There are five training courses offered by ServSafe and four of them offer certifications. Having a “certification” means that you have a certificate and you get that certificate by passing the test. The training courses offered by ServSafe are:
ServSafe Food Manager
ServSafe Food Handler
ServSafe Alcohol
ServSafe Allergens
ServSafe Workplace
The ServSafe Workplace training course does not have a test and so, therefore, it does not have a certification. The other four do have a test and certification. Sometimes the test is also called an exam or an assessment, depending on which certification your getting.
So how much do a ServSafe training course and ServSafe test cost?
Depending on which certification you need, you may not need to take a training course. And you may not need your exam to be from ServSafe either. If you need the certification for a state or city law or regulation, you probably do not need to be ServSafe certified. You probably can choose a cheaper and better option for your training and testing.
How much for ServSafe Manager certification?
You will probably need to purchase three things for your ServSafe Manager certification. They are a food safety training class or online course, a ServSafe exam, and proctor services. You can buy these in a bundle or purchase them separately. Usually, you will not save much money by purchasing them in a bundle but it could be more convenient.
ServSafe sells lots of training and exam materials, but you really only need to pass the exam to become ServSafe certified. The training courses, study guides, and textbooks are optional.
But the ServSafe Manager is exam is not easy and unless you have extensive experience in a commercial kitchen or have taken an advanced culinary course, you will probably fail. You can try our ServSafe Practice Test to see if you can pass and our ServSafe Study Guide to help you prepare.
It is highly recommended that you take a food safety class or an online course before attempting the exam.
ServSafe Manager Online Exam: $36
ServSafe Manager Written Exam: $38
There is an online and written version of the exam. Both versions require a proctor to administer the exam. You will also need to have a proctor present when you take the exam. Proctors set their own fees and they vary greatly. If you live in California, Florida, Texas or Georgia you can find a proctor here on our website. If you don’t live in one of those states, you can find a proctor on the ServSafe website.
ServSafe Exam Proctor Fee: $50 – $100
The proctor fee may or may not include the cost of the exam. Be sure to check. If you bought an online course or a textbook, the exam is probably included with your purchase. So be sure that if you already have the exam, that you’re not buying an extra one that you don’t need.
Online TAPSeries course: $85
Online Learn2Serve Course & exam: $125
Online ServSafe Course & exam: $153
The Learn2Serve online course does include an exam and certification, but it’s not ServSafe. However, the exam is ANSI-CFP accredited so that it is valid in most jurisdictions. You will need a proctor to be present during the exam and he/she will have additional fees.
The online ServSafe course includes an exam, but you will still need to find a ServSafe proctor to administer the exam. The proctor will have additional fees for his/her services.
Here at the Hospitality Training Center, we recommend either the classroom training or the TAPSeries online course. The TAPSeries online course prepares you for the ServSafe Manager exam and has a high pass rate. They also have the most flexible refund policy and 24hr customer service.
ServSafe Manager classroom training: $150 – $250
Usually, the classroom training includes the cost of the exam and the proctor fees. Often times people find the classroom option to be the easiest. Because your instructor/proctor can assist you along the way with the process of becoming certified.
ServSafe sells lots of training and exam materials, but you really only need to pass the exam to become ServSafe certified. The training courses, study guides, and textbooks are optional.
But the ServSafe Manager exam is not easy and unless you have extensive experience in a commercial kitchen or have taken an advanced culinary course, you will probably fail.
It is highly recommended that you take a food safety class or an online course before attempting the exam.
ServSafe Manager Online Exam: $36
ServSafe Manager Written Exam: $38
There is an online and written version of the exam. Both versions require a proctor to administer the exam. You will also need to have a proctor present when you take the exam. Proctors set their own fees and they vary greatly. If you live in California, Florida, Texas or Georgia you can find a proctor here on our website. If you don’t live in one of those states, you can find a proctor on the ServSafe website.
ServSafe Exam Proctor Fee: $50 – $100
The proctor fee may or may not include the cost of the exam. Be sure to check. If you bought an online course or a textbook, the exam is probably included with your purchase. So be sure that if you already have the exam, that you’re not buying an extra one that you don’t need.
