Qualifications
There are a few options to becoming an entry-level CSI, not all requiring a college degree. You'll at least need a high school diploma, one year of food service experience, and a passing score on a written exam (this last part varies by state).
With more than 7500 CSI jobs nationwide, there are lots of opportunities for this kind of work. That's an average of 150 openings per state.
If you want to go to college (and start your career up a little higher on the ladder), you'll need a bachelor's degree and you'll still have to take a written exam.
There are several functional and environmental requirements to becoming a CSI, as well as passing a routine physical. But, no you won't have to climb a rope like in P.E. Here are a few of the functional and environmental things CSIs need to be able to do their jobs.
- Lifting 30-50 lbs
- Standing or walking for eight hours
- Climbing ladders or stairs
- Working in extreme cold or hot temperatures
- Irregular hours (shift work)
CSIs work around noisy machinery and knives, which means you need to be observant. Being nice is probably a good idea, too (source).