Kosher. Expert. Confident. Yep, it can be you.

`Join the International Community of AKO Trained Mashgichim and Kosher-Kitchen Experts

PROFESSIONAL KOSHER TRAINING FOR MASHGICHIM & CONSUMERS

Note: If you intend to work as a Mashgiach and would like to receive a Mashgiach ID Card, please scroll down to the NEXT section ("AKO Mashgiach Courses - Hashgachos Editions") to choose the appropriate course.

The Renewal Course for certified AKO Mashgichim is now available in the last section ("Renewal Courses"). Please scroll down to access it.

Premium Courses

Core Courses

AKO Mashgiach Courses - Hashgachos Editions

Important Disclaimer :

Before purchasing any of these courses, please contact your Hashgacha (supervising agency) to confirm that they approve your enrollment. Each agency has its own policies, and it is important to obtain their approval before proceeding.

FAQ regarding the Mashgiach courses can be found immediately below the course list.

Renewal Courses

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the AKO Mashgiach Courses

I’m not currently working as a Mashgiach. Which course should I take?

If you’re interested in learning the material but are not yet employed as a Mashgiach, we recommend enrolling in the General Edition. This version includes the complete course content and awards a certificate of completion. However, it does not certify you to work, and you will still need hands-on training (such as produce checking) through a Hashgachah. If you eventually become affiliated with an agency, you may take their edition for eligibility to receive a Mashgiach ID card.

What is the AKO Mashgiach Course?

The AKO Mashgiach Course is a professional training program used by many AKO-member agencies to prepare Mashgichim to work in commercial kitchens and food service. The course provides structured training on both halachic and practical aspects of kosher supervision. Participants can assume this role after completing an interview and receiving approval from an AKO-member Hashgachah. Please note that the Kosher Institute of America does not conduct interviews or provide approvals.

What are the different categories of Mashgiach courses?

There are three categories:

  1. General Edition: This version includes full access to the Mashgiach curriculum and is open to the public. It's ideal for those learning independently or preparing to join a Hashgachah but who aren’t yet affiliated. While it provides a certificate of completion, it does not include official Mashgiach certification or an ID card. Additional hands-on training—such as checking produce—is still required to become certified. 

  2. Hashgachos Edition: This edition is only available with prior approval from a participating AKO-member Hashgachah. It includes the full course, a final exam, and—upon successful completion—eligibility for both a printed certificate and an official Mashgiach ID card. Cards are mailed directly to the agency’s office. Do not enroll in this edition without first receiving approval from your Hashgachah.

  3. Accredited Edition: Designed for those who need documented continuing education, this edition includes 71 KIA hours and 12.5 ACF-approved hours. It does not include an ID card unless specifically approved by your Hashgachah. Most individuals do not need this edition unless continuing education credits are required.

What’s the difference between the General Edition and the Hashgachah Editions?

While the foundational training is nearly identical across editions, the Hashgachah Editions include specific additions tailored to your agency’s protocols, expectations, and halachic policies. These versions may also include supplemental materials or agency-specific requirements, and they allow for Mashgiach ID cards to be issued when approved by your Hashgachah.

Do I need to be affiliated with a Hashgachah to take the course?

No. You are welcome to take the General or Accredited Edition without affiliation. However, this is just general education, you won't be certified as a mashgiach, and ID cards are only issued through the Hashgachah Edition, and only if your agency approves you.

My agency isn’t listed—how can I take the course through them?

If your agency is not yet listed on our course options, that’s not a problem. Please have your administrator email us at info@kosherinstitute.com. We’ll be happy to create a personalized edition for their agency, free of charge.

How do I get a coupon code?

Some agencies choose to offer free access to their approved Mashgichim using coupon codes. If you think you may qualify, please contact your Hashgachah directly to find out if they offer this option. Coupon codes are never distributed by the Kosher Institute directly. All access must go through the agency.

Does graduating from the course certify me to independently certify a restaurant or facility?

No. While the course is a valuable educational resource, completing it does not authorize you to work as a Mashgiach without supervision. Approval to work and certification decisions are made exclusively by your Hashgachah.

