What You Need to Do to Get ServSafe Certified

ServSafe certification requires you to pass an exam administered by the National Restaurant Association. You study food safety rules, take a proctored test either online or at a testing center, and receive your certificate if you score 80 percent or higher. The whole process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly you study and schedule your exam.

The certification is valid for three years. After that, you renew by taking the exam again — there is no separate renewal process. Most food service workers, managers, and supervisors in states that require it must hold current certification to work in a restaurant, catering company, or food handling role.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the official ServSafe exam with a score of 80 percent or higher; there is no other way to obtain the certificate.
  • Study materials are available through the National Restaurant Association's website, and you can take the exam online from home or at an approved testing center.
  • The exam costs between $130 and $180 depending on whether you take it online or in person, and whether you purchase study materials.
  • Your certificate is valid for three years, after which you must retake the exam to renew it.
  • Some states and employers require ServSafe certification; others do not, so check your local health department or employer first.

Where to Find the Official Exam and Study Materials

The National Restaurant Association runs the ServSafe program and offers everything through their website, servsafe.com. You can purchase study materials, register for the exam, and schedule a test date all in one place. They offer a printed textbook, online course modules, practice exams, and videos — you do not have to buy all of them, but most people use at least the online course or the book.

The online course walks you through food safety topics in modules and takes about three to four hours to complete. The printed textbook covers the same material if you prefer to study that way. Either route prepares you for the exam, which tests your knowledge of safe food handling, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and pest management.

Exam Format and Scoring

The ServSafe exam is 90 minutes long and contains 80 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 80 percent — that is 64 correct answers — to pass. The exam covers five main areas: foodborne illness and pathogens, personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature control, and cleaning and sanitation.

You can take the exam online from your home or at a testing center. Online exams require a webcam, microphone, and a quiet space where a proctor can monitor you. Testing centers are located across the country and are run by approved vendors. Both formats use the same questions and have the same passing score.

Cost and Payment Options

The exam itself costs between $130 and $180 depending on the format and whether you bundle it with study materials. If you take the exam alone without purchasing course materials, the cost is typically on the lower end. If you buy the online course or textbook along with the exam, the total is higher.

Some employers pay for their employees' certification, so ask your manager or human resources department before you pay out of pocket. Community colleges and vocational schools sometimes offer ServSafe courses at a reduced rate or as part of a food service program. Check with schools in your area.

How to Register and Schedule Your Test

Go to servsafe.com and create an account. You will choose whether you want to take the exam online or at a testing center, then select your test date and time. If you choose a testing center, the website shows you locations near you and available time slots. If you choose online, you can usually schedule a test within a few days.

After you register and pay, you will receive a confirmation email with your exam details. If you take the exam online, you will receive a link to log in at your scheduled time. If you test at a center, you will receive the address and instructions for what to bring — usually a government-issued photo ID.

What Happens After You Pass

Your certificate is issued when ready after you pass the exam if you test online, or within a few days if you test at a center. You can read and print it right away, and you will also receive a physical copy in the mail. The certificate shows your name, the date you passed, and your expiration date — three years from the date you took the exam.

Many employers ask to see your certificate before your first day of work, so keep a copy with you. Some states require you to post it in the workplace. Your certificate is recognized nationwide, so if you move or change jobs, you do not need to retake the exam unless your current certificate has expired.

Retaking the Exam if You Do Not Pass

If you score below 80 percent, you can retake the exam. There is no waiting period — you can schedule another test when ready. You will pay the exam fee again. Most people who study the material a second time pass on their next attempt. The National Restaurant Association offers a money-back may provide if you fail after completing their official course, so check the terms when you register.

Before you retake the exam, review the topics you found hardest. The practice exams on servsafe.com show you which areas you struggled with, so focus your second study session there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ServSafe certification to work in food service?

It depends on your state and your job. Some states require all food handlers to be certified; others require it only for managers. Some employers require it even in states that do not mandate it. Check with your state health department or your employer to find out what is required where you live.

How long does the certification last?

Your certificate is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. After three years, you must retake the exam to renew. There is no separate renewal process — you straightforward take the exam again.

Can I take the exam online from home?

Yes. Online exams require a webcam, microphone, and a quiet private space. A proctor monitors you through your camera during the test. You must have a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.

What if I fail the exam?

You can retake it when ready without waiting. You will pay the exam fee again. If you completed the official National Restaurant Association course and still failed, they offer a money-back may provide on the exam fee — check the terms when you register.

Is ServSafe the only food safety certification available?

ServSafe is the most widely recognized and required certification in the United States. Other programs exist, but most employers and states accept only ServSafe. Check with your employer or local health department to confirm what they accept.