ServSafe Food Handler

About the ServSafe Food Handler Course

The National Resturant Association’s ServSafe Food Handler Program provides premier food safety training to aspiring ServSafe candidates. Whether you are an employee who’s seeking a ServSafe Food Handler Card or someone who’s looking for a compliant solution for your employees, ServSafe’s Food Handler course is the best way to achieve your goal.

Food Handler Course Format

Length

The length of the Food Handler course is approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Content

ServSafe’s Food Handler course is composed of five sections: 

  1. Basic Food Safety
  2. Personal Hygiene
  3. Cross-contamination and Allergens
  4. Time and Temperature
  5. Cleaning and Sanitation

You must be able to complete all sections before the assessment is available.

Course Expiration

You will have 12 months from the date of purchase to begin the course. The course will expire 60 days after it has been started.

Beginning the Course

After obtaining the course or having it attributed to your ServSafe User ID, you can select Launch from the Course Management page. If a Course Key was assigned to you, enter that key on the same page in the designated field.

Exiting the Course

If you exit the program and decided to log out, you can sign back in and have the option to return to the specific section where you left off.

Languages

The course is available in both English and Spanish languages. You also have the option to switch languages anytime during the course.

💻 ServSafe Food Handler Online Assessment

Food Handler Online Assessment Format

Length

The ServSafe Food Handler online assessment is a non-proctored examination, which is composed of  40 questions. The online assessment also has no time limit.

Passing Grade

Students must score at least 75% in order to receive the ServSafe Food Handler Certificate of Achievement. You are given three chances to take and pass the Food Handler Assessment. If you fail to pass the assessment, you must purchase another course in order to take the assessment again. Once you pass the assessment, both the course and assessment will close.

Access

After completing the course, you will then receive a link that takes you to the assessment page. Please take note that the online assessment will not be accessible unless you finished the course.

Certificate

A certificate will then be made available online once you have successfully passed the assessment.

📚 Best ServSafe Food Handler Study Guide

These ServSafe food handler guide will provide you with all of the information you require to pass the exam. They go over all of the main topics in detail, including examples and even practice examinations to ensure that you are on the correct track:

  • ServSafe Manager Book with Answer Sheet
  • ServSafe and CPFM Study Guide 2025: Food Manager Certification ServSafe Food Handler Guide
  • Certified Food Safety Manager Exam Study Guide
  • ServSafe Alcohol: Fundamentals of Responsible Alcohol Service with Exam Answer Sheet

💭 ServSafe Questions

What does it mean to be food safety certified?

ServSafe certification signifies that you have successfully passed a test covering food safety directed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Obtaining ServSafe certification can build opportunities for progression in the foodservice industry.

What is a food handler’s card?

A food handler’s card is a document issued by a training entity that certifies that the person carrying the card has undergone a specific course and successfully passed the test to carry out the required level of knowledge in the field of food safety.

How to get a food safety certification?

In order to become ServSafe Food Safety certified, you need to pass the ServSafe Manager Certification Exam with a score of 75% or higher. Furthermore, if you want your ServSafe Certification to be recognized by the state or local health department, you need to meet your local regulatory requirements.

Regulatory requirements may involve completing both ServSafe Certification Exam and food safety training. You can check ServSafe.com to find out about the online training and exam options. You can also use the official website to find a class and exam location.

Should we wash apples before eating them?

It is always advisable to wash all fruits and vegetables before you eat or cook them. Washing them in clean water will help remove bacteria from the surface of the fruit.

Can a restaurant refuse service to someone with allergies?

Given the circumstances, yes, they can. This is also the reason why most restaurants never fail to ask their guests if they have allergies to avoid any risks.

Can I get a job as a line or prep cook with no experience?

If you have undergone training in those specific fields, you can surely get a job regardless of not having enough experience. If you are prepared to do the job, there’s nothing to worry about.

Can I get food poisoning from undercooked steak?

If E.coli is present in an undercooked steak, it can cause some serious food poisoning or stomachache. This is the reason why it is very critical for steaks to be served well-cooked.

Why food handlers should wash their hands between ServSafe?

Handwashing is essential for preventing food contamination by food handlers. Proper hand washing practices eliminate harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as viruses (such as norovirus) from food workers’ hands.

How long does it take to get a ServSafe California food handlers card?

It takes roughly 2.5 hours to finish the California food handler training course. San Diego County Online Food Handler Training requires at least 3 hours to complete, not counting the final exam, because the county establishes its own training criteria.

How long will my California food handlers card ServSafe stay valid?

Food handler cards in California and San Diego County are valid for three years after they are issued. Food handler cards in Riverside County, on the other hand, are only valid for two years. You must retake the course to renew your certificate once it has expired.

What is Learn2Serve food handler training course?

The Learn2serve food manager handler certificate program’s aim and goal is to give persons working in restaurants and other non-restaurant establishments with an understanding of food safety issues, legislation, and practices for maintaining a food-safe environment. These individuals will also gain a greater understanding of how proper food handling decreases dangers.

Can you do SafeServ online?

The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Exam can now be proctored online from the comfort of your own home. You must have access to a computer to use ProctorU’s online proctoring service (PC or Mac). The use of mobile devices and tablets is not permitted. You’ll also need a working webcam and microphone, as well as a private place.