Is a Food Handlers Card the Same as ServSafe?
Many places require a food handlers card to work at a food establishment like a restaurant, convenience store, or place that makes and serves food like a healthcare facility or school.
In fact, several states and counties have laws requiring a food handlers card.
ServSafe is one of the most well-known food safety training companies, but you might wonder whether they are the same as a food handlers card.
This article explains whether a food handlers card is the same as ServSafe, and how to earn a food handlers card.
What is a food handlers card?
If you hold a food handlers card or certificate, it means that you have taken a course on food safety and passed an exam.
These courses cover topics like:
- how to identify and prevent food hazards
- good personal hygiene
- time and temperature controls
- cross-contamination prevention
- cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- food allergens and cross-contact prevention
In some instances, you can get your food handlers card by attending an in-person class, but most food handler course are offered online for convenience and ease.
There are several companies that offer food handler training, but the cards that they issue are not all the same.
Some states or counties only accept food handler cards issued by certain companies or from their own health departments.
Summary
A food handler card or certificate proves that have taken and passed a course on important food safety principles. Many places require a food handlers card to work at a food establishment.
What is ServSafe?
ServSafe is a food safety training and certification program administered by the National Restaurant Association (NRA).
The NRA is a foodservice trade association that represents and advocates on behalf of restaurant owners.
A percentage of ServSafe’s course sales goes to the NRA to support its lobbying efforts for the restaurant industry, among other uses.
Among the various training courses that ServSafe offers, its Food Handler is one of its most popular.
ServSafe issues a food handler card and certificate after you complete its Food Handler course, which is offered both online and in-person by approved instructors.
Therefore, a food handlers card is not necessarily the same as ServSafe, but ServSafe offers food handler training in which you can earn a food handlers card or certificate.
Because ServSafe’s Food Handler course is ANAB-accredited, most states and local health departments that require food handler training for food workers accept it.
In 2016, the NRA acquired the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP), another popular food safety training company.
Summary
ServSafe is a food safety training company administered by the National Restaurant Association (NRA). It offers food handler training in which you can earn a food handlers card.
Alternatives to ServSafe’s Food Handler training
ServSafe is just one of the various organizations from which you can earn a food handlers card.
FoodSafePal is one alternative.
FoodSafePal’s Food Handler course holds the same ANAB-accreditation as ServSafe’s course.
Therefore, for the purposes of needing to earn a nationally-accepted food handler card, FoodSafePal and ServSafe are the same.
Here’s a comparison on how FoodSafePal’s and ServSafe’s Food Handler course compare:
FoodSafePal | ServSafe | |
---|---|---|
Cost | $15 | $15 |
Course length | 1.5 hours | 2 hours |
Course access | 1 year | 60 days |
Test questions | 40 | 40 |
Test passing score | 70% | 75% |
Test attempts | 3 | 3 |
Certificate expiration | 2-3 years | 2-3 years |
ANAB-accredited | Yes | Yes |
Corporately owned | No | Yes |
Summary
FoodSafePal and ServSafe’s Food Handler course share many similarities, and both hold ANAB-accreditation.
How to get a food handlers card
Taking a food handlers course online is the quickest and easiest way to earn your food handlers card.
To get started, enroll with a valid online training provider approved by your health department or employeer.
Most places only accept ANAB-accredited food handler cards, but some areas require a food handlers card issued by the county or state directly.
Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department
Although many places will pay or reimburse you for the cost to enroll, your employeer isn’t required to, unless you live in California.
This is because the food handler card belongs to you — not your employeer — and you can use it to work at a different job.
After enrolling, complete all the course lessons.
Take notes if you need to so you can pass the test at the end.
Most tests consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need a 70% to 75% to pass. If you don’t pass the first time, you can retake it for free — but don’t forget to review the course material again.
After you pass the test, you can download or print your card and certificate. Keep a copy for yourself and give your manager a copy to keep in your file.
Your food handler card will generally be good for three years from the date you earn it, but it might expire sooner depending on where you live.
In either case, you must renew it before it expires to keep it active and remain in compliance with your health department or employer’s rules.
Summary
To earn your food handlers card, enroll with an approved online training provider, complete the course, and pass the test.
The bottom line
ServSafe is a food safety training and certification company administered by the National Restaurant Association.
A food handlers card is not synonymous with ServSafe, but you can earn a food handler card from ServSafe by taking and passing its Food Handler course.
You can also earn a food handlers card from other ServSafe alternatives like FoodSafePal.
FoodSafePal’s Food Handler course is ANAB-accredited, and shares many similarities with ServSafe’s course.
To earn your food handlers card, enroll in an approved online food handler training course, complete the lessons, and pass the test.
Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department