How to become a social event caterer

Is becoming a social event 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 social event caterers do?

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How to become a Social Event Caterer

The requirements to become a social event caterer typically 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. Earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in one of these areas, or complete standalone catering courses to learn cooking, food safety, and event management.

Practical Experience / Portfolio Development
Work in kitchens, restaurants, or catering companies to develop cooking and service skills. Learn to cook a variety of dishes, especially those suited for large groups and events. Volunteer to cater small social events (friends, community groups) to build your portfolio.

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

Certifications
Food handler’s permits and health and safety certifications are often 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.

Entrepreneurship / Specialization (Optional)
Consider starting your own catering business. This will involve registering your business and obtaining the required licenses and permits, setting up a commercial kitchen or partnering with a licensed kitchen space, and investing in equipment, staffing, and insurance.

You may choose to focus on a type of cuisine, service style, or event type (e.g., weddings, birthday parties, themed events).

Build a brand. Create a website, social media profiles, and promotional materials. Network with event planners, venues, florists, and photographers. Ask clients for reviews and referrals to grow your reputation.

Stay Current and Keep Learning
Attend industry events, take courses, and stay updated on food trends, dietary needs, catering technology, and presentation styles.

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.