ServSafe Manager Overview
A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) must be certified through an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited program. ServSafe Manager is an ANSI-certified program with a proctored exam. It is listed by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for accredited Certified Food Protection Manager programs (ID 0655).
ServSafe Manager is an advanced food safety certification developed by the National Restaurant Association for foodservice and hospitality personnel. The ServSafe brand offers the highest standard of training to your staff and was named one of America’s Top Online Learning Providers of 2024. It also keeps customers safe with advanced food safety knowledge and complies with the Demonstration of Knowledge (DOK), Person In Charge (PIC) and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirements within the Washington State Food Code.
Sometimes this certification is also referred to as: Food Protection Manager certification, ServSafe Food Safety Manager, safeserve food or health department exam. You’re in the right place.
ServSafe brings together current best practices in advanced food safety and instruction to meet our industry’s changing needs. Students stay engaged in current state health code regulations and learn how to demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, application of HACCP principles, and the requirements of the Washington State Food Code to the regulatory authority.
One proctored ServSafe Manager exam fulfills three food code requirements: PIC, DOK and CFPM.
When a PIC shows their ServSafe Manager certification to a health inspector, they automatically fulfill their DOK requirement.
Certification is available in-person, blended, online or with 10+ people, in a private group class anywhere in Washington.
Certified Food Protection Manager? Person In Charge?
Learn the difference between a Certified Food Protection Manager and Person in Charge in our webinar replay with the Washington State Department of Health. Watch here.
Course & exam options
Course & exam options
In-person class
This is a six hour class & proctored exam that includes a review with our trainer. The book is mailed to students for study and a practice test is available upon request.
Private group classes
With at least 10 employees to train, employers can hold a private class at their location. You supply the room and pick the dates. We’ll supply the trainer and materials.
Benefits of a ServSafe Manager Certification:
- Legal Compliance: Washington state requires a Certified Food Protection Manager. ServSafe Manager fulfills this requirement.
- Industry Recognition: Industry professionals recognize ServSafe Manager as a mark of excellence. It sets your business apart in a competitive job market.
- Customer Confidence: Customers appreciate establishments that prioritize food safety. Display your certification proudly to build trust.
Pricing
In-person classes
$199 for non-members- Six hours
- Material review
- Proctored exam
- Practice test
- 8th edition book
- Translator accommodations
- Disability accommodations
Blended
$199 for non-members- Two hours
- Proctored exam
- Practice test
- Online study
- Translator accommodations
- Disability accommodations
- Material review
- 8th edition book
Private groups
10 person minimum- Six hours
- Material review
- Proctored exam
- Practice test
- 8th edition book
- Translator accommodations
- Disability accommodations
- Trainers can go anywhere in Washington state
Online
Internet/tech requirements- Students study at their own pace
- Online proctored exam
- Anywhere in Washington state
- Limited language accommodations
- No disability accommodations
- No material review
- No 8th edition book
In-person & blended classes
How our classes & exams work
Class registration closes two weeks before the class date to ensure each attendee has enough study time. Students are mailed a ServSafe Manager book (in-person) or online course code (blended), confirmation, scantron, location details and optional practice exam.
ServSafe Manager classes and proctored exams take place in one day. During an in-person class, the student receives about four hours of review of advanced food safety materials. Review is followed by the ServSafe Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager exam, proctored by the class instructor. Attendees are allowed two hours to complete the exam.
The exam has 90 multiple choice questions in a scantron format. Results are emailed directly to the attendee from ServSafe within 7-10 business days. A passing score is 70%. Upon passing the exam, attendees will receive a ServSafe Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager certification. For more information on retakes, click here. Certifications are good for five years.
10+ employees to train?
Click here for more information about our private classes which may be a better fit if you have lots of employees to certify.
Register employees for in-person classes here
A credit card is needed to complete the registration purchase. You can register up to five employees for classes at once. Upon completion of the form, you will receive a receipt in your email. If you need any assistance at all, contact us here.
Why an in-person class?
Material review
A four-hour review is included with the registration price. This is a great time for employees to ask questions and get clarity on sections they’re stuck on.
