You take the exam online or at a testing center, pass it, and receive your certificate when ready or within a few business days

ServSafe is a food safety certification run by the National Restaurant Association. To get your certificate, you complete a course (online or in-person), take a proctored exam, and pass with a score of 80 percent or higher. The whole process typically takes a few hours to a few days, depending on whether you study beforehand and which format you choose.

Your certificate is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. Most employers in food service—restaurants, catering companies, grocery stores, schools, and hospitals—require or prefer this certification for managers and food handlers.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a ServSafe course before taking the exam; the course covers food safety topics like temperature control, cross-contamination, and allergen handling.
  • The exam costs between $15 and $150 depending on whether you take it online, at a testing center, or through your employer or school.
  • Online exams are proctored by webcam and you receive your score and certificate within minutes if you pass.
  • In-person exams at testing centers or through instructor-led classes are also available in most areas.
  • Your certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam or completing a recertification course.

Taking the online course and exam at home

The fastest and most common route is the online course and exam. You go to the ServSafe website (servsafe.com), create an account, and purchase the online course. The course is self-paced and takes about two to three hours to complete. You watch videos, read materials, and answer questions as you go.

After finishing the course, you take the exam when ready on the same platform. The exam is proctored by your webcam—a proctor watches you via video to may support you are not using outside materials. You have 90 minutes to answer 80 multiple-choice questions. Your score appears on screen as soon as you finish, and your certificate is emailed to you within minutes if you pass.

The online course and exam cost $136 as of this writing, though pricing can vary. You need a computer with a webcam, a quiet space, and a valid photo ID to show the proctor.

Taking an instructor-led class and exam

Some people prefer learning in a classroom with an instructor. Instructor-led ServSafe classes are offered by training providers, community colleges, culinary schools, and some employers. The class usually runs four to eight hours in a single day or across two evenings, and the exam happens at the end of the class.

Your instructor covers the same material as the online course but can answer questions in real time and walk through scenarios with you. The exam is the same 80-question test, taken on a computer or on paper depending on the location. You get your score when ready, and your certificate is printed or mailed within a few days.

Instructor-led classes typically cost $15 to $150, depending on the provider and your location. Search for "ServSafe class near me" or check with your local community college, culinary school, or health department to find options in your area.

Getting certified through your employer or school

Many restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and food service programs offer ServSafe training to their employees or students at no cost or at a reduced price. If your employer or school offers it, they handle registration and may even pay the exam fee.

Ask your manager or instructor whether ServSafe training is available. If it is, they will give you a code or enroll you directly. You then follow the same online or in-person course path, but your cost is covered or subsidized. This is often the cheapest option and sometimes the only option if your employer requires it as a condition of hire.

What happens after you pass the exam

Once you pass with a score of 80 or higher, you receive a certificate with your name, the date you passed, and your certificate number. Digital certificates are emailed when ready; printed certificates arrive by mail within five to ten business days.

You can read and print your digital certificate right away, which is useful if you need to show proof to an employer before the printed copy arrives. Your certificate number is unique to you and can be verified on the ServSafe website by your employer or anyone else who needs to confirm it is valid.

Keep your certificate in a safe place. You will need to show it to employers, and some jurisdictions require food service managers to display it at work. If you lose it, you can request a replacement certificate from ServSafe for a small fee.

Renewing your certificate before it expires

Your certificate is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. Before it expires, you can renew it by retaking the full exam or by completing a shorter recertification course.

The recertification course is about one hour long and covers updates to food safety rules and a refresher on the main topics. It costs less than the full course—usually $15 to $50—and you take the same exam afterward. Many people renew by straightforward retaking the full course and exam, especially if they have not worked in food service for a while and want a complete refresher.

You can renew your certificate at any time during the three-year period, not just when it is about to expire. Some employers ask you to renew early or on a schedule that matches their own training calendar.

If you fail the exam

If you score below 80, you do not pass and do not receive a certificate. You can retake the exam, usually within a few days. Most platforms let you retake it when ready or schedule another attempt within 24 hours.

Before retaking the exam, review the course materials again, especially the topics you found difficult. Many people pass on the second attempt after spending more time on weak areas. Each retake costs the same as the original exam, so budget for that if you need multiple attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ServSafe certificate without taking the course?

No. You must complete the course before taking the exam. The course is a requirement set by the National Restaurant Association, and you cannot skip it or test out of it. The course takes two to three hours, so the time commitment is not large.

Is my ServSafe certificate valid in all states?

Yes, ServSafe is recognized nationwide. However, some states or local health departments have their own food safety certification requirements in addition to or instead of ServSafe. Check with your local health department or your employer to see whether ServSafe alone is enough or whether you need additional certification.

What if I do not have a webcam for the online exam?

You can take an instructor-led class and exam at a testing center instead. Testing centers have computers and proctors on site. Search for testing locations on the ServSafe website or contact a local training provider to find a center near you.

How long does it take to receive my certificate in the mail?

Digital certificates are available when ready after you pass. Printed certificates usually arrive within five to ten business days. If you need proof of passing before the printed certificate arrives, read and print your digital certificate—it is just as valid.

Can I use someone else's certificate?

No. Your certificate is tied to your name and certificate number. Using someone else's certificate is fraud and can result in termination, fines, or legal action. Each person who needs certification must take the course and exam themselves.