MFS Craft Fishmonger

The MFS Craft Fishmonger accolade is reserved for those with at least four years’ experience in a seafood processing, fishmonger environment or as a fishmonger trainer.

MFS Craft Fishmongers are highly skilled and experienced in the art of preparing a range of fish and shellfish products. Their seafood is prepared to an excellent standard with minimum loss of yield and under demanding time constraints.

Maintaining strict food hygiene standards and HACCP control is extremely important to a Craft Fishmonger, which is why they take pride in their appearance and care after their Personal Protective Equipment and tools. Craft Fishmongers are keen to teach others their skills and take a wider interest in the entire seafood supply chain.

Prerequisite Standard

As part of the registration process, candidates will need to meet the prerequisite standards of the MFS Craft Fishmonger Criteria, as follows:

Actively employed as a fishmonger or fishmonger trainer
At least 4 years’ seafood industry experience
Food Hygiene qualification (level 2)
HACCP qualification (level 1)

Certification Benefits

Recognition in the Fishmongers’ Company ‘Master Fishmonger Standard Register’ and on the Master Fishmonger Standard website
MFS Craft Fishmonger embroidered badge and certificate
Access to the MFS member newsletter
A copy of ‘The Seafood Guide: A comprehensive guide to fish and shellfish available in the UK’ produced by Seafish
Invites to fish trade events
Opportunities to feature on the ‘Fish on Friday’ website and social media pages
Use of the MFS Craft Fishmonger logo on your website and social media page
‘Basic Fishing Methods: A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Fishing Methods’ written by Mike Montgomerie, Seafish

Application Process

Guide
Familiarise yourself with the details of the application process and the Criteria for the MFS Craft Fishmonger tier.
Register and apply
Obtain a username and password, log in, pay the registration fees and apply for the relevant tier.
Self-Assessment Form and Portfolio
Use the Candidate Guide to help you complete the online self-assessment form, as well as assemble and upload the supporting documentation required.
Review of your Application
Upon submission of your documents, the MFS office will review your documents. Successful applications will be assigned an Assessor, who will review your application.
MFS Assessment: Knowledge Test and Practical Observation
Once your Assessor feels you are ready, a knowledge test and practical observation will be arranged online, at your place of work or at a training facility near you. You will need to achieve a pass rate of 70% in both the knowledge test and practical observation. If you have placed in the winning four of the British Fish Craft Championships you’ll be exempt from fulfilling the practical component of the MFS Assessment.
Review
Successful candidates will be notified of their certificate and issued with a unique MFS certification number.

MFS Course

Feeling overwhelmed or underprepared for the MFS Assessment?

Why not enrol in the Master Fishmonger Standard Course provided by the Seafood School at the historic Billingsgate Market in London?

The MFS Course can help to prepare you for your Knowledge Test and Practical Observation. We can tailor the course to your needs, covering the following topics:

Seafood Quality Assessment
HACCP for fishmongers
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Hand and Knife Preparation Skills
Retail Display Skills
Nutrition / Cooking

Find out more

Fees

All candidates must pay the MFS application fees.
MFS Craft Fishmonger application fees £85

Depending on your level of experience and academic training you may need to take the MFS Assessment.

MFS Knowledge Test £25

MFS Practical Observation £65

To help you prepare for the MFS Assessment, you can choose to enrol in the MFS Course at the Seafood School at Billingsgate.
MFS Courses, starting at £55