ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification frequently asked questions
- What is included in the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification training?
- Participants who register for the full class hosted by the CRA will receive a sixth edition ServSafe Essentials Textbook with a scantron answer sheet, which is an $80 value. The book and confirmation will be sent via UPS once registration and payment has been completed. Students also will be registered to attend the review session and have the exam administered at the end of the class.
- Participants who register for class and exam will not receive a textbook. They will receive an e-mail confirmation for the class upon registration and payment. A scantron will be provided to the student at the class.
- Participants who register for the test only will not be allowed in the class and will not receive a book. They should arrive at 1:45 p.m. with a photo ID and No. 2 pencil ready to take their exam.
- How do I register for a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification training?
- Register for CRA-hosted seminars by filling out the registration form here or online at www.calrest.org.
- Can I take the test online?
- The online exam is allowed in the State of California, however the online exam must be taken from a ServSafe proctor. The CRA has limited information on proctors and encourages registering for the exam only at regularly scheduled classes.
- Does the CRA offer in-house training?
- Yes. The CRA offers in-house training as a more convenient option, as an instructor will conduct the training in the restaurant or business. Click here (new link) for more information.
- How long is my certification valid?
- ServSafe certification is valid for five years.
- Can I re-test if I don't pass the certification exam?
- An examinee may take the test twice within a 30-day period. If a third attempt is necessary, the examinee must wait at least 60 days from their last attempt.
- The CRA offers a discounted rate to retest within 90 days of the original exam also taken at a CRA-hosted seminar. Click here to schedule a restest.
- How do I become recertified?
- Recertify by taking the ServSafe certification exam before the expiration of the five-year certificate eligibility.
- The ServSafe materials and test are updated frequently. The CRA recommends taking the full class to obtain the most current information.
- What is the format of the exam questions?
- All exam questions are multiple choice.
- When and how do I obtain my exam results?
- Scores are posted within 15 business days of an exam date online at www.ServSafe.com. A class number and social security number or e-mail address as entered on the test scantron are necessary.
- What is a passing score?
- A passing score is 75 percent or higher.
- Will I receive written documentation that indicates my exam results?
- All examinees who pass the exam will receive a certificate with tear-off analysis of their overall score by content domain. Examinees who don't pass will receive the analysis of their overall score by content domain.
- The CRA sends this correspondence to the address supplied during the class. The CRA does not retain liability for any certificates lost in the mail due to an incorrect address.
- 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.
- The CRA offers the ServSafe seminar in English and occasionally in Spanish. Upon request, textbooks can be ordered in Spanish, Chinese or Korean and an exam can be ordered in any of the languages above.
- How can I order a duplicate certificate?
- For a $20 fee, duplicate certificates are available online at www.ServSafe.com.
- Can I send another employee in my place?
- If a registrant cannot attend the class but has someone who can attend in their place there is no need to contact the CRA. Simply send the substitute to the class with the confirmation and book, if applicable, to the class. The adjustment will be made to the roster.