Q. What is Certification?
A. Certification is "a plan whereby members receive recognition
for having achieved level(s) of professional development." Certification
is voluntary on the part of a member; however, some districts or churches
may require service employees be certified.
Q. Why certify?
A. (1) Professionalism - Lets your church know that you
consider yourself a professional in your ministry position, whether
you are a part time volunteer, part time paid or a full time salaried
employee.
(2) Looks good on your resume - if you find yourself in a position that
you need to seek other employment, it lets the Business Administrator
and/or Personnel Committee know you are willing to bring and maintain
professionalism in the Food Service Ministry of the church.
(3) Many professional organizations have a training and certification
program for their members.
Q. How does one become certified?
A. There are two levels of Certification:
Level I - Certified Food Service Director
Level II - Certified Food Service Administrator
An individual seeking certification must meet the specified level requirements
for: experience, employment, academic education, formal training and
job performance. Once the requirements are verified through the necessary
documentation and the required fee is paid, certification will be granted
for a three-year period.
The basic procedures for applying are:
(1) Be a member of the National Association
(2) Attend NACFS National Conference
(3) Academic education to qualify at requested level *
(4) Formal training for requested level
(5) Supervisor's signature to verify information
(6) Enclose certification fee with application forms
(7) Send to Certification Chairperson for processing
*Note: this is for new certification only. Cannot be used for renewal.
Q. What is "Formal Training"?
A. Formal Training requirements for Certification can
be met by attending structured classroom-style training courses not
only offered by NACFS at the annual conference but also classes at your
City, County or State Department of Education, vocational classes at
area Vocational Technical Schools, Community or Junior Colleges, Military
installations, private consultants, the Dairy Council, industry or trade
associations and agricultural extension services all offer courses that
will help meet certification requirements.
Q. I have just joined NACFS, can I certify immediately?
A. Due to some of the requirements and points it is best
to wait at least a year or until after you have attended a conference
to do your certification. (ie: points for attending conference and conference
classes). However, if you have met all the requirements you may apply
for either level of certification.
Q. I have met all the requirements for Level I and
Level II. Can I certify for both Levels at the same time?
A. No, you may attain only one level at a time. However,
you may recertify the next year at the next level or wait the three
years when your certification is ready to expire and then recertify
at the next level.
Q. Do I have to advance to Level II?
A. No. there is no limit to the number of years a member
may remain at a particular level.
Q. Where do I get a Certification Application?
A. The Certification Chairperson (see below), or at the
link on this page.
Q. Is there a deadline for the application?
A. The deadline is May 31st.
Q. How much is the fee for becoming certified?
A. The fee for a new applicant is: New Certification $
50.00 Recertification $ 25.00
Q. If I have more questions concerning Certification,
who do I contact?
A. For questions or Certification forms, please contact:
Sherri Smith
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
2200 Briarwood Way
Birmingham, AL 35243
205.776.5374
ssmith@briarwood.org
