The Standard for
Grill Service Professionals
Get Certified. Document your competence.
Advance your career.
The American Grill Service Institute (AGSI) provides independent, third-party certification for professionals engaged in grill cleaning and grill service work.
AGSI certification verifies demonstrated competence against a defined body of knowledge and professional standards. It is intended for technicians who wish to document their qualifications through objective assessment rather than informal claims of experience.
Why Certification Exists
Professional grill cleaning and service work involves more than appearance or routine maintenance. Technicians routinely encounter critical safety factors:
Historically, the industry has lacked a consistent, independent way to verify professional competence in these areas. AGSI certification exists to address that gap.
What AGSI Certification Represents
Certification Is:
- Independent — AGSI does not provide employment, referrals, or endorsements.
- Standards-based — Assessment is grounded in a defined Certification Standards & Competence Framework.
- Objective — Credentials are awarded based on examination performance.
Certification Is Not Granted For:
- Years of experience alone
- Completion of a course or class
- Payment of fees
Certification Levels
AGSI currently offers two levels of individual certification, reflecting increasing scope of professional responsibility.
Certified Grill Cleaning Technician (CGCT)™
Verifies competence in professional grill cleaning practices, including safety considerations, inspection awareness, sanitation principles, and cleaning-related service decisions.
Certified Advanced Grill Service Technician (CAGST)™
Verifies additional competence related to advanced cleaning and service considerations, including components, systems, and diagnostic decision-making.
What It Takes to Become Certified
The certification process is designed to be accessible, professional, and defensible.
Create a candidate profile
Register with AGSI to begin the certification process.
Agree to professional standards
Accept professional conduct and examination security standards.
Complete identity verification
Verify your identity prior to examination.
Pass the proctored examination
Demonstrate competence based on the Certification Standards & Competence Framework.
Includes credentialing, digital ID, and listing in the public registry.
Set Yourself Apart For The Cost of A Few Cleanings A Year
For many professionals, the total cost of certification is modest relative to the scope of responsibility involved in grill cleaning and service work.
- Demonstrate professional commitment
- Stand out to employers and insurers
- Independent verification of skills
AGSI does not make claims regarding business outcomes or income. Certification exists solely to provide independent verification of professional competence.
Optional Preparation Resources
AGSI publishes optional study guides to support independent preparation.
These materials are designed to help candidates organize and review the topics addressed in the Certification Standards & Competence Framework.
Important clarifications:
Candidates may prepare using any resources they choose.
Transparency & Integrity
AGSI is committed to integrity. Publicly available materials include the Competence Framework, exam outlines, professional conduct standards, and discipline policies. These are available in the Standards section.