20 ServSafe Certification Questions Answered

Your complete food safety certification FAQ — ServSafe Manager, Allergen, Alcohol, TIPS & Choke Saver

📑 Quick Links — ServSafe Certification Questions

ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certification

1. What is ServSafe® certification?

ServSafe® is the food safety training and certification program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It is the most widely recognized food safety manager certification in the United States, accepted in all 50 states. The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is ANSI-accredited and valid for 5 years. Learn more on our About ServSafe page.

2. What is the ServSafe exam format and passing score?

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Exam has 90 multiple choice questions — 80 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions used for research purposes only. You must score 70% or higher (at least 56 out of 80 scored questions correct) to pass. The exam is administered at our Boston or Woburn office by a registered ServSafe proctor. You have up to 2 hours to complete the exam. Results are instant — you’ll know if you passed immediately. Important: The exam must be taken under the supervision of a registered ServSafe proctor — it cannot be self-proctored or taken at home without supervision.

3. How much does ServSafe certification cost?

Boston Food Safety offers 4 all-inclusive food safety manager certification packages with no hidden fees. Every package includes free study materials, proctored exam, and instant certificate: Proctored Exam Only — $99 (self-study + exam), Classroom Training & Exam — $150 (instructor-led half-day class + exam), Onsite Group Training — $169/person (we come to your location), and Online Course & Exam — $179 (study from home + exam at our office). You can also order the ServSafe Book 9th Edition ($54.99) for deeper preparation, but it’s optional.

4. What training options are available?

We offer 4 ways to earn your ServSafe food safety manager certification:

5. What languages is the ServSafe exam available in?

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager proctored exam is available in 4 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), and French Canadian. You select your preferred language on exam day. Classroom training is conducted in English. The online course is available in English and Spanish.

6. How long is ServSafe certification valid?

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the exam. After 5 years, you must retake the exam to renew. We recommend scheduling your renewal at least 90 days before expiration. All our training covers the latest 2022 FDA Food Code updates.

7. What if I fail the ServSafe exam? Can I retake it?

Yes. Per ServSafe retesting policy, you may take the exam 2 times within a 30-day period. If a 3rd attempt is needed, you must wait at least 60 days. No more than 4 attempts are allowed in a 12-month period. A new exam fee applies for each retake. Our classroom training prepares you to pass on your first attempt — our students have a high pass rate.

8. Can I take the ServSafe exam at home without a proctor?

No. The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Exam must be taken under the supervision of a registered ServSafe proctor. Self-proctoring is a security violation and conflict of interest — even registered proctors cannot proctor their own exam. Boston Food Safety offers proctored exams at our Boston and Woburn offices, or at your location with our onsite group training.

9. Do ServSafe online courses expire?

Yes. Unused online courses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Once you start the course, you have 90 days to complete it. After that, the course expires and cannot be extended or refunded — you would need to purchase a new course. This applies to our ServSafe Online Course & Exam ($179). We recommend starting the course as soon as you purchase it and scheduling your proctored exam within the 90-day window.

10. Is my ServSafe certificate transferable between jobs?

Yes. Your ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification belongs to you as an individual — not to your employer or business. If you change jobs, your certification goes with you and remains valid for the full 5-year period. You can print a copy of your certificate anytime at servsafe.com.

11. Can my employer verify my ServSafe certificate?

Yes. Employers and regulatory agents can verify the validity of any ServSafe certificate through the ServSafe Certificate Validation tool on the official ServSafe website. They will need the certificate holder’s name and certificate number.

12. Are exam accommodations available for disabilities?

Yes. ServSafe provides reasonable accommodations for examinees with documented disabilities, including extended time, alternate test formats (such as oral exams or large-print booklets), and readers. If you need accommodations, contact us at 978-710-0128 before your exam date so we can coordinate with ServSafe to submit the required Request for Exam Accommodation with supporting documentation.

13. Do you have a free ServSafe practice test?

Yes! We offer a free ServSafe Practice Test with 90 questions that mirrors the real exam format. It covers all 8 content areas including time and temperature control, personal hygiene, cross-contamination, and HACCP principles. Take it as many times as you want to prepare. We recommend scoring 75% or higher consistently before booking your real exam.

ServSafe Allergen Training

14. What is ServSafe Allergen training?

The ServSafe Allergen course is an ANAB/ASTM accredited online training program that teaches food service workers how to identify, prevent, and respond to food allergen emergencies. The course covers all Big 9 food allergens, cross-contact prevention, guest communication, and how to administer epinephrine. It takes approximately 1 hour to complete and costs just $25. Available in English and Spanish with instant certificate.