Can the card be mailed directly to me?

No. All printed cards are shipped to the official address of your Hashgachah. We do not mail cards to personal addresses, even upon request. You must coordinate pickup or delivery with your Hashgachah’s office is at their discretion to hold or not distribute the cards at all.


How long do I have to complete the course?

There is no strict deadline. The course is self-paced, and you can return to it anytime to complete your progress.

What does the courses include?

Each edition of the course provides access to:

  • A full set of recorded lectures (video)
  • Interactive quizzes after each section
  • A final exam to test comprehension
  • Support via email if issues arise
  • For qualifying editions: Certificate and Mashgiach ID card (with Hashgachah approval)

I’m not sure which edition to choose. Can someone help me decide?

Yes. If you are unsure which course is appropriate for your situation, please email info@kosherinstitute.com. Include your full name, your background, and any agency you are currently affiliated with (if applicable), and we’ll help guide you.

What People Are Saying...

I have found Rabbi Dubin to be an exemplary teacher with a unique ability to take a very complex subject, such as kashrut in this case, and present it in a clear, concise and completely relevant way.  

As a working Mashgiach, I found the course to be comprehensive and essential in its content and of course delivered with great deal of chesed and patience. The course and subsequent certification will provide a great foundation for all mashgichim and anyone looking to increase their knowledge on kashrut and related subjects. 

 I have confidence that Kosher Institute through its training and certification will have great success in strengthening the kosher service we are able to provide our communities and anyone who learns the course material will be able to provide a higher quality, more efficient and professional job in their kosher supervision.  

We will undoubtedly all benefit from having certified mashgichim.

Yosef Watson

The topics are very interesting and really relevant. In addition, the classes are given in a very clear manner and contain useful information. 

I have enjoyed taking the course, I really recommend it.

Pablo Lutenberg

"I am forever grateful for the thorough, direct, and organized lesson plan conducted by Rabbi Dubin. Each course is well planned with visual representations on guidance of how to conduct the cooking process before, during, and after. As the course continues to build on previously learned concepts the pace continues to be all the more engaging with life applicable scenarios! Given the reality of the kitchen heat, it was amazing to be a part of this kashrut course and to understand the applications of lechitchila and bedi’eved thoroughly.”

Asadilia O.

Presenter

Rabbi Nasson Dubin

Rabbi Nosson Dubin

Rabbi Nosson Dubin is a world-renowned kashrus expert and Founder and Dean of the Kosher Institute of America. He serves as Rabbinic Administrator for the Houston Kashrus Association (HKA) and is an Executive Board Member of the Association of Kashrus Organizations (AKO).

Rabbi Dubin created the groundbreaking AKO Mashgiach Course, which has trained over 4,000 mashgichim worldwide and is used by more than 35 major kashrus agencies, including the Orthodox Union (OU), Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), OK Labs (OK), Kashrut Authority of Australia and NZ, London Beth Din (KLBD), BD Kosher South Africa, Montreal Kosher, Vaad HaKashrut of Panama, Kosher Alef México, and Aleph Kosher Argentina. This program has become the primary training platform for mashgichim at major kosher agencies around the world.
He is the author of the acclaimed sefer Hatzaas Hashulchan, a comprehensive work on the laws of taaruvos that has received haskamos from leading gedolim including Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky and Rav Moshe Heinemann. His other published works include The Shabbos Kitchen Guide for Mashgichim and titles on modern mikvaos and techeles.
As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Rabbi Dubin has presented at international AKO conferences and appears regularly on kashrus podcasts and in major Jewish publications. His expertise spans restaurant supervision, retail kashrus, and large-scale food service operations.
Rabbi Dubin received his Torah education at Yeshivos Chaim Berlin and Torah Temimah, studied in Eretz Yisrael under Rav Tzvi Kaplan, and completed his learning at Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. Through his innovative educational programs and practical expertise, he has transformed kashrus training standards globally while addressing the worldwide shortage of qualified mashgichim.
Created with