Food Safety Manager Certification — What is ServSafe?
Your complete guide to ServSafe certification — who needs it, what it covers, and how to get certified
Food safety manager certification is required in most US states, including Massachusetts. The most widely recognized food safety manager certification program is ServSafe®, developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). This guide explains everything you need to know about food safety manager certification, the ServSafe program, and how to get certified at Boston Food Safety.
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What is ServSafe®?
ServSafe® is the leading food safety manager certification program in the United States. Developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), ServSafe provides food safety training, exams, and educational materials for food service managers and employees.
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is ANSI-accredited under the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) Standards. It is accepted in all 50 states and is the most widely recognized food safety manager certification in the country. Over 6 million ServSafe certifications have been issued since the program began.
Who Needs Food Safety Manager Certification?
Most states require at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on duty in every food service establishment. This includes:
In Massachusetts, every food service establishment must have at least 1 Certified Food Protection Manager on staff. Additionally, Massachusetts requires allergen awareness training for all food handlers. The ServSafe Manager exam and ServSafe Allergen course together meet both Massachusetts requirements.
Types of ServSafe Certification
ServSafe offers several certification programs. Here’s how they compare:
| Certification | For Who | Exam | Valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Protection Manager | Managers, person-in-charge | 90 questions, proctored | 5 years |
| Allergens | All food handlers | 40 questions, online | No expiration |
| Alcohol | Bartenders, servers | 40 questions, online | 3 years |
| Food Handler | Entry-level employees | 40 questions, non-proctored | 3 years |
Important: In Massachusetts, the Food Handler certificate does not meet the regulatory requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager. You need the full ServSafe Manager exam to operate a food business in Massachusetts.
ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certification Exam
(80 scored + 10 pilot)
(56 out of 80 scored)
EN · ES · ZH · FR-CA
The exam must be administered by a registered ServSafe proctor at an authorized testing location. It cannot be taken at home without a proctor. Results are instant — you’ll know if you passed immediately after completing the exam and receive your certificate on the spot.
What the ServSafe Exam Covers
The ServSafe certification exam is based on the FDA Food Code and covers 6 major content areas:
1. Foodborne Illness
Pathogens, contamination types, high-risk populations, common risk factors, outbreak prevention
2. Personal Hygiene
Handwashing, glove use, employee illness reporting, proper attire, no-bare-hand contact
3. Flow of Food
Receiving, storing, prepping, cooking temperatures, holding, cooling, reheating, serving
4. Food Allergens
Big 9 allergens, cross-contact, guest communication, anaphylaxis response
5. Cleaning & Sanitizing
Proper cleaning steps, sanitizer types, dish machine temps, equipment maintenance, pest control
6. Facilities & HACCP
Facility design, ventilation, water supply, waste disposal, HACCP principles, regulatory compliance
How to Get Your Food Safety Manager Certification
Boston Food Safety offers 4 ways to earn your certification at our Boston and Woburn offices:
Exam Only — $99
Self-study + proctored exam. Best value.
Class & Exam — $150 ⭐
Instructor-led training + exam. Most popular.
Group Training — $169/pp
We come to your location. 5+ people.
Online Course & Exam — $179
Study from home + exam at our office.
All packages include free study guide (PDF), practice test access, proctored exam in 4 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, French Canadian), and instant printed certificate. Valid for 5 years, accepted in all 50 states.
Don’t forget to also complete ServSafe Allergen training ($25) — it’s required in Massachusetts and can be done 100% online in about 1 hour.
Food Safety Manager Certification at Boston Food Safety
Boston Food Safety is New England’s #1 rated provider of food safety manager certification and ServSafe training. With 2 convenient locations in Boston and Woburn, classes running every week, and onsite group training available throughout all 6 New England states, we make getting certified fast, affordable, and convenient.
Have questions about the ServSafe program? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the 20 most common questions, or contact us at 978-710-0128 for personalized guidance. Browse all training options to compare packages and pricing.
Ready to Get Certified?
All-inclusive packages from $99 · Instant certificate · Valid in all 50 states