How Do I Get a ServSafe Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered) (2024)

Discover the Surprising Secrets to Getting Your ServSafe Certification in 10 Easy Steps!

To get a ServSafe certification, you must first complete a training program. You can find a certified instructor to help you with this. Once you have completed the training program, you must pass a certification test. After passing the test, you will obtain a food handler’s card. Depending on your state, you may need to follow additional requirements. You can then register for a classroom session and study the course materials. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a copy of your certificate. To maintain your certification, you will need to renew it periodically.

Contents

  1. How to Complete a ServSafe Training Program?
  2. Where Can I Find a Certified ServSafe Instructor?
  3. What is Required to Pass the ServSafe Certification Test?
  4. How Do I Obtain a Food Handler’s Card?
  5. What are the State Requirements for Getting a ServSafe Certification?
  6. How Do I Register for a Classroom Session for My ServSafe Certification?
  7. What Course Materials Should I Study For My ServSafe Certification Exam?
  8. How Can I Receive A Copy of My Certificate After Passing The Exam?
  9. When Is It Necessary To Renew My ServSafe Certification Periodically?
  10. Common Mistakes And Misconceptions

How to Complete a ServSafe Training Program?

To complete a ServSafe training program, you must learn about food safety and sanitation principles, take the ServSafe exam, understand the importance of proper food handling techniques, follow all local, state, and federal regulations regarding food safety, practice safe storage and preparation methods for different types of foods, develop an understanding of how to prevent cross-contamination in a kitchen setting, recognize signs of potential health hazards related to food service operations, utilize appropriate cleaning and sanitizing procedures in commercial kitchens, implement effective pest control measures in restaurants or other establishments that serve food, demonstrate knowledge on how to properly handle hazardous materials used in commercial kitchens, receive certification upon successful completion of the course requirements, maintain certification by completing continuing education courses as needed, and renew certification every five years with updated exams or refresher courses. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on changes to industry standards.


Where Can I Find a Certified ServSafe Instructor?

To find a certified ServSafe instructor, you can start by searching for a qualified ServSafe educator, identifying an accredited ServSafe teacher, locating an authorized ServSafe proctor, discovering a registered ServSafe examiner, or obtaining information on licensed instructors. You can also research available trainers in your area, contact local restaurants and food service establishments, check with professional organizations or associations, visit the National Restaurant Association website, explore online resources for training programs, review state regulations regarding certification requirements, and seek referrals from colleagues or friends.


What is Required to Pass the ServSafe Certification Test?

In order to pass the ServSafe certification test, individuals must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of safe food handling practices, temperature control of food, sanitation and hygiene standards, cross-contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, personal hygiene requirements, pest control measures, HACCP principles and applications, allergen awareness and management, regulatory compliance guidelines, food defense strategies, recognizing signs of food spoilage, food storage techniques, and the ServSafe certification exam.


How Do I Obtain a Food Handler’s Card?

In order to obtain a Food Handler’s Card, you must first meet the requirements set by your state. This may include taking an online course, paying an exam fee, and studying the training materials. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a course completion certificate. Depending on your state, you may need to renew your Food Handler’s Card periodically. You may also need to obtain a food service establishment license from your local health department.

In order to pass the exam, you must demonstrate knowledge of sanitation and hygiene practices, temperature control of food products, cross-contamination prevention, food storage guidelines, safe food handling techniques, and foodborne illness prevention.


What are the State Requirements for Getting a ServSafe Certification?

The state requirements for getting a ServSafe Certification vary depending on the state. Generally, the requirements include meeting the state health department regulations, completing a training and testing program, meeting the exam eligibility criteria, taking a proctored exam at an approved location, and obtaining a course completion certificate. In some states, there may also be requirements for renewing the certification, such as completing continuing education credits or taking an online training course. Additionally, some states may require food handlers to obtain a food handler card or to adhere to the state food code standards. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended to use the ServSafe Manager Booklet and to obtain a Food Safety Manager Certification.


How Do I Register for a Classroom Session for My ServSafe Certification?

To register for a classroom session for your ServSafe certification, you should first choose a classroom session and check the availability of classes. Then, select an appropriate date and time and pay the registration fee. After that, you will receive a confirmation email. Before the class, you should prepare for the exam and bring a valid ID to the class. During the class, you should follow the instructions from the instructor. You can take the exam onsite or online, and you must pass the exam with a minimum score of 75%. Upon passing the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion and be certified as a food safety manager. You must renew your certification every 5 years and maintain records of your training.


What Course Materials Should I Study For My ServSafe Certification Exam?

In order to prepare for the ServSafe Certification Exam, you should study the following course materials: the ServSafe Manager Booklet, the ServSafe Workbook, ServSafe Practice Tests, and online resources related to food safety principles, safe food handling practices, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) System, purchasing, receiving, storing, preparing & serving food, regulatory requirements for foodservice operations, and alcohol service guidelines.


How Can I Receive A Copy of My Certificate After Passing The Exam?

After passing the ServSafe exam, you can receive a copy of your official ServSafe certificate in either digital or physical form. To obtain your certificate, you must first verify that you have successfully completed the exam and achieved a passing score. You can then request a duplicate copy of your certificate by providing your contact information and any receipts from the purchase/registration for the examination. Once your request is processed, you can access your digital or physical copy of the certificate. For a digital version, you can download it directly from the ServSafe Certification Program website. For a physical version, you can order it through the ServSafe Certification Program.


