How to become a corporate caterer

Is becoming a corporate caterer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do corporate caterers do?

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How to become a Corporate Caterer

The requirements to become a corporate caterer can vary, but generally include a combination of formal training in culinary arts and/or hospitality, along with business knowledge. Here’s an overview of the pathway to the career:

Basic Education
Complete high school or equivalent as a foundation.

Culinary or Hospitality Training
Enroll in a culinary arts, hospitality management, or event planning program, or complete standalone catering courses to learn cooking, food safety, and event management.

Practical Experience
Work in kitchens, restaurants, or catering companies to develop cooking and service skills.

Develop Business Skills
Learn about budgeting, client relations, marketing, and logistics, either through formal education or on-the-job experience.

Certifications
Food handler’s permits, health and safety certifications, and sometimes business licenses are required depending on local regulations. These credentials are particularly relevant for caterers:

  • ServSafe Food Handler – Developed by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Conference for Food Protection, this ServSafe course/assessment does not have an official prerequisite. It may be completed by any individual seeking knowledge of basic safe food handling procedures.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification – The ServSafe Manager exam focuses on food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards. The credential is one of the most recognized in the restaurant and foodservice industry. It ensures that candidates understand food safety regulations, which is critical for managing a commercial kitchen and ensuring compliance with health codes.
  • Allergen Awareness Certification – In the USA, food allergen awareness training is increasingly common, with some states requiring it for certain foodservice businesses and schools. Several organizations, like ServSafe, SafeCheck Learning, and Trust20, offer online allergen awareness courses and certifications. These courses often cover the basics of food allergies, how to prevent cross-contamination, and how to handle situations involving allergic reactions.
  • Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) – This certification is offered by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), one of the largest professional groups dedicated to those working in the field.
  • Certified Meeting Professional –– This broader credential, offered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI), validates skills in meeting and event planning and management.
  • ACF Certifications – The American Culinary Federation offers a variety of industry-recognized credentials for culinary and catering professionals: Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC), Certified Culinarian (CC), Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC), Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC). Requirements include a specified level of knowledge and passing a practical exam.

Build a Portfolio and Network
Start working with corporate clients, participate in events, and build a reputation in the industry.

Decide on Employment or Entrepreneurship
Choose to work for an established catering company or start your own corporate catering business.

Stay Updated
Keep up with food trends, dietary needs, and catering technology to remain competitive.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support caterers and the wider foodservice community:

  • International Caterers Association (ICA) – ICA focuses on advancing the catering industry worldwide through training, advocacy, and events.
  • International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) – This global network of culinary professionals, including chefs, food writers, and kitchen managers, provides access to professional development resources, conferences, and networking events.