ServSafe vs. 360training (vs. FoodSafePal)
ServSafe and 360training offer food safety training and certification. FoodSafePal is an organization with similar offerings.
However, if you need food safety training or certification, you might wonder how these organizations compare and whether one training program is better.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about ServSafe and 360training (and FoodSafePal), and discusses how to choose the best one for your food safety training needs.
About ServSafe
ServSafe offers ANAB-accredited food and alcohol safety training and certifications.
ServSafe is owned by the National Restaurant Association, and a certain percentage of the revenue generated from ServSafe’s enrollment fees are used by the association to represent and lobby on behalf of the restaurant owners to keep operations costs —including employees’ wages — low, representing a conflict of interest.
The company offers its courses both online and in-person from trained instructors.
In addition to owning ServSafe, the National Restaurant Association also owns the National Registry of Foodservice Professionals (NRFSP) — another food safety training and certification organization — which it acquired in 2016, increasing the association’s ability to generate revenue for its lobbying efforts.
Summary
ServSafe is a food safety training company administered by the National Restaurant Association. This association also owns another food safety training and certification company — the NRFSP.
About 360training
360training is a company that offers online training and certification across a range of industries and professions, including in the food and beverage space.
One of its food and beverage training brand is called Learn2Serve, which administers ANAB-accredited food handler training and food safety manager certification, among other food safety-related courses.
360training is largely owned by investment management companies, which have influence and control over the company’s operations.
Summary
360training is an online training and certification company owned largely by investment management companies. Learn2Serve, one if its food and beverage course brands, administers its ANAB-accredited food safety training courses and certifications.
About FoodSafePal
FoodSafePal offers online ANAB-accredited food handler training. It doesn’t currently offer food safety manager certification.
Gavin Van De Walle, a registered dietitian and food safety expert, created FoodSafePal in 2022, and its team of advisory board members consisting of other registered dietitians and food safety experts help maintain its courses.
FoodSafePal takes a different approach than ServSafe and 360training in that it prides itself on openness and transparency so you know exactly who is dedicated in your success.
All the revenue generated from FoodSafePal’s food handler training course is directed back into the business to expand its course offerings and library of free downloadable food safety resources.
Summary
FoodSafePal is an online food handler training organization. Because it has no conflict of interest and isn’t owned by an investment firm, it prides itself on transparency and openness.
ServSafe vs. 360training vs. FoodSafePal
ServSafe, 360training, and FoodSafePal have many similarities but also many differences.
However, because FoodSafePal currently offers food handler training only, it makes sense to compare it to the food handler training course offered by ServSafe and 360training.
Here’s an overview of how the food handler training course of ServSafe, 360training, and FoodSafePal compare:
| ServSafe | FoodSafePal | 360training | |
| Training cost | $15 | $15 ($10 with code “save” at checkout) | $10 |
| Training course length | 2 hours | 1.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Course access | 60 days | 1 year | Unknown |
| Offered (online or in-person) | Online and in-person | Online | Online |
| Languages | English, Spanish | English, Spanish | English, Spanish |
| Passing score | 75% | 70% | 72% |
| Expires | 2–3 years | 2–3 years | 2–3 years |
| ANAB-accredited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nationally accepted | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department
Summary
This table outlines the key differences and similarities between the ServSafe, 360training, and FoodSafePal food handler course.
Which should you choose?
Because FoodSafePal offers food handler training only, ServSafe or 360 training is the default choice if you need to earn your food safety manager certification or receive training on responsible alcohol serving.
However, when it comes to food handler training, ServSafe, 360training, and FoodSafePal are nearly identical.
These trainings are ANAB-accredited, meaning they have undergone the same rigorous third-party review to ensure the training and the organization offering the training meet more than 100 established national standards.
Thus, you can be certain that wherever ServSafe or 360training are accepted, FoodSafePal is too.
Nearly all states and local health departments only accept ANAB-accredited food handler training. This is also true for employers in places where food handler training is voluntary.
Therefore, for the purpose of earning a nationally accepted food handler card, all companies are the same. Thus, it boils down to personal choice and whether one brand resonates with you more.
Summary
ServSafe, 360training, and FoodSafePal offer nearly identical food handler training. They share the same ANAB-accreditation and are accepted nationwide.
The bottom line
ServSafe and 360training are two popular companies that offer food safety training. Growing in popularity is FoodSafePal, a ServSafe equivalent.
ServSafe is administered by the National Restaurant Association, and 360training — which administers food safety training under its brand called Learn2Serve — is owned by investment firms. Conversely, Gavin Van De Walle, a registered dietitian, with the support of its advisory team of food safety experts, administer FoodSafePal’s food handler training.
The food handler training offered by ServSafe, 360training, and FoodSafePal share the same ANAB-accreditation and are accepted nationwide.
Thus, one isn’t necessarily better when it comes to earning your food handlers card — it comes down to preference and which brand best aligns with your values.
Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department