Sometimes the prices vary depending on which state you work. This is because the training material could be slightly different so that it adheres to your state’s guidelines. Follow the links below to see which course is appropriate for you.
Online TAPSeries course: $85
Online Learn2Serve Course & Exam: $125
Online ServSafe Course & Exam: $153
The Learn2Serve online course does include an exam and certification, but it’s not ServSafe. However, the exam is ANSI-CFP accredited so that it is valid in most jurisdictions. You will need a proctor to be present during the exam and he/she will have additional fees.
The online ServSafe course includes an exam, but you will still need to find a ServSafe proctor to administer the exam. The proctor will have additional fees for his/her services.
Here at the Hospitality Training Center, we recommend either the classroom training or the TAPSeries online course. The TAPSeries online course prepares you for the ServSafe Manager exam and has a high pass rate. They also have the most flexible refund policy and 24hr customer service.
ServSafe Manager classroom training: $150 – $250
Usually, the classroom training includes the cost of the exam and the proctor fees. Often times people find the classroom option to be the easiest. Because your instructor/proctor can assist you along the way with the process of becoming certified.
There are four ways that people usually find a ServSafe food safety class. There official ServSafe website has a list of classes. You can search for your city in their directory (or a nearby city) and see a list of class schedules.
Sometimes your state’s health department will have a list of classes and proctors.
And sometimes your states Restaurant Association will have a list of classes too.
Or you can just search on Google for ServSafe classes in your area. There are several independent instructors/proctors offering training in testing around the in states where this is required by law or regulations.
How much does ServSafe Handler certification cost?
ServSafe Handler certification is much easier and cheaper than Manager certification. This is the most common certification that people receive from ServSafe.
The ServSafe Handler assessment does not require a proctor. Typically the assessment is included in the cost of the online course or a class. Usually when people are asked by their employer to get “ServSafe certified” they just mean to get a “food handlers card” or “food handlers permit”. ServSafe is just one of several companies providing food handler certification.
Sometimes the prices vary depending on which state you work. This is because the training material could be slightly different so that it adheres to your state’s guidelines. Follow the links below to see which course is appropriate for you.
ServSafe Handler Online Course & Assessment: $15
TAPSeries Handler Online Course & Assesment:
Learn2Serve Handler Online Course & Assesment: $10
How Much Does ServSafe Alcohol Certification cost?
The ServSafe Alcohol course includes an exam and you do not need a proctor to be present during the exam. ServSafe is only one of a few training courses available. Be sure that the course and exam you are taking is approved in your state. ServSafe is NOT approved in every state so you may need to take a different course.
Sometimes the prices vary depending on which state you work. This is because the training material could be slightly different so that it adheres to your state’s guidelines. Also, some course may not be available in your state. Follow the links below to see which course is appropriate for you.
ServSafe Alcohol Online Course & Test: $30
TAPSeries Alcohol Online Course & Test: $19.95
360Training Alcohol Online Course & Test: $12
How Much Does ServSafe Allergens Cost?
The ServSafe Allergens certification has an exam and a certification. But you do not need a proctor to be present for the exam. The ServSafe Allergen program is not approved in every state. For example, Massachusetts doe not accept ServSafe for allergen certification. If you work in Massachusets consider another program for your certification.
Sometimes the prices vary depending on which state you work. This is because the training material could be slightly different so that it adheres to your state’s guidelines. Also, some courses may not be available in your state. Follow the links below to see which course is appropriate for you.
ServSafe Allergen Online Course & Exam: $22
TAPSeries Allergen Online Course & Exam: $19.90
Learn2Serve Allergen Online Course & Exam: $15
How Much Does ServSafe Workplace Training Cost?
The ServSafe “Workplace” training online course is new and it’s the only course from ServSafe without an exam, so you are not truly considered as “certified” This training course focuses on creating a safe and appropriate work environment for all employees. The primary subject in this course is sexual harassment and discrimination. At the time of this writing, ServSafe is the only training company that provides this type of training that is centered on foodservice operations.
ServSafe Workplace Training Course: $22