Active Managerial Control
Actively participating in the class with peers and trainers prepares students to not just learn the material but implement these practices at their workplace and train their PICs.
Practice exam
A complimentary practice exam can be added upon request.
Translation & disability services
Arrangements can be made during the class and exam, so students don’t have to worry about failing the exam due to barriers.
Industry trainers with experience
We carefully vet our trainers for industry experience and a complete understanding of advanced food safety principles. They have hundrends of hours in the industry and continue to work in hospitality today.
Dedicated account manager
The Training Solutions program manager is a real person who will go above and beyond on your behalf if issues arise.
For the hospitality industry
The Washington Hospitality Association is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for restaurateurs, hoteliers and related hospitality industry professionals. Purchasing a registration allows us to continue our mission.
Do you have 10 or more employees to certify? Click here to find out more about our private classes. You pick the dates and we’ll come to you–our trainers can go anywhere in Washington state.
Class schedule
Pricing
Members: $170 | Non-members: $199
All classes are from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. unless specified otherwise. Walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away. Register here.
Employers will have the option of selecting in-person or blended for each student during registration.
Special temporary offering – bilingual class
This is a private class that is open for public registration.
Lil Woody’s – Seattle
Date TBD, registration closes TBD (Bilingual, English and Spanish)
Bilingual
Ellensburg
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce
MORE COMING SOON
Everett
7WSU Everett Campus
Nov 4th, registration closes Oct 21
Dec 16th, registration closes Dec 2
Jan 13th, registration closes Dec 27
Kent
Harbor Foodservice
Lunch provided
Oct. 25, registration closes Oct. 11
Jan. 20, registration closes Jan. 6
Kingston
Point Casino
MORE COMING SOON
Lacey
Harbor Foodservice
Nov. 18, registration closes Nov. 4
Jan. 27, registration closes Jan. 13
March 31, registration closes March 17
Seattle
Bargreen Ellingson
Nov. 1, registration closes Oct. 18
Dec. 6, registration closes Nov 21
Jan. 3, registration closes Nov 21
Spokane
URM – These classes are 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Nov. 8, registration closes Oct. 25
Dec. 13, registration closes Nov. 29
,Jan 10, registration closes Jan 3
Tacoma
Bargreen Ellingson
Nov. 11, registration closes Oct. 28
Dec 9, registration closes Nov. 22
Jan 13, registration closes Dec 27
Vancouver
WSU Vancouver Campus
Nov. 4, registration closes Oct. 21
Jan 13, registration closes Dec 27
March 10, registration closes Feb 24
Languages & interpreters
Accommodations can be made for other languages, such as hiring an interpreter for your employee. Prior arrangements must be made for these options as specific requirements exist for each situation.
Books:
- English
- Spanish
- Korean
- Chinese
Exams:
- English
- Spanish
- Korean
- Chinese
- Japanese
- French Canadian
Instructor exams:
- English
Failed exams
You may take the exam twice within a 30-day period. If a third attempt is required, you must wait at least 60 days from your last attempt. There are no more than four attempts in a 12-month period.
Retakes are $70 for members and $80 for non-members. Click here to register for a retake.
Reschedule
Yes, you can reschedule. Click here.
More than two weeks before the class date: No cost
Less than two weeks before the class date: $50
Proctored Exams
We do offer exam proctoring services for those who have completed the online ServSafe Manager Course and can provide proof of completion. We cannot proctor an exam without proof of completion of the online course. To take advantage of our proctoring services, click here. Be prepared to upload a screenshot to prove the online ServSafe Manager course was completed. From there, the attendee will be registered for an exam.
We can also proctor exams for large groups anywhere in Washington. Please contact us to set this up.
Private Group Classes
For businesses with more than 10 employees to train
Do you meet these requirements?
Group classes can be scheduled at any facility in Washington state that has the following criteria:
- Minimum of 10 students (you will be charged for at least 10 even if less than 10 attend).
- Classroom type setting that will accommodate the group.
- The class must be scheduled at least six weeks in advance to allow for books and study time prior to the class date.
Under 10 attendees?
