Body of knowledge
The Industry Knowledge Exam (IKE) and Professional Skills Exam (PSE) are based on reference sources known as the Body of Knowledge (BOK). FCSI-TA publishes a comprehensive list of these sources in the Candidate Information Manual provided to a Senior Associate when entering into the Professional Membership Process (PMP). This section outlines the Body of Knowledge to help members prepare for the two exams members need to pass in order to attain Professional membership. Please note the PSE requirement has been suspended until 2022.
FCSI-TA publishes or provides several of the BOK sources on this website for the convenience of its members. The tables below give the complete information about these sources and a link to each as a PDF document as available.
For Industry Knowledge Exam (IKE) and Professional Skills Exam (PSE)*
Available Online
Title | Author | Edition | Exam | Publisher |
List of Agencies, Codes and Associations | CPSTA | 2014 | IKE | FCSI-TA |
Terms Selected from FCSI-TA Glossary | CPSTA | 2014 | IKE | FCSI-TA |
Executive Summary (2014) *- PSE Track #1 | CPSTA | 2014 | PSE | FCSI-TA |
Summary Report (2014) * – PSE Track #2 | CPSTA | 2014 | PSE | FCSI-TA |
High Tech Foodservice; an overview of Technological Advancements | Pantelidis | 2009 | IKE | Pantelidis, University of Brighton |
Hospitality 2015 – Deloitte | Deloitte | 2010 | IKE | Deloitte Reports |
Presentations for a Positive Impact | Sergay | 1st, 2009 | PSE | FCSI-TA |
Candidate Information Manual – Industry Knowledge Exam | FCSI-TA | 2017 | IKE | FCSI-TA |
Candidate Information Manual – Professional Skills Exam* | FCSI-TA | 2017 | PSE | FCSI-TA |
*PSE requirement has been suspended until 2022
Available Elsewhere
Title | Author | Edition | Exam | Publisher |
Management of Food and Beverage Operations | Ninemeier | 5th, 2010 | IKE | Education Institute of AH&LA |
Design and Equipment for Restaurants & Foodservice | Katsigris, Norman & Thomas | 4th, 2013 | IKE | Wiley & Sons |
Understanding Hospitality Law | Jefferies & Banks | 5th, 2010 | IKE | Education Institute of AH&LA |
Presentations for a Positive Impact | Sergay | 1st, 2009 | PSE | FCSI-TA |
Sample IKE questions
These questions represent the level of knowledge expected for successful completion of the IKE. Note: the BOK source for the question’s answer is shown below the question.
1.In order to bring an action under common law against a party for breach of an implied warranty, there must be
- Privity of contract
- A uniform commercial code
- A written indemnity clause
- Adequate coverage
Source: Understanding Hospitality Law, 5th edition, page 267
The conditions that must be present for germs to multiply are
- Moisture
- Comfortable temperature
- Proper acidity
- All of the above
Source: The Management of Food and Beverage Operations, 5th edition, page 288
Questions
For questions about the Professional Membership Process, contact Penny Price, Director of Member Services, at penny@fcsi.org, or Amy Stark, Director of Administration at amy@fcsi.org.