Frequently Asked Questions

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The National Restaurant Association's ServSafe® Food Safety training program is widely recognized and respected in the foodservice industry. Here's why:

• Uses quality materials and exams created by foodservice and regulatory experts exclusively for the foodservice industry
• Accepted in all 50 states, making it ideal for single and multi-unit operations
• Accredited by the American National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-Conference for Food Protection (CFP)
• A single source, one-stop show for both food safety training and the certification examination
• Delivers up-to-date regulatory information
• Provides support from foodservice subject matter experts available to answer questions

A score of 70% or higher will earn a 5-year ServSafe® certification. This is obtained by answering at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly. The exam has a total of 90 questions; however there are 10 pilot questions that are for research purposes only. All questions are multiple choice.

Student scores and certificates are typically available 2 weeks after the class date. 

To access your score and certificate:

• Login (or create an account) at ServSafe.com
• Enter your email and class number/exam session number (provided by your instructor in class) 
• Your score and certificate will be available at any time

You may download and print your certificate at your convenience for free. 

*If you want ServSafe to mail you a printed certificate there will be a $10 charge for shipping. 

You can absolutely retest if you did not pass the examination!

• 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.
• A maximum of 4 attempts is allowed within a 12 month period.
• You will need to register for EXAM ONLY option and a new exam answer sheet or exam access code to re-take an online exam will be provided  (for purchase)
• Retests must be proctored by a Registered ServSafe Proctor 

The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Examination (ServSafe® Manager Exam) is available in:

• Online Exam: English, Spanish and Chinese.
• Print Exam: English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, French Canadian, Japanese, and Large Print.
• Additionally, there is an Instructor Exam in English for anyone interested in becoming a Certified ServSafe® Instructor.

Minimum of 6 weeks in advance. We suggest you read the entire course book and complete all review activities and practice questions prior to coming to the class review.  

• Foodborne Illness and the losses associated with an outbreak
• The Microworld (Pathogens, Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites, Fungi Biological Toxins)
• Food Allergens and Contamination
• Good Personal Hygiene Program
• Monitoring Time and Temperature
• Food Safety Management Systems

No. The exam is closed resource format. Students may not use any resource including (but not limited to) the textbook, notes, internet, or other students to complete the exam.  All course materials, cell phones, laptops, and notes will be put away during the proctored exam time.