Navigating the requirements to become a ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager can be daunting. In this guide, we teach you how to identify and choose the best training provider and most effective training materials. We also walk you through the most effective strategies to increase your chances of passing the exam.

What are the best training materials?

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.

And if you are looking for a bit of extra help, supplemental resources, such as Study Guides or the ServSafe® Manager book, have proven to be effective tools to reinforce key concepts and provide additional information, as well as a reference guide in the future.

What to look for when choosing a training provider?

When you are looking to become ServSafe® Certified, the first step is to make sure that the class or training program you choose is delivered by a provider who is Servsafe® certified. There are many Certified Food Protection Manager courses, but they are not all taught by approved ServSafe® partners.

You can check the status of any trainer provider directly on ServSafe®'s website.

The second step is to verify how many years of experience the trainer has. Seasoned instructors will do a much better job of preparing you for the exam. Not only do they impart knowledge. They can also teach you strategies to better retain that knowledge and use it to pass the exam.

When selecting a training course or a class, you also want to verify that it is appropriate in length. Any providers who promise a 30-minute class will probably not be ideal if you are looking to get ServSafe® certified for the first time or looking for a comprehensive course.

If this is the first time (and even if it isn’t), you want to devote at least 3 hours to studying. And, if possible, spend some extra time reviewing supplemental materials such as the ServSafe® book, study guides, practice tests, etc.

Where can I access a free ServSafe® practice test?

There are multiple ServSafe practice exams available. Premier Food Safety has created a free practice test for you to easily check your knowledge before taking the exam.

What topics are covered in the ServSafe® Exam?

The areas covered by the exam include:

• Common pathogens and food associated with them
• Defining and identifying TCS Foods
• Adequate personal hygiene, proper attire, and proper glove use
• Reportable symptoms
• Best practices for purchasing and receiving food
• Proper inspection and storage of food
• Proper cooking
• Adequate hot holding and cold holding
• Proper cooling and thawing methods
• Approved equipment
• Facilities and equipment safety
• Pest prevention
• Active managerial control
• Proper cleaning and sanitizing

How long is a Food Manager Class?

This will depend on each instructor or training provider, as there is no designated minimum time. However, it is recommended that you look for a course that is at least 4 hours in duration, to make sure that all the important topics are covered.

What other trainings and certifications are offered by ServSafe®?

ServSafe® offers multiple training programs, including Responsible Alcohol Service (ServSafe® Alcohol), ServSafe® Food Handler, ServSafe® Allergens, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (ServSafe® Workplace), and the Foodservice Management Professional Certification.

How can I become an instructor?

To become a ServSafe® certified instructor you must meet certain minimum requirements.

• First, you must have a high school diploma of GED
• In addition to this, you must meet one of the following:
  1. Have professional experience as a trainer, food service employee, or regulator.
  2. Hold an advanced education degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Food Science, Environmental Health, Food Technology, or Epidemiology.

If you meet these requirements, the next step is to obtain your ServSafe® Food Manager Certification. It is very important that you make sure to take the Instructor version of the exam.

Next, you will complete a series of instructional tutorials, which include best practices on how to deliver the content effectively and how to keep students engaged. Then, you will have to pass the ServSafe® Online Advanced Test.

Finally, you will have acknowledge and agree to brand and performance standards, and will have to complete and submit an application.

How can I become a proctor for the ServSafe® Exam?

An approved ServSafe® proctor is qualified to administer the ServSafe® Certification exam. To become one, you must first complete a Proctor tutorial and a quiz, and agree to the terms of the brand standards, marketing agreement, and performance agreement. As a last step, you will need to complete and submit an application.

Is it possible to be a ServSafe® certified instructor and proctor at the same time?

Yes. This is what ServSafe® refers to as dual role status. The requirements and steps to earn dual role status are simply a combination of all the steps you would follow to become an instructor AND a proctor.

Looking for more information? Check out our other guides

Complete ServSafe Guidebook.

How to Schedule the ServSafe Exam.

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