The cost of a ServSafe Manager exam is $154 as of 2024, though the price can shift year to year
The ServSafe Manager exam itself costs $154 when you take it through Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers it. This is the fee you pay to sit for the exam and receive your score. The price covers the two-hour computer-based test and your certificate if you pass.
However, the total amount you spend depends on whether you take a course first. Many employers and training programs require or recommend that you complete a ServSafe Manager course before attempting the exam. That course can cost anywhere from $15 to $200 depending on where you take it — through your employer, a community college, an online platform, or a third-party training provider.
Key Takeaways
- The exam fee alone is $154, paid directly to Pearson VUE when you register and take the test.
- A preparatory course is not legally required but is strongly recommended and can cost $15 to $200 depending on the provider.
- Some employers cover the exam fee or course cost as part of their hiring or training process.
- Your certificate is valid for five years from the date you pass the exam.
- Retaking the exam costs the same $154 fee each time.
Where the exam fee goes and what it covers
When you pay the $154 exam fee to Pearson VUE, you are paying for access to the test, the proctoring (whether in-person or online), and the scoring. The fee also includes your digital certificate, which you can read when ready after passing. You do not pay extra to receive or print your certificate.
The exam itself has 90 questions and you have two hours to complete it. You need a score of 75 percent or higher to pass. If you fail, you can retake the exam, but you will need to pay the $154 fee again for each attempt.
Course costs and where to find them
ServSafe Manager courses are offered through many different organizations, and the price varies widely. Your employer may offer a course for free or at a reduced cost as part of onboarding. Community colleges often offer the course for $30 to $100. Online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or the National Restaurant Association's own learning portal may charge $15 to $50 for self-paced options.
Third-party training companies and food safety consultants may charge $100 to $200 for instructor-led courses. Some of these higher-priced options include multiple practice exams, one-on-one tutoring, or extended access to study materials. If you are paying out of pocket, compare what each provider includes before choosing — a cheaper course is not always the better deal if it does not include practice exams or study guides.
Whether your employer will cover the cost
Many restaurants, catering companies, and food service businesses cover the exam fee for managers they hire or promote into management roles. Some also pay for the preparatory course. Ask your employer or hiring manager directly whether they reimburse certification costs or whether the course is part of your training schedule.
If your employer does not cover it, you can deduct the exam fee and course cost as a work-related education expense on your taxes, depending on your situation. Speak with a tax professional about whether you meet the requirements in your state.
How long your certificate lasts and renewal costs
Your ServSafe Manager certificate is valid for five years from the date you pass the exam. After five years, you will need to retake the exam to renew your certification. There is no separate renewal fee — you straightforward pay the $154 exam fee again to take the test a second time.
Some employers require you to renew before your certificate expires, while others only care that you hold a current certification. Check your workplace policy or your state's food safety rules, as some states have their own requirements for how often managers must recertify.
Comparing ServSafe Manager to other food safety certifications
ServSafe Manager is the most widely recognized food safety certification in the United States, but it is not the only one. Other certifications like the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential or state-specific certifications may have different costs. ServSafe Manager is generally less expensive than some alternatives and is accepted in all 50 states, which makes it the most common choice for restaurant and food service managers.
If you are unsure which certification your employer or state requires, ask your manager or contact your local health department. Some states or cities have their own preferred or mandated certification, and paying for the wrong one wastes money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the ServSafe Manager exam without taking a course first?
Yes. The course is not required by law. However, the National Restaurant Association and most employers strongly recommend taking a course because the exam covers detailed food safety science and regulations. Many people who skip the course fail on their first attempt and end up paying the $154 fee twice.
What if I fail the exam — do I have to pay $154 again?
Yes. Each time you take the exam, you pay the full $154 fee. There is no discount for retakes. You can retake the exam as many times as you need, but you will pay the fee each time.
Is the $154 fee the same everywhere in the United States?
The exam fee is set by Pearson VUE and is the same across all states. However, some testing centers or training providers may charge additional fees for proctoring or materials. Always confirm the total cost before you register.
Can I take the exam online or do I have to go to a testing center?
You can take the exam either online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. Both options cost the same $154. Online proctoring is available in most states, though you will need a quiet space, a webcam, and a stable internet connection.
What happens to my certificate if I do not renew it after five years?
Your certificate expires and is no longer valid. You will need to retake the exam and pay the $154 fee to get a new certificate. Your employer may require you to renew before expiration, so check your workplace policy.