National Restaurant Association's ServSafe Exams

Content: This exam is designed to gauge a food manager candidate's knowledge on topics ranging from cross-contamination to safe food storage and preparation to hazard analysis.  For a full list of topics covered in both the ServSafe Food Protection Manager course and exam, please visit the ServSafe Food Safety Management Training website.

Exam Formatting & Time Limit: The exam is computerized and is accessed through an online platform.  Examinees will have 2 hours to answer 90 multiple-choice questions.  Note: Examinees are not required to stay for the entire 2-hour period, and no points are lost for completing the test early.  Candidates are allowed to revisit questions several times as there is no penalty for changing an answer.

Score & Retakes: A candidate must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam.  If this score is not attained, the ServSafe Retake Policy may be utilized:

• Candidates may take the exam twice within a 30-day period.
• If more than 2 attempts are required, examinees must wait 60 days before they may test again.
• No more than 4 attempts are allowed within a 12-month period.

Before scheduling an appointment, examinees must purchase an exam access code through the ServSafe website.  Candidates may purchase either a course package that includes training materials and an exam access code or an exam access code only.  Please note that Testing Center staff are not certified ServSafe instructors and cannot provide assistance with course content.  Questions regarding training materials or course content should be directed to ServSafe or a certified ServSafe instructor.

Important Information: The Testing Center provides in-seat proctoring for ServSafe's online exams.  When purchasing an exam, candidates should select an option with "Test Center" in the title.  Candidates who wish to test from home should select an exam labeled "Online Proc" or "Online Proctor," which is administered through ServSafe's online proctoring service.

Appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance to ensure a certified proctor is available.  Walk-in appointments are not allowed for ServSafe exams.  Candidates should not schedule an appointment until they have purchased their exam access code through ServSafe.  A $15 proctoring fee will be collected when making the appointment; this is separate from any fees collected by ServSafe.

Important Information: The appointment date is tied to the date the exam content opens; therefore, candidates who wish to reschedule their appointment must notify the Testing Center directly via email (testing@svsu.edu) or phone at (989) 964-2820 to ensure the exam date can also be adjusted.

Refunds: When possible, staff will move an appointment to a new date to help candidates avoid paying a second proctoring fee.  To receive a refund, candidates must cancel at least two hours before their appointment and submit a refund request by email within three days after the scheduled testing date.  Refund requests must include the candidate's name, exam title, and appointment date.