Some training companies offer online training. Many of these programs, such as serv-safe, offer courses in such topics as basic food safety, cross-contamination, allergens, cleaning and sanitation, time and temperature and basic food safety rules. These programs may also offer certification programs and exams, depending on the state the student works in. The manager can get access to reports that detail the employee's progress through the program.
Some programs offer face-to-face training. Many of these provide the option of sending the employees to a classroom, or requesting that the trainer visit the restaurant to conduct the training. Many of these programs, such as Hotel and Restaurant Training Service, offer server training, as well as food service training.
These programs may certification in topics like blood-borne pathogens and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Programs on DVDs are available for purchase. These give the owner the option to re-train employees at any time, without incurring additional cost. However, unlike online or live training, the DVDs can become out of date. These programs, such as Virtual Restaurant's Complete Waitstaff Training Course, offer programs like alcohol sales and wine service, hosting and greeting guests, taking the food orders, and proper dish and glass handling.
Some training programs use a simulation method to teach the necessary concepts. These programs, like ITS, use role-play simulations to teach basic service and problem-solving skills that are necessary in today's restaurant environment. These simulations can be tailored to the policies and procedures of a specific restaurant. The benefit of a simulation program is that the mistakes made in a simulation can be corrected before they cost the restaurant a customer.