Frequently asked questions (faq)
Do you have a question about the ServSafe courses offered through Purdue Extension? This page addresses common questions individuals have about the training. Please take a moment to look at the questions below to see if you question has already been discussed. If it has not, please use the site contact form and select the category "Submit Question."
Should I take the Food Protection Manager course or the Food Handler course?
The ServSafe Manager course is a full-day course for foodservice managers. To obtain your foodservice manager certification, you must take the ServSafe Food Protection Manager course and exam.
The courses listed as "ServSafe Food Handler" are half-day courses for anyone who needs basic food safety and food handling training, including home-based vendors, food service workers, volunteers, or others who work with food who only need the basic training. This course meets the requirements of IC-16-42-5.3 which says all home-based vendors must “obtain a food handler certificate from a certificate issuer that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute” (ANSI). The ServSafe Food Handler course is NOT intended for foodservice managers.
What is the passing score for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Examination?
A passing score is 70% or higher.
What is the passing percentage for ServSafe Food Handler Examination?
A passing score is 75% or higher.
How do I become ServSafe Food Safety recertified?
Retake the ServSafe Manager Certification Examination before your certification expires.
Does my certificate expire?
The National Restaurant Association recognizes the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification for a five-year period and the ServSafe Alcohol and ServSafe Food Handler Certificates for a three-year period. However, state or employer requirements can vary. For more detailed information, check the regulatory requirements or contact your local health department.
What is the retest policy for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination?
You may take the examination twice within 30 days. If you don’t pass your second attempt, you must wait at least 60 days from your most recent attempt before taking the exam again. No more than four attempts are allowed within a 12-month period.
You may need to purchase an Exam Answer Sheet to take a print exam or an Exam Access Code to take the online exam and find a proctor to retest. Contact the individual or group that facilitated your initial exam and tell them you want to retest.
What is the Cancellation Policy for Purdue Trainings if I have an emergency?
Cancellation and Refund Policy: If you need to cancel, you must do so at least five business days prior to the event date. However there will be 12% registration fee + $5 processing fee. All training materials purchased during registration are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, any registration fees with a purchase of a manual and answer sheet (online or paper) will be reduced $85 plus the 12% registration fee and $5.00 processing fee. No refunds will be permitted after the originally scheduled registration date.
Can I transfer to another training if I am unable to attend the training is originally registered for?
Transfer Policy: If a participant needs to transfer their registration to a different training event, they need to contact the Education Store at 765-494-6795 at least five business days prior to the scheduled event. All transfers will incur a 12% transfer fee plus $5.00 processing fee. Any transfer requests made after the original class date must be scheduled within five business days of the originally registered class date and will incur a 12% transfer fee plus $5.00 processing. No transfers will be permitted after this five business days period for the training event.