Customer Care and Help: Servsafe Food Safety Exams and Certifications
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How to Become ServSafe Certified and Recertified
How do I become ServSafe Food Safety certified?
To become ServSafe Food Safety certified you must meet your state/local health department regulatory requirements.
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If your state requires that you complete the ServSafe Manager Certification Training Course and pass the certification exam, you may find training classes and exam administration locations in our online database. Be sure to contact your state restaurant association and state/local health department for additional class and exam sites.
Some states allow you to use or an online course to complete ServSafe Manager Certification Training. Exams are not included in online courses.
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After completing these courses, search for exam administration sites in our online database. If you have questions about your state's requirements and/or cannot find classes or exam administration locations listed on the web site, please contact your state restaurant association and state/local health department for more options.
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My ServSafe certification is valid for how long?
ServSafe certification is valid for five years. However, this requirement may vary depending on the local requirements in your area, and possibly your own employer's standards. You should follow the most stringent guidelines.
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How do I re-test if I did not pass the certification exam?
An examinee may take the examination twice within a thirty day period,
if necessary. If a third attempt is required, the examinee must wait at
least sixty days from their last attempt.
There is only one legitimate reason for an examinee to re-test:
- The examinee did not pass the examination.
To re-take the certification exam, contact the individual or group that facilitated your initial certification exam and tell them that you want to re-take the exam.
If that is not an option for you, search for additional exam administration sites in our online database. If you cannot find exam administration locations on the web site, please contact your state restaurant association and state/local health department for more options.
If exam facilitator does not provide you with an exam answer sheet, you will need to purchase one.
EXAM ANSWER SHEETS (for traditional pencil and paper exams) can be ordered three ways:
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Contact your state restaurant association
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Order online in the National Restaurant Association Solutions product catalog, product code number: SSEAS
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Email National Restaurant Association Solutions servicecenter@restaurant.org or phone the Service Center at (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
SEAT REGISTRATION NUMBERS (FOR ONLINE EXAMS) can be purchased by logging in to the online catalog. If you wish to take your exam online, log in to purchase seat registration numbers, product code SSONLINEX. "Seat Registration Numbers" allow examinees to access and take online exams.
WARNING: YOU MUST HAVE A PROCTOR when taking the online exam and Seat Registration Numbers are not refundable. Before purchasing, check with your state association or local health department or colleges to learn if proctored online exams are available in your area.
Learn more about the online exam process.
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How do I become ServSafe Food Safety recertified?
You may recertify by retaking the ServSafe Certification Exam prior to the expiration of the five-year certificate eligibility.
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Recommended study materials:
The ServSafe Essentials book is accepted in preparing for recertification in the majority of jurisdictions, or if acceptable in your area, use the ServSafe Manager Certification Training CD-ROM. Check our web site to find state/local health department regulatory requirements for certification renewal.
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Retaking the certification exam for recertification:
You must purchase an exam answer sheet for use when taking the certification exam. Search our online database to locate exam administration sites.
If you wish to take your exam online, log in to purchase seat registration numbers, product code SSONLINEX. "Seat Registration Numbers" allows examinees to access and take online exams.
Learn more about the online exam process.
WARNING: YOU MUST HAVE A PROCTOR when taking the online exam and Seat Registration Numbers are not refundable. Before purchasing, check with your state association or local health department or colleges to learn if proctored online exams are available in your area.
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Questions:
If you have questions about your state's requirements and/or cannot find classes or exam administration locations listed on the web site, please contact your state restaurant association and state/local health department for more information.
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ServSafe Food Safety Class and Exam Administration
Which materials will I need to teach a ServSafe course?
How do I order coursebooks and/or exam answer sheets or Seat Registration Numbers?
When and how do I order exam question booklets sheets?
Order exam question booklets if you are a registered instructor/proctor with first-time examinees, examinees that are retesting, or examinees that are recertifying. Orders should be placed 9 business days in advance of date needed.
If 9 business day notice cannot be met, then provide a credit card number for the $20 shipping and handling cost of the exam question booklets.
How to order exam question booklets:
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Download, print out and complete the Examination Request Form (ERF). Printing this PDF file requires installation of Adobe® Acrobat®Reader®.
