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Food Safety Manager Certificate Training Options

This guide explains the three different training options offered by Penn State Extension to prepare learners to earn a food safety manager certificate, such as ServSafe®.

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Updated:

November 1, 2024

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Pennsylvania's Food Employee Certification law requires that retail food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, convenience stores, caterers, and school cafeterias have at least one employee who holds a food safety manager certificate (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, n.d.). The brand ServSafe® meets this requirement, but other equivalent certificates are also accepted. Penn State Extension offers both in-person and online training courses to prepare individuals to take a certification exam that meets the requirements. The three options are:

ServSafe® Training Course (with exam)

This in-person ServSafe® Training Course is typically offered in a 2-day format with a full day of learning on the first day, followed by a review and the ServSafe® exam on the second day. This course is structured with time between the sessions, often one week, for learners to review the material on their own before the course review and the exam on day two. There are also some classes offered in a 1-day format, which include taking the exam. New class sessions are added all the time. You can check the registration website for the current schedule and to register for this in-person workshop. The cost is $165 and includes a textbook, handouts, access to online study materials, and the exam. This class is also offered in Spanish in limited locations.

Food Safety Manager Certification Prep Course (exam separate)

The Food Safety Manager Certification Prep Course meets online with a live instructor and a group of learners. The class is split over 2 days and meets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with a 1-hour break for lunch. The class meets via Zoom. It is necessary to have a device with a webcam, speaker (or headphones), and microphone in order to participate fully. The cost of the course (without an exam) is $65 and includes a textbook and access to online study materials. You can check the schedule and register for this live virtual webinar.

Important note: In order to obtain certification, participants are responsible for registering for, paying for, and taking a registration exam separately (at an additional cost of approximately $100). There are in-person and online testing options for a food safety manager certification exam, including ServSafe®, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals®, and others. The Penn State Extension course instructors will direct participants to potential testing options internal and external to Penn State.

TAP Online Food Safety Manager Certification Course (with exam)

TAP Online Food Safety Manager Certification Course is a self-paced online course that prepares learners to take an in-person ServSafe® exam at a Penn State Extension office. The course requires 8-10 hours to complete and can be taken over many days; it does not have to be completed all at once. The coursework must be finished within 6 months. Upon completion of the course material, participants make arrangements with a local Penn State Extension educator to take the exam. Exam locations can be viewed on the registration website under "Event Details." The cost is $145 and includes access to the online course, downloadable study materials, and the exam. This online class can be taken in English, Spanish, or Mandarin/Simplified Chinese. While not required to be successful at completing this course, some learners prefer to reference a hard copy textbook which can be purchased for an additional $65.

ServSafe® Review and Exam

This in-person ServSafe® Review and Exam workshop is offered in limited locations across the state. It is designed for individuals who are recertifying. Participants receive access to Penn State Extension study materials and are encouraged to purchase or reference a textbook which can be purchased from the National Restaurant Association. This half-day workshop costs $100 and includes a group review and the exam. First-time examinees are encouraged to prepare by enrolling in one of the courses described above.

Whether you prefer to prepare for the food safety manager certification exam in person, online with an instructor, or online at your own pace, Penn State Extension has an option for you.