15. Is allergen training required in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires all food service establishments to have allergen awareness training for staff who prepare or serve food. At least one person on staff must be a Certified Food Protection Manager who has also completed allergen training. The ServSafe Allergen course ($25) meets Massachusetts allergen regulations and can be completed entirely online in about 1 hour.

16. What are the Big 9 food allergens?

The FDA recognizes 9 major food allergens (formerly the “Big 8” — sesame was added in 2023):

ServSafe Alcohol & TIPS Certification

17. What is ServSafe Alcohol certification?

ServSafe Alcohol is a responsible alcohol service training program developed by the National Restaurant Association. It teaches bartenders, servers, hosts, and managers how to serve alcohol responsibly, check IDs, recognize intoxication, and handle difficult situations. The certification is valid for 3 years. Boston Food Safety will be offering ServSafe Alcohol training — coming soon. Check back for availability or contact us for updates.

18. What is TIPS certification? Is it the same as ServSafe Alcohol?

TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) and ServSafe Alcohol are two separate responsible alcohol service training programs. Both teach responsible beverage service, but they are offered by different organizations. TIPS is offered by Health Communications, Inc., while ServSafe Alcohol is offered by the National Restaurant Association. Many Massachusetts cities and towns accept either program to meet local alcohol training requirements. Boston Food Safety will offer TIPS certification — coming soon.

19. Is alcohol training required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts does not have a statewide mandate for alcohol server training, but many cities and towns require it as a condition of their liquor license. Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and many other municipalities require that servers and bartenders complete a responsible alcohol service training program such as ServSafe Alcohol or TIPS. Check with your local licensing board for specific requirements. Boston Food Safety will offer both programs soon.

Choke Saver Certification

20. What is choke saver certification?

Choke saver certification (also called choking prevention training or anti-choking device training) teaches restaurant employees how to respond to a choking emergency, including how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and use anti-choking devices such as the LifeVac or Dechoker. The training typically takes 30–60 minutes and covers recognizing choking, back blows, abdominal thrusts, and when to call 911. Boston Food Safety will offer choke saver certification — coming soon.

21. Is choke saver training required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts passed legislation requiring restaurants to have at least one employee trained in anti-choking procedures and to have an anti-choking device on premises. While not all municipalities enforce this equally, it is considered best practice for all food service establishments. Boston Food Safety recommends that every restaurant have at least 1–2 trained employees. We will be offering choke saver certification soon — contact us for updates.

More ServSafe Certification Questions — Scheduling & Policies

22. What is the ServSafe class schedule in Boston and Woburn?

Boston: Every Monday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 265 Franklin St, Suite 1702, Boston, MA 02110.
Woburn: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (exam only) at 800 West Cummings Park, Suite 5500, Woburn, MA 01801.

23. What do I need to bring on exam day?

You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID), a pen or pencil, and payment if paying by cash or check. If you registered and paid online, just bring your ID. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

24. What is your refund and rescheduling policy?

No refunds are available for any ServSafe courses and exams. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule for free within 90 days. After 90 days, your booking expires. All online course purchases (allergen, alcohol, online manager course) are final once the license key is delivered. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy for details.

25. Do you offer onsite group training?

Yes! Our ServSafe group training brings food safety manager certification directly to your restaurant, hotel, or business for groups of 5 or more. Our certified instructor travels anywhere in all 6 New England states — Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont. Available 7 days a week with flexible start times between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Pricing is $169 per person, all-inclusive.

26. What food safety certifications are required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires every food service establishment to have at least 1 Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff — the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification meets this requirement. Additionally, Massachusetts requires allergen awareness training for food handlers — the ServSafe Allergen course meets this requirement. Many cities also require responsible alcohol service training (ServSafe Alcohol or TIPS) and choke saver certification. Boston Food Safety offers food safety manager certification and allergen training now, with alcohol/TIPS and choke saver coming soon.

More ServSafe Certification Questions?

This food safety certification FAQ covers the most common ServSafe certification questions we receive about food safety manager training, allergen courses, alcohol and TIPS certification, choke saver training, and Massachusetts requirements. If your ServSafe certification questions aren’t answered here, please contact us — our team is happy to help you choose the right training option.

Boston Food Safety offers ServSafe certification at 2 convenient locations in Boston and Woburn, with onsite group training available throughout New England. Browse our training options to find the right package for your needs, or learn more about us and why we’re New England’s #1 rated ServSafe training provider.

Still have ServSafe certification questions? Call us at

978-710-0128

or email hello@bostonfoodsafety.com