A class can be hosted even if there aren’t 10 attendees under these conditions:
- The hosting company can provide a classroom-type setting that will accommodate at least 25 people, free of charge.
- We will open the class to the public and the hosting company’s employees.
- This type of class must be set up at least six weeks in advance to allow for marketing efforts in order to fill the class.
We will provide the trainer and some equipment, as needed.
Online course & proctored exam
About the online bundle
ServSafe Manager Online package: $179 | Purchase here.
‼️Important: Make sure your device can meet the technical requirements.
This bundle includes the ServSafe Manager online course and the 90-question online Food Protection Manager Certification Exam with online proctoring through ProctorU. The purchase of this bundle also includes administration, processing and a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (valid for five years) upon successful completion of the exam.
After your purchase is complete, you will receive an email with a ServSafe Manager Exam Access Code and directions for scheduling your exam through ProctorU. This product is not refundable.
Make sure your system meets the technical requirements for online proctoring. Click here to do a basic system test and read the requirements below.
Before you purchase this product:
Technical requirements for online proctoring through ProctorU
- Access to a computer (PC or Mac). Mobile and tablets are not supported.
- A working webcam/mic and a private location.
- Proctors give directions in English.
Failed exams: If you do not pass your exam, you may schedule another exam following our retesting policy. You must purchase another exam access code here.
Retesting policy: Our retesting policy states an examinee may take the exam two times within a 30-day period, if necessary. If three or more attempts are required, the examinee must wait at least 60 days from their last attempt. No more than four attempts are allowed in a 12-month period.
Exam Languages: English, Spanish, simplified Chinese
If you need additional accommodation, it may be best to take an in-person class, as we have more freedom to adjust to student needs. Please contact us and we can advise you on the best course of action.
Become a trainer
- Need to pass the ServSafe Manager Instructor certification
- Have your application approved by the National Restaurant Association. This can take about 30 days if not already certified.
- Have a strong love for the industry and enjoy teaching others.
- Will be compensated.
Contact us to get started. You will hear from our Training Solutions Manager within 48 business hours.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any prerequisites?
Anyone can take the class and attempt the exam.
Can the ServSafe Manager Certification be earned online?
Yes, you can take the course and proctored exam online. You can also take the online course and take the exam in-person at one of our classes.
Can you extend a food worker's card expiration date by getting CFPM certified?
Yes. The CFPM is considered additional food safety training. When you renew your food worker’s card, you can extend it to five years under the following conditions:
Your additional food safety training occured within the last two years and lasted more than four hours.
Do I still need my WA State Food Worker card if I already have my ServSafe Manager certification?
Yes, everyone still needs the WA State Food Worker’s card. Click here for more information.
Does a HAACP certification fulfill the Certified Food Protection Manager requirement?
No. You still need to get a Certified Food Protection Manager certification from an ANSI-CFPM program.
Does ServSafe Manager meet the new Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement in the WA state food code?
Yes. Active Managerial Control (AMC) is the purposeful use of policies and procedures in the food establishment to control foodborne illness risk factors. Every person in charge must have active managerial control and ensure food safety requirements are followed. Part of this program is the CFPM.
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM):
At least one employee must be a CFPM with national ANSI certification from one of six approved providers. The CFPM does not need to be on premises but must ensure all PICs are properly trained and able to ensure Active Managerial Control. There is an extension to meet CFPM requirement. The new date is 3/1/23.
February 11, 2022 Re: Food Safety, Chapter 246-215 WAC Dear Food Safety Interested Parties: The state retail food safety rule, Chapter 246-215 WAC, becomes effective March 1, 2022. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is requesting a statewide educational period from March 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022. This means if an inspector finds any of the new code provisions out of compliance before September 1, 2022, inspectors will not cite it as a violation. Instead, inspectors will provide education and technical assistance on the new rule requirements and request corrections be made. See the implementation explanatory document accompanying this letter for more details. This educational period will help the retail food industry and regulators, as they continue to deal with challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As there are very few new provisions that require significant change for operators and many jurisdictions are still attempting to return to routine inspection practices, we believe education will effectively work to protect public health. We encourage the retail food industry and regulators to use this educational period to continue informing all those impacted of the changes to the rule. Please contact the DOH Food Safety Program with questions about this educational period at
How long is the certification valid?
