Kosher Institute of America - Help Center & FAQ

Welcome to the Kosher Institute of America Help Center. This page is designed to assist anyone by addressing the most common questions we receive. The information below is divided into two main sections:

  1. Finding the Right Course – For those who are deciding which Mashgiach course is right for them
  2. Account, Course, and Certification Help – For those already enrolled and navigating the course process


SECTION 1: FINDING THE RIGHT COURSE

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.

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.

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.

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.

SECTION 2: ACCOUNT, COURSE, AND CERTIFICATION HELP

I Can’t Log Into My Account

If you're having trouble logging in:

  1. Confirm that you’re using the same email address you used to register. Check your inbox for confirmation emails to identify which email was used.
  2. If you signed up using your Gmail account, you must log in using the "Continue with Google" option. Do not use the password login field.
  3. If you're attempting to reset your password and receive an error, it may be because your account is linked to Google login and cannot use a standard password reset.
  4. Still stuck? Contact info@kosherinstitute.com with your full name, the email you tried, and a brief description of what happens when you attempt to log in (e.g., "wrong password," "page not found," etc.).


I Paid But the Course Doesn't Show

After payment, your course should appear under "My Courses." If not:

  1. Log out, then log back in and check again.

  2. If your course is still not visible, email info@kosherinstitute.com with your name and the email used during checkout. We will verify your purchase and manually enroll you if needed.

I’m in the Wrong Course Edition

If you are seeing a course that doesn’t match your agency:

  1. Look for the agency label at the top of your course. It should indicate which Hashgachah edition you're in.

  2. If it’s incorrect, email us with your full name, the email you used, and the agency you're with. We will confirm your eligibility and transfer you to the correct edition if approved by your Hashgachah.

My Course Won’t Load (404 or Error Page)

If you receive a "Page not found" error:

  1. Sign in to your account, then access the course through your dashboard.

  2. Try using a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and clear your cookies.

  3. Still experiencing issues? Email info@kosherinstitute.com and include a screenshot or exact description of the error, along with your name and email.

How Do I Submit My Info for My Card?

Be sure to:

  • Complete all modules of the Hashgachos Edition.
  • Pass the final exam.
  • Submit the ID request form. FORM HERE
  • Use your full legal name in English (as our printer cannot print names in Hebrew at this time).
  • Upload a clear, professional photo (neutral background, head and shoulders visible)
  • The card will be mailed to your Hashgachah’s office within 2–3 weeks.
  • Cards are not mailed to private residences; coordinate pick-up with your agency


My Card Has Incorrect Info or Photo / I lost my Mashgiach card—what now?

If your printed card contains incorrect details:

  • Email info@kosherinstitute.com with your full name and a description of the error.
  • Attach a corrected photo and any updates to your name or Hebrew name.
  • If the card was already printed and the error came from the submission form, a $15 reprint fee applies. You can request a reprint here: Reprint Here


How Do I Retake the Final Exam?

If you failed or submitted your final exam too early, follow these steps:

  1. Fully review all course material again. It is important to listen to all lectures and complete each quiz.
  2. Fill out the retake request form: FORM HERE
  3. We will review your submission and confirm with your Hashgachah if necessary.
  4. Once approved, we’ll reset the exam and notify you via email.

I Want to Switch Editions

If you enrolled in the wrong version or your Hashgachah now wants you in a different edition:


  • Email info@kosherinstitute.com with your full name, current course edition, and the edition you wish to transfer to.
  • If the new edition is Hashgachah-restricted, your agency must approve the change. We will handle the switch once eligibility is confirmed.

I Forgot My Email or Didn’t Receive Login Info

If you're unsure which email you used:


  • Search your inboxes for any messages from the Kosher Institute.
  • If you still can’t find anything, email us with your name and any emails you may have used.
  • Include your Hashgachah, if known. We’ll help recover your account.

How Do I Check My Card Expiration?

To see the expiration date or current status of your ID card:

  • Visit: DATABASE
  • Search using your name or email as submitted


If your name doesn’t appear or the info seems incorrect, please email us for assistance.



Need more help or information?

If the FAQ doesn’t address your question, please contact us directly at info@kosherinstitute.com. We’ll do our best to assist, though we may have limited capacity for detailed follow-up 

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