What is CFSP Certification and Why Does it Matter?

If you work in the foodservice industry or manage commercial kitchens, you might have heard about CFSP Certification. But what is it, and why is it important? At Rapids Contract, we know that the Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP) certification helps foodservice experts stand out by proving their knowledge and experience.

What is CFSP Certification?

CFSP Certification is a special professional credential just for people in the foodservice industry. It started in 1987 and shows that someone understands foodservice equipment, kitchen design, operations, and safety better than most. Sometimes called Certified Full Service Professional or C.F.S.P, this certification means the person has met high standards and keeps learning to stay up-to-date.

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Note: CFSP is different from other certifications like functional safety certification or CFSE. It’s focused only on foodservice professionals.

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Why is CFSP Certification Important?

Getting CFSP certified is important because it:

  • Raises the quality and professionalism in the foodservice industry
  • Encourages ongoing learning and growth
  • Shows that a person has real experience and knowledge
  • Helps customers and employers trust that they are working with experts

At Rapids Contract, many of our team members have earned the CFSP certification, so you can be confident in the quality of service we provide.

How Do You Get CFSP Certified?

The CFSP certification is managed by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) in the U.S., and by the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) in the U.K.

To get certified, candidates earn points for their education, experience, and involvement in the foodservice industry. After earning enough points, they take an exam. The exam can be taken in person or online.

There are three levels of certification depending on how many points someone has earned:

  • Level III: Starting level
  • Level II: Mid level
  • Level I: Advanced level

To keep the certification, professionals must keep learning and earning points every year.

CFSP Certified Foodservice Professional logo

What Does the CFSP Certification Cover?

CFSP Certified Foodservice Professionals

The CFSP training covers important topics that help certified professionals understand all parts of running and designing a foodservice operation, including:

  • How the foodservice industry works
  • Kitchen and facility design basics
  • Utilities and ventilation
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Equipment types and uses
  • Service area setup
  • New technology and sustainability

Our CFSP-Certified Team at Rapids Contract

We’re proud to have a strong team of CFSP-certified professionals at Rapids Contract. Their knowledge of foodservice equipment, kitchen design, and industry standards helps us create efficient, safe, and effective kitchen solutions. With their experience and training, our team can better understand your needs and deliver high-quality results from start to finish.

Troy Little

Troy Little

Vice President of Sales

Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt

President

Tom Roberts

Tom Roberts

Solutions Engineer

Jason Wacker

Jason Wacker

Solutions Engineer & Director of Project Management

For more information and to engage with our team, please contact us via our contact form or at (866) 503-2655. We look forward to working with you to provide the best solutions for your needs.

LET'S FIND YOUR SOLUTION

Rapids Contract & Design serves the United States with locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Our experts are ready to assist with your foodservice needs—contact us for support, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM CST.