Print legibly when completing the ERF.
How to download: Save the PDF file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the ERF and would like one sent to you, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
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Fax your completed form to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570 or (312) 583-9853.
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Immediately after faxing, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703 to verify that we have received your fax.
Or you may mail your completed ERF to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certification Department
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In what languages are ServSafe exam question booklets available?
Exams are available in English, Spanish/English, Korean/English, Chinese/English, French Canadian/English, Japanese/English, and Large Print.
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What is the format of the exam questions?
What do I do if I think something is wrong with the exam results I receive?
Submit a Research Request Form and the National Restaurant Association Solutions Course and Exam Administration Department will investigate.
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Download, print out, and complete the Research Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of Adobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the PDF and would like one sent to you, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
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Fax your completed form to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570 or (312) 583-9853.
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Immediately after faxing, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703 to verify that we have received your fax.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certification Department
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How do I receive permission to read the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification examination aloud to an examinee with a documented disability?
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Download, print out, and complete the Examination Accommodation Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of AAdobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the PDF file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the file and would like one sent to you, phone our Fax on Demand hotline at (800) 246-0184, ext. 250.
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Fax your completed form with documentation to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570.
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Immediately after faxing, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703 to verify that we have received your fax.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certification Department
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How do I obtain a refund if I do not accept the Test Use Agreement?
If you disagree with the terms and conditions of the Test Use Agreement you are eligible to receive a refund for equal to the cost of an unused Answer Seat or Seat Registration Number. To receive a refund the Test Use Agreement Refund Form must be submitted along with the required documentation as stated on the form
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ServSafe Food Safety Exam Results and Appeals
When and how do I obtain my exam results?
Within 15 business days of your examination date. Obtain your score by logging in to Online Class and Exam Reports with login information given to you by your exam proctor.
You may also obtain your exam score from the person your instructor or proctor designated as the official score and certificate distributor. Certificate distributors may be your instructor or proctor, the class sponsor, or possibly your employer. The exam score is also available on the score analysis portion of certificate issued after 2/17/03.
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What is a passing score?
A passing score is 75% or higher. A score of 75% or higher is obtained by answering 60 or more of 80 questions correctly.
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Will I receive written documentation that indicates my exam results?
All examinees that pass the exam will receive an 8 x 12 certificate with tear-off analysis of their overall score by content domain. Any examinees that do not pass will only receive the analysis of their overall score by content domain.
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What do I do if I have a question about my exam results?
What is the National Restaurant Association Solutions Appeals Policy and procedure?
Any candidate or examinee denied eligibility to sit for an Examination, who has failed an Examination, or whose Certificate/status has been revoked, may appeal a denial or revocation by submitting a written request to the Exam Administration Department within thirty (30) calendar days of notification of the denial or revocation.
Upon receipt of the appeal, the Exam Administration Department forwards the request with all prior documentation (if any) to the Director of Exam Administration or Director of Exam Development (depending on the nature of the concern) for review. The Director can escalate the concern to the Certification Governing Board, if warranted, or will review and make a final decision on the appeal within 30 days of receipt of the written request. This final decision will be communicated in writing, via traceable mail, to the individual who submitted the appeal within ten (10) days of rendering the decision.
The decision of the Exam Director or Certification Governing Board concerning all appeals is final.
To submit an appeal please follow the process below:
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Download, print out, and complete the Appeal Request Form">Appeal Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of AAdobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the PDF file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the file and would like one sent to you, phone our Fax on Demand hotline at (800) 246-0184, ext. 285.
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Fax your completed form with documentation to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570.
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Immediately after faxing, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703 to verify that we have received your fax.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certification Department
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Certificates, Revocations and Appeals
How do I obtain my certificate?
Obtain your certificate from the person your instructor or proctor designated as the official score and certificate distributor. Certificate distributors may be your instructor or proctor, the class sponsor, or possibly your employer. The cost is $20 for each certificate requested.
If you are unable to obtain your certificate, you may request one by sending a completed Certificate Request Form to National Restaurant Association Solutions.
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Download, print out, and complete the Certificate and Score Release Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of Adobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the PDF and would like one sent to you, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
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Fax your completed form to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570 or (312) 583-9853.
