How Long Is a ServSafe Certification Good For?
A ServSafe Manager certification is recognized for 5 years. ServSafe Food Handler, Allergens and Alcohol certificates are recognized for 3 years. State or employer rules can differ.
See what each ServSafe certificate covers.
Facts checked . Each fact links to the ServSafe page it came from.
How long each ServSafe certificate lasts
| Exam | Recognized for | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| ServSafe Manager | 5 years | practice for the ServSafe Manager exam |
| ServSafe Food Handler | 3 years | practice for the Food Handler assessment |
| ServSafe Allergens | 3 years | practice for the Allergens exam |
| ServSafe Alcohol | 3 years | practice for the Alcohol exam |
Do I have to retake it?
Manager: yes. ServSafe's FAQ says you must pass the exam with 70% or higher to recertify. You can retest when your certification is expiring, and you buy a new exam to do it. For an in-person exam, you also find and pay a registered proctor.
Food Handler, Allergens and Alcohol: the ServSafe pages we checked do not describe a renewal step. Ask ServSafe or your employer what applies to you.
State and county rules can differ
The dates above are how long the National Restaurant Association recognizes each certificate. Your state, county or employer can set different rules. Check ServSafe's regulatory requirements page or call your local health department. For alcohol service, ask your state alcohol commission.
What to do next: a refresher plan
ServSafe recommends reviewing the latest material before you retake the Manager exam. The Manager book is now in its 9th Edition, so old notes may be out of date. Start with our free topic quizzes, then sit the free 90-question Manager mock.
FAQ
- Is the course deadline the same as the certificate date?
- No. An unused online course lasts one yearfrom purchase. Once started, Food Handler must be finished in 60 days, and Manager and Alcohol in 90 days. ServSafe's Allergens pages disagree: the product page says 90 days and the FAQ says 60.
- How long can I print my certificate?
- ServSafe gives you unlimited access to print and download it until it expires.
- Can my employer check if it is still valid?
- Yes. Employers and regulators can use ServSafe's certificate lookup tool.
- Will my certificate still count if I move?
- ServSafe says the Manager certification and the Food Handler certificate are recognized in most places that require them. Some states add their own requirements, so check before you move.