You have achieved the ServSafe certificate? Congratulations! However, you may wonder how long is ServSafe for? In this article, ServSafe-Prep will help you with answering this question. You may have your own plan to retake the test before your certification expires.
How Long Is ServSafe Good For?
The simple answer is that you may keep your certification for up to ten years without taking another exam. Alternatively, you may need to repeat the test every three years to maintain your certification. It all relies on your ServSafe certificate and the jurisdiction in which you work.
These answers may also be found on the official ServSafe website, but you’ll probably find ours to be more user-friendly. There are various types of ServSafe certifications, each with a different validity period.
Different certification durations may be required by your city or state, which will override ServSafe
In your city or state, there may be a “re-certification” program.
It’s possible that you’ll be eligible for a “grace period.”
What Is The Validity Of The ServSafe Manager Certificate?
For a duration of five years, the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is valid. To keep your certification, you must pass another test after 5 years. You do not need to take a training course; all you need to do is pass the exam.
Your ServSafe Food Protection Manager certificate is valid for 5 years, however, your local license may be valid for less time. The District of Columbia, Maryland, and sections of Virginia, for example, will only recognize the certification as valid for three years under certain state and municipal jurisdictions and company policies.
You may or may not be required to maintain your ServSafe certificate in order to comply with local rules, although in most cases, you are not. For further information, check with your state’s health department and your company’s internal policies.
The ServSafe Manager test has 80-90 questions and requires a passing score of at least 75% to achieve the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification. Online tests must be given by a ServSafe official, and the results will be available instantly.
For individuals who have never taken the test before or who do not want the stress of solo preparation, the class is a suitable option. Once you’ve completed the course, you may quickly get your certificate by signing onto the ServSafe website. You may find out when your certificate is due for renewal, print or download a pdf of your certificate, check your scores, and read articles about current food safety issues.
Read more >> ServSafe Certification Cost & Renewal
What Is The Validity Of The ServSafe Handlers Certificate?
For three years, the ServSafe Food Handlers Certification is valid. After three years, you’ll have to retake the exam, which is known as a food handlers assessment. You do not need to complete further training, however, individual examinations are not available until the training course is purchased. So, as a refresher, you might wish to do the course anyhow.
Your ServSafe food handler certificate will expire after three years, however, your local “food handlers card” may expire sooner or later. When your certification expires, either due to the State or the Association, all you have to do is retake the exam to renew it. It may be advantageous to retake the courses in order to stay current on subjects like food safety, legal regulations, workplace cleaning and sanitation, and allergy cross-contamination avoidance. These courses are available in both English and Spanish and can be taken online or in person. The test should be taken in the same way as your initial certification. According to ServSafe, the final exam takes around 90 minutes to complete, can be taken three times, and requires a passing score of 75% to earn recertification. For further information, check with your state’s health department and your company’s internal policies.
How Long Is The ServSafe Alcohol Certificate Good For?
The ServSafe Alcohol certification is only valid for three years. To keep your certification, you must take another training course and pass a test after three years. ServSafe alcohol examinations may only be purchased in conjunction with a training session. A multiple-choice format is used for all of the tests. The ServSafe Alcohol Primary test requires a passing score of 75 percent or above, which is achieved by properly completing 30 out of 40 exam questions. The ServSafe Alcohol Advanced Proctor test needs an 80 percent or better score on 56 out of 70 questions. The ServSafe Alcohol courses must also be completed within 90 days. The online courses are non-refundable, and their expiration dates are not extended. Unfinished courses expire after one year from the date of purchase. In the case that you fail an exam, you can retake it if you have finished the course.
Your ServSafe Alcohol certificate will expire in three years, but your local license may expire sooner or later. Several states, like Illinois’ BASSET program, have extra testing and licensing requirements. For additional information about the expiry of your certificate, contact your local health department.
Read more >> Food Safety: Role and the Process of Ensuring Food Safety
What Is The Validity Of The ServSafe Allergens Certificate?
For a duration of five years, the ServSafe Allergens certification is valid. If you want to keep your ServSafe certification, you’ll need to retake the test (also known as an assessment) before it expires. You do not need to take another training course, however, the evaluation cannot be purchased separately; it must be paid in conjunction with the course.
Although your ServSafe Allergens certificate is valid for 5 years, your local license may be valid for a longer period. For additional information about the expiry of your certificate, contact your local health department.
Factors Affecting the Duration Of ServSafe Certification
The duration of ServSafe certification can vary depending on several factors.
State and Local Regulations
Different states and local jurisdictions may have specific requirements for food safety certifications. They may establish their own guidelines for the validity period of ServSafe certification. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations in your area to ensure compliance and avoid any penalties or issues with certification expiration.
Industry Requirements
Certain sectors of the food service industry may have specific requirements for certification duration. For example, some organizations or institutions may require employees to renew their ServSafe certification annually, while others may have longer validity periods. It is crucial to understand the specific requirements of your industry to ensure continuous compliance and professional growth.
Job Roles and Responsibilities
The duration of ServSafe certification can also be influenced by the specific job roles and responsibilities of individuals within the foodservice industry. Positions with higher levels of responsibility and involvement in food safety may require more frequent certification renewals. For example, managers or supervisors who oversee food preparation and safety protocols may need to renew their certification more frequently compared to front-of-house staff.
Tips For Ensuring Continuous Certification
To maintain a valid ServSafe certification, individuals can follow these tips:
Timely Renewal
Stay proactive and mindful of your certification expiration date. Begin the renewal process well in advance to ensure that you have sufficient time to complete any necessary requirements. This includes scheduling and attending recertification examinations or refresher courses and passing the assessments.
Staying Updated with Food Safety Practices
Food safety practices and regulations are constantly evolving. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest updates in food safety to maintain your certification’s validity. Stay updated through reliable sources such as industry publications, and professional associations, or attending continuing education programs focused on food safety.
Participating in Continuing Education Programs
Continuing education programs offer opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in food safety. These programs often provide valuable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and changes in regulations. By actively participating in such programs, you can enhance your professional growth and ensure the continuous renewal of your ServSafe certification.
FAQs
Conclusion
Have you got the answer to how long is ServSafe good for? We have provided with you detailed information about the valid duration of each ServSafe certificate as well as the methods to retake them. We hope you will find this article helpful and retake your exam successfully.
Visit our website to get a free ServSafe practice test to gain all the essential knowledge for your coming exam! To download, visit our website for your IOS or Android device.
