What Is ServSafe? The Four Certificates
ServSafe is the National Restaurant Association's food safety and alcohol training program, with four credentials: Manager, Food Handler, Allergens and Alcohol.
We are not part of ServSafe. This site is an independent ServSafe practice test.
Facts checked . Each fact links to the ServSafe page it came from.
The four ServSafe certificates at a glance
| Exam | Questions | Proctor needed | Recognized for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ServSafe Manager | 90 multiple choice questions | Always. Online through ProctorU, in person with a registered proctor, or at a Pearson VUE testing center | 5 years |
| ServSafe Food Handler | 40 questions | Not on the standard online assessment. Some state versions may need one. An instructor gives the print version | 3 years |
| ServSafe Allergens | 40 multiple choice questions | Not stated on the public pages we checked | 3 years |
| ServSafe Alcohol | 40 questions on the online exam | Not on the standard online exam. Some state versions need one | 3 years |
Read more on how long a ServSafe certification is good for.
Passing score for each ServSafe exam
| Exam | Passing score | Time |
|---|---|---|
| ServSafe Manager | 70%, which is 56 of the 80 scored questions | 2 hours |
| ServSafe Food Handler | 75% | No time limit |
| ServSafe Allergens | Not published on the public pages we checked | Not stated on the public pages we checked |
| ServSafe Alcohol | 75% on the Primary exam, which is 30 of 40 | Not stated on the public pages we checked |
- Manager: our sources conflict. The current FAQ says 70%. An older handbook on an old web address says 75%. We could not date that handbook, so we use the FAQ.
- Food Handler: ServSafe notes that the required score may vary in some places.
- Allergens: the 75% on our Allergens mocks is our own practice target. ServSafe did not set it.
- Alcohol: the FAQ also lists an Advanced, Proctored Exam with 70 questions and an 80% mark. Newer ServSafe pages list 40, 49 and 60 questions for proctored exams in certain states. We cannot give one format for all of them.
Which ServSafe certificate do you need?
Start with your job. The FDA's model Food Code, 2-102.12, says the person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager, apart from some low-risk places.
ServSafe Food Handler
For employee-level food handlers. It shows basic food safety knowledge.
Practice with our ServSafe Food Handler practice test.
ServSafe Allergens
For anyone who prepares food, including back of the house staff, managers and culinary students.
Practice with our ServSafe Allergens practice test.
ServSafe Alcohol
For bartenders, servers, hosts, bussers, valets, bouncers and all front-of-house staff.
Practice with our ServSafe Alcohol practice test.
Allergen training is required in several states. Online Alcohol training depends on your state.
Course length and languages
| Exam | Course length | Exam languages |
|---|---|---|
| ServSafe Manager | The book suits a one- or two-day class | Online: English, Spanish, Chinese. Print: English, plus Spanish, Korean, Chinese, French Canadian or Japanese with English |
| ServSafe Food Handler | About 60 to 90 minutes | English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean. Some state versions may be English and Spanish only |
| ServSafe Allergens | About 1 hour | English |
| ServSafe Alcohol | 4 hours online | Print: English and Spanish/English. ServSafe's pages differ on Spanish for the online exam, so check for your state. |
To find a class or proctor, use ServSafe's class finder. To look up a certificate, use the certificate search.
State and county rules can differ
Your state, county or employer may ask for more than ServSafe does. Check ServSafe's regulatory requirements page or call your local health department. For alcohol service, ask your state alcohol commission.
What to do next
Taking the Manager exam? Sit our full 90-question ServSafe practice test for free. Timed mocks for every exam are on our three monthly plans.
FAQ
- What is the difference between ServSafe Manager and ServSafe Food Handler?
- Manager is for a manager or person in charge, with a 90-question exam under a proctor. Food Handler is for employee-level staff, with a 40-question test.
- Is a ServSafe certificate accepted in every state?
- ServSafe says the Manager certification and the Food Handler certificate are recognized in most places that require them. Some states add their own requirements.
- Can I take the Manager exam without a proctor?
- No. It must be given under a registered ServSafe proctor, or online through ProctorU, or at a Pearson VUE testing center.
- How do I check if a certificate is valid?
- Employers and regulators can use ServSafe's certificate lookup tool.