examination will be determined by the verification of the IFSEA EF national office. They will ensure that the applicant has accumulated the required minimum levels established for each category. Once the levels are verified, IFSEA EF headquarters will notify the applicant of his or her eligibility to take the written examination. 

The requirements listed above must be proven by evidence of documentation to be included with the application. Please submit the application and documentation requirements for approval to (email is preferred)

IFSEA EF 

3085 Achilles Drive

Reno, Nevada 89512

Toll Free: 775-636-7992

Fax# 775-861-4415

Email: IFSEA .certification@gmail.com

Once the candidate is approved, he or she will be eligible to take the written exam. You can register for the exam by calling, 775-636-7992 (between 8 AM – 5 M EST) or by emailing certification at the address above. 

The final step in the CFE process is the closed book, written examination. All candidates for CFE are required to score a minimum of 75% on a comprehensive 80 question, multiple choice test.

The examination is normally administered during the annual IFSEA EF conference, however; exceptions can be made, such as: taking the examination by appointment at the IFSEA EF headquarters office, at a mutually agreed upon location, (high school, college or library) proctored by an approved IFSEA EF proctor. 

The approval process to be awarded the CFE designation will be dependent upon the receipt of all pre-qualifications and the passing of the written examination. Each will be reviewed for completion, reviewing the qualifications, each applicant must complete the following schedule:

o Education – Submit copies of original documents

o Job Experience – All experience must have taken place in the past 10 years

o Additional Points – 50 points minimum

o Written Examination – Pass the written examination