When Is It Necessary To Renew My ServSafe Certification Periodically?

It is necessary to renew your ServSafe certification periodically in order to maintain valid certification status and keep up-to-date with food safety standards. The time frame for renewal and recertification requirements vary depending on the food safety regulations in your area. Generally, the certification expiration date is determined by the length of validity of the certificate, which is usually two to three years. To renew your credentials, you will need to complete the renewal process and pay any applicable fees. This may include completing continuing education credits or other requirements to revalidate your certification. Once the renewal process is complete, you will receive updated credential documents that will indicate the new expiration date. It is important to continue to meet food safety requirements and renew your certification periodically in order to prolong the validity of your certificate.


Common Mistakes And Misconceptions

  1. Misconception: You can get a ServSafe certification online.

    Correct Viewpoint: While there are some online courses available, the official ServSafe certification requires you to attend an in-person class and pass an exam.

  2. Misconception: A ServSafe certification is only necessary for restaurant workers.

    Correct Viewpoint: The ServSafe program provides food safety training and certifications for anyone who works with food, including caterers, school cafeteria staff, healthcare professionals, and more.

How Do I Get a ServSafe Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to study ServSafe? ›

The best way to ensure a comprehensive training session is to attend an in-person class with a ServSafe® certified instructor, or to complete an online Food Manager course.

How many questions can you miss on the ServSafe test to pass? ›

Top ServSafe FAQs

A passing score is 70% or higher. This is obtained by answering at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly. The exam has 90 questions; however there are 10 pilot questions that are for research purposes only.

Why is the ServSafe test so hard? ›

The ServSafe Manager exam builds upon the Food Handler test content. As a result, there is a lot of material to cover to pass the test successfully. If you have not taken a previous food safety course, there is a higher chance that you will fail.

What happens if you don't pass the ServSafe test? ›

If you fail your first attempt, you may schedule a retest for an additional fee. You will be allowed two attempts within 30 days. If you don't pass the certification exam after the second attempt, you must wait 60 days before scheduling another retest.

What does the ServSafe exam look like? ›

How Is the ServSafe Test Performed? The exam is 2 hours long with 90 multiple choice questions, 10 of which are for research purposes. You can take the manager ServSafe exam online or in-class, with both options demanding a certified proctor.

Can I take the ServSafe exam without taking the course? ›

Can I take the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager and exam online? Yes, you can take the course and exam online, however, you must have a certified proctor/ instructor administer the exam to you (not the course).

Can I take the ServSafe exam online for free? ›

We have a free hospitality online course for you! ServeSafe and the National Restaurant Association have committed to helping and supporting restaurant workers by offering a free ServSafe Food Handler course and exam! This hospitality course covers 5 key areas: Basic Food Safety.

Is ServSafe easy to pass? ›

Top ServSafe FAQs

A passing score is 70% or higher. This is obtained by answering at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly. The exam has 90 questions; however there are 10 pilot questions that are for research purposes only.

How do I know if I passed my ServSafe exam? ›

You will receive an email notifying you that your score is available. If you pass the exam, you will also be directed to where you can view and print your certificate. Note it can take up to 24 hours for your certificate to become available, you will receive an email once your certificate is available.

How many times can you take the ServSafe exam? ›

You can take the examination twice within 30 days. If you don't pass the exam on your second attempt, you must wait 60 days from your most recent attempt before taking the exam again. No more than four attempts are allowed within a 12 month period.

Can I use notes on the ServSafe Manager exam? ›

A: No. Study materials (ie: books, notes, websites, calculators, etc) are not allowed while taking the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination.

How many questions is the ServSafe final exam? ›

The ServSafe exam will consist of 90 multiple-choice questions. You need to pass the exam with at least a 75% score in order to receive credit for the class and receive the ServSafe Manager certification from the National Restaurant Association. The online exam is currently available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Is ServSafe worth it? ›

Staff that receives the Servsafe training take their job more seriously and their commitment to food safety more seriously. Servsafe courses are available for your entire staff, from food handlers to managers. Learn more about the courses and the benefits that will grow your business.

What is the first thing a proctor should do if they notice an examinee is cheating? ›

If you are certain that someone is cheating, you must notify the examinee to stop the exam immediately and submit an irregularity report via email to servicecenter@restaurant.org. You can also contact the Service Center during business hours. Inform the examinee that he or she will not receive a score.

How long does it take to complete a ServSafe online course? ›

View the course in several short sessions each no longer than 1 hour. ServSafe Manager Online Course: 8-10 hours in length. ServSafe Alcohol Online Course: approximately 4 hours in length.

Can you use notes on the ServSafe Manager exam? ›

A: No. Study materials (ie: books, notes, websites, calculators, etc) are not allowed while taking the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination.

Is ServSafe Manager worth it? ›

Having a ServSafe Manager Certificate also demonstrates to employers that you take food safety seriously. With this certification, you show that you are knowledgeable and trained in the latest food safety regulations and practices. This will make you a valuable asset to any food service organization that you work for.

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