Online & Distance Kitchen Hood Cleaning Certification

Phil Ackland Training offers a flexible distance-learning path for eligible companies, crew leaders, and certification candidates who need professional kitchen exhaust cleaning training without attending the five-day course in person. The program combines self-paced study, NFPA 96 principles, kitchen exhaust system knowledge, and a proctored certification exam.

How Phil Ackland Distance Certification Works

The Phil Ackland Kitchen Hood Cleaning Distance Learning Kit provides structured training for qualified companies and eligible certification candidates. Students work through the course materials at their own pace, prepare with the included study resources and practice exam, and complete a closed-book, proctored certification exam.

This option is designed to deliver a consistent training framework while reducing travel time and time away from work.

Self-paced distance learning.
Reduce time away from work for travel and in-person seminars.
Avoid many of the travel expenses associated with classroom training.
Closed-book certification exams are proctored to verify individual knowledge of the material.

Who Is the Distance Certification Program For?

The program is intended for Phil Ackland Qualified companies training employees or crew leaders, and for other eligible candidates who meet the program requirements. It is especially useful when in-person travel is impractical but a company still wants a structured certification process for technicians who perform or supervise commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning work.

What You'll Learn in the Online & Distance Certification Program

Understand why the complete kitchen exhaust system must be evaluated and cleaned in accordance with applicable requirements and NFPA 96 principles.
Understand NFPA 96 principles related to cleaning, access, inspection, and maintenance.
Recognize the major components of a commercial kitchen exhaust system.
Work safely around fixed fire-suppression systems and other job-site hazards.
Recognize major worker-safety issues associated with professional hood cleaning.
Identify and document major deficiencies observed in commercial kitchen exhaust systems.
Prepare for the Phil Ackland certification examination.

NFPA 96 and Online Hood Cleaning Certification

Phil Ackland Training teaches principles from NFPA 96 that are relevant to commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning, including cleaning, access, inspection, system maintenance, and fire-safety responsibilities. Phil Ackland Training administers its own certification program; NFPA does not issue Phil Ackland certification.

Study NFPA 96 principles that apply to professional kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Understand that local codes and the authority having jurisdiction determine the requirements that apply to a specific property.
Learn how standards, inspection, documentation, and professional cleaning practices work together.
Prepare for certification without implying that NFPA itself provides or endorses the credential.

What's Included in the Phil Ackland Distance Learning Kit

Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning and Certification Manual, 6th Edition
NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2024 Edition
ANSI/IKECA C10-2016 Standard for the Methodology for Cleaning Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems, 2016 Edition
Online practice exam

Company and Crew Leader Requirements for Distance Certification

Company requirements may include:

Designating a company representative to coordinate paperwork and communication with Phil Ackland Training.
Providing requested proof of general liability insurance and applicable business identification information.
Providing the required after-service documentation.
Completing the Phil Ackland Company Qualifications Application and agreeing to the program requirements, including “The Pledge.”

Crew leader requirements include:

Completing the Crew Leader Application and agreeing to the program requirements.
Completing the Phil Ackland Kitchen Hood Cleaning Distance Learning Kit.
Passing the certification exam.
Having the required kitchen exhaust cleaning experience with a Phil Ackland Qualified company.

Current eligibility and documentation requirements should be confirmed with Phil Ackland Training before registration.

Distance Certification vs. Hands-On Training

Distance certification is best for eligible companies and candidates who need a flexible, self-paced training path. If you want in-person instruction and practical hands-on experience, the Five-Day Manager/Owner’s Course provides classroom and field-based training for owners and managers.