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IDDBA Training

Introducing the new IDDBA training site!

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This is where you will find training materials and opportunity for professional development for all levels of retailer or supplier associates to learn and grow within their current position as well as prepare for the next.

Retail Associate Training

Associates of all levels are encouraged to use the courses to learn about, or refresh their knowledge in, bakery, cake decorating, specialty cheese, deli meats, and food safety. There are quick videos for each topic followed by a short quiz to test the knowledge gained. Pass the quiz to earn a certificate of completion.

Resource Library (members only)

The resource library is where downloadable and printable job guides and workbooks are found. Most job guides also have a Spanish version.

Job guides are a quick one-page reference sheet that can be used as a helpful reminder for new staff or those who don’t frequently perform that task. From product knowledge to food safety, they cover many useful topics.

Workbooks are more in-depth training for managing the specialty cheese, deli, and bakery departments, customer service, and food safety. These include a quiz and answer key for self-assessment.

Certificate Exams
iddba certified department managers logo

The IDDBA offers two certificate exams, one for deli/bakery department managers and one for charcuterie professionals.

Deli/Bakery department managers are invited to take this on-demand exam at a time that works best for them. Passing the 100-question exam and earning the certificate will show they are proficient in food safety, inventory, staffing, operations, and merchandising (for a more detailed exam content outline, please click here). Along with on-the-job and employer-provided training, IDDBA offers additional supplemental resources. Those resources are the workbooks and job guides located in the Resource Library, also on the IDDBA training site.

iddba certified salumiere logoCharcuterie professionals can earn the title IDDBA Certified Salumiere Professional (CSP) by passing an intense 100-question proctored exam. To earn this recognition, they will have proven strong knowledge in these areas of charcuterie:
  • Preparation of Charcuterie Products for Merchandising
  • Marketing/Sales, including Customer Service, Merchandising
  • Product Handling
  • Business Practices and Finance
  • Safety and Sanitation Regulations

For more information and registration for the Certified Salumiere Professional (CSP) exam including exam content and recommended reading, click here.

Questions? We’re happy to help. Email us at education@iddba.org.


Webinar Resources

Follow links to download slide decks. Full webinar presentations are available for members to view. For more webinars please see here.

Food Safety
Building Trust through Food Safety: Understanding the Impact and Safeguarding Your Business
Building Trust through Food Safety: Understanding the Impact and Safeguarding Your Business
This informative session aims to provide valuable insights and knowledge on ensuring food safety in various settings.
The Why of Food Safety
The Why of Food Safety
The two words - food and safety - create something powerful when combined. Why are they so important and what's all of this talk about culture? We'll tackle both of these questions, and attendees will takeaway a new or renewed commitment to
Food Fraud: Do You Really Know What You're Buying These Days?
Food Fraud: Do You Really Know What You're Buying These Days?
Inflation has impacted us all. When prices are up, you can bet there are some unscrupulous actors that want to optimize their profit margins…and potentially impact your brand and customers.
How Data is Revolutionizing Food Safety
How Data is Revolutionizing Food Safety
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 6 people get sick from foodborne illness each year. The emergence of Covid-19 has noticeably heightened awareness about health and wellness, catching the...
Essential Foundations: Exploring Food Safety and Preservation Techniques
Essential Foundations: Exploring Food Safety and Preservation Techniques
Calling all food industry professionals! Join us for a webinar that delves into the vital aspects of food safety, food quality, and preservation. In this presentation we will...
Food Safety Risk: Using Supplier Contracts and Recall Insurance to Protect Your Brand
Food Safety Risk: Using Supplier Contracts and Recall Insurance to Protect Your Brand
Manufacturing and selling food is a risky business.  And it seems to become even riskier with each passing year...
Pest Management in a Food Safety World
Pest Management in a Food Safety World
Join Myron Baumann to learn from his 48 years of experience in food processing and pest management as he discusses problems related to pest management...
Allergen Awareness
Allergen Awareness
Did you know that sesame was added to the top allergens list? Learn about this and resources to help you and your team learn about managing the top 9 allergens in the bakery and deli.
Listeria - Danger in the Deli
Listeria - Danger in the Deli
This webinar will share information about Listeria (Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes) and what you can do to keep it from taking down your deli! IDDBA training resources will also be shared.
Essential Concepts of Food Safety Culture
Essential Concepts of Food Safety Culture
Join Neil Coole, Americas Director of Food and Retail Supply Chain, BSI Group to discuss this important topic. You will gain understanding what a culture of food...
Safe Storage Temperatures for Cheese
Safe Storage Temperatures for Cheese
Alex O'Brien, Dairy Safety and Quality Coordinator with UW Madison Center for Dairy Research will review how cheese varieties such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, and...

Training Category
Studying for the IDDBA Charcuterie Exam
Studying for the IDDBA Charcuterie Exam
Join us in a study session for the IDDBA Charcuterie Exam.
Best Pairings With Italian Charcuterie
Best Pairings With Italian Charcuterie
Join Stefano Scarso from Rovagnati as he provides insight on how to enhance the enjoyment experience through pairings of Italian "salumi" with different foods and drinks.
The History of Italian Charcuterie and Product Overview
The History of Italian Charcuterie and Product Overview
A journey in the into the history of Italian “salumi” (charcuterie), from ancient Roman times to today. Discover the origins of Italian tradition and the evolution...