ServSafe Manager Certifications are valid for 5 years.
How and when will I receive my certification?
ServSafe will email you directly when your exam scores and certifications are ready, usually within 7-10 business days of the exam. Your certification is always available to view and print on your ServSafe user account: https://www.servsafe.com/access/SS/UserProfile/UserLogin
If you are having issues logging into your account, please contact the ServSafe Service Center: https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us
Phone: 312.585.8275
I'm having trouble with the ServSafe website, accessing my exam, getting my score or certification, or my name is misspelled on my certificate.
Please call ServSafe directly at 312.585.8275 or visit: https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us
Issues they can solve:
- Having issues with the course/exam
- Can’t access the course/exam or don’t have the access code
- Forgot your username/password
- Name is misspelled on your certificate
- Accessing your certificate
In-person classes: Can you get the book before exam day?
Yes. Registrants will receive the book at least two weeks in advance to allow for study time. The further in advance a student registers, the more study time they will get.
In-person classes: I already have the book, do I get a discount?
No. The price is bundled. Typically people either have an old book (we currently use 8th edition) or they are using someone else’s book and the answer blank that is included with the book has already been used.
In-person classes: I have a 7th edition book, can I still use it?
We currently use 8th edition, however you can still use 7th edition. Most of the content is the same. The trainer will review book and material updates at the beginning of class.
In-person classes: What happens if I'm late?
Please let us know ASAP if you can. It’s not an issue as long as you arrive before the exam starts. Try to arrive on-time to receive the full benefit of the material review.
In-person classes: What if I can't make the class I registered for? Can I reschedule?
Yes! Click here to reschedule your class. For reschedules less than two weeks before the class date, there is a $50 fee.
Is the proctored exam available in print or online?
For in-person classes, the exam is in a physical, print format with a scantron. The trainer is also a certified proctor who will be unable to answer any questions after the exam begins. An online proctor is available through the online course.
Is the ServSafe Manager certification required?
The ServSafe Manager certification completes the Certified Food Protection Manager required by the Washington food code. Learn more here.
My certification is expired. Do I need to take the class again?
Yes. Regardless of past certification, everyone must take the course and exam to receive a certification.
ServSafe Manager Online: How long is my course code and/or exam code good for?
After you purchase the online bundle, your course and exam codes are valid for one year. Once you input your course code into the ServSafe website, you have 90 days to complete your exam.
ServSafe Manager Online: I don't have my Course Access Code or Exam Access code, where can I get it?
You should receive your code within 24 business hours. Be sure to check your junk and spam folders.
If you still haven’t received it, please call ServSafe Service Center directly at 312.585.8275 or visit the ServSafe Service Center website: https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us
What if I failed the exam?
The exam can be taken again at a discounted price: Members – $70 Non-members – $80
Click here to retake the exam.
You may take the ServSafe Manager exam twice within a 30-day period. If a third attempt is required, you must wait at least 60 days from your last attempt. There are no more than four attempts in a 12-month period.
What is the ServSafe Manager class and exam like?
All classes are 6 hours long; 4 hours of instruction/review and 2 hours to take the exam. The exam is 90 multiple choice questions and is available in multiple languages, large print, and an instructor version is available for those interested in becoming a ServSafe instructor for their own establishment. The instructor exam is only available in English.
A passing score is 70% and above regardless of the exam type.
What is the difference between a Certified Food Protection Manager and Person In Charge?
We have a webinar replay with the Washington State Department of Health on this exact subject. Watch it here.
When are the ServSafe Manager classes?
All classes are scheduled from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM unless otherwise specified. Our class schedule is located above for specific dates.
Why should I take the in-person class over the online option?
Students who take the class are more likely to pass the proctored exam, can actively learn material alongside their peers and receive real-time instruction.
Contact
Shelby Pemberton
Training Solutions Manager
Hours of operation:
M-Th: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
F: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.