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Immediately after faxing, phone to verify that we have received your fax: (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certification Department
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How do I request a correction or change of information on my certificate?
To request a correction or to change information on your certificate, submit a Certificate Request Form. The cost is $20 for each certificate requested.
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Download, print out, and complete the Certificate and Score Release Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of Adobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the PDF and would like one sent to you, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
-
Fax your completed form to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570 or (312) 583-9853.
-
Immediately after faxing, phone to verify that we have received your fax: (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certification Department
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How do I order a duplicate certificate?
Duplicate certificates cost $20 each. To order, submit a Certificate Request Form:
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Download, print out, and complete the Certificate and Score Release Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of Adobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the PDF and would like one sent to you, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
-
Fax your completed form to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570 or (312) 583-9853.
-
Immediately after faxing, phone to verify that we have received your fax: (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certificaiton Department
Link to this Information
Hide
What is the Revocation Policy and procedure?
National Restaurant Association Solutions reserves the right to revoke an examinee's certificate based on any security violation that severely compromises the validity, reliability, security or integrity of the National Restaurant Association Solutions Certification examination programs.
Any candidate or examinee whose certificate has been revoked, may appeal a denial or revocation by submitting a written request to the Certification Department within thirty (30) calendar days of notification of the denial or revocation.
Upon receipt of the appeal, the Exam Administration Department forwards the request with all prior documentation (if any) to the Director of Exam Administration or Director of Exam Development (depending on the nature of the concern) for review. The Director can escalate the concern to the Certification Governing Board, if warranted, or will review and make a final decision on the appeal within 30 days of receipt of the written request. This final decision will be communicated in writing, via traceable mail, to the individual who submitted the appeal within ten (10) days of rendering the decision.
The decision of the Exam Director or Certification Governing Board concerning all appeals is final.
To submit an appeal please follow the process below:
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Download, print out, and complete the Appeal Request Form. Downloading this PDF file requires installation of Adobe® Acrobat®Reader®. Print legibly when completing the form.
How to download: Save the file to your computer's hard drive and open from there rather than opening it via your web browser.
In Internet Explorer, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Target As..."; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
In Netscape Navigator, right click on the PDF link; choose "Save Link As... "; save the file to the location you want and then open the file once the download finishes.
If you are unable to download the file and would like one sent to you, phone our Fax on Demand hotline at (800) 246-0184, ext. 285.
-
Fax your completed form with documentation to the Certification Department at (866) 665-9570.
-
3. Immediately after faxing, phone (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703 to verify that we have received your fax.
Or you may mail your completed form to the:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certificaiton Department
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Complaint Resolutions
How are complaints resolved that are not related to exams or certificate appeals?
All administrative complaints received pertaining to the validity, reliability, security or integrity of the National Restaurant Association Solutions Certification Examination Program will be handled promptly by the Certification Department. The department will work to resolve complaints within (30) calendar days.
This complaint resolution process does not include exam appeals or certificate revocations and appeals.
You may contact the Certification Department regarding the status or results of your complaint at certification@restaurant.org thirty (30) calendar days after submitting your complaint.
You may also contact the department by phone at: (800) 765-2122, ext. 6703. In Chicagoland (312) 715-1010, ext. 6703.
Or you may mail your inquiry to:
National Restaurant Association Solutions
175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2814
Attn: Certificaiton Department
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Conference for Food Protection (CFP)
What is the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) and what does it mean that the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination is recognized by CFP?
The Conference for Food Protection (CFP) is an independent national
voluntary organization established to promote food safety and consumer
protection.
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination has
conformed to the CFP standards for examination development. The CFP,
in conjunction with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
developed a voluntary program and protocol for recognizing food
protection manager certification examinations. The purpose of the
recognition program is to ensure certification exams conform to CFP
standards for validity, reliability and legal defensibility.
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NRAEF Non-Discrimination Statement/Policy
What is the National Restaurant Association Solutions's Non-Discrimination Policy?
National Restaurant Association Solutions prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital/family status or any other category protected under applicable law.
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ServSafe Examination Development
How is the ServSafe examination developed?