The ServSafe Manager exam
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The ServSafe Manager exam is a proctored, 90 question multiple choice exam on food safety for managers. 80 questions are scored, you need 75% to pass, and the certificate is valid for 5 years.
| Questions | 90 multiple choice; 80 scored and 10 unscored pilot questions |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Certificate valid for | 5 years from the exam date |
| Format | Online or on paper, always with a proctor |
| Online languages | English and Spanish |
| Paper languages | English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Canadian French |
Certification requirements are set by each state or county. Confirm with your local health department.
What the exam covers
The exam tests the FDA Food Code knowledge a person in charge needs. iPrep groups it into eight topics:
- Holding and service
- Prep and cooking
- Management systems
- Illness and contamination
- Personal hygiene
- Purchasing and storage
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Facilities and pests
How to pass the first time
- Learn the numbers. Cooking, holding and cooling temperatures, sanitizer strengths and time limits. Many questions turn on one exact number.
- Practice with scenarios. Most questions describe a situation in a kitchen and ask for the best action, not a definition.
- Take a timed mock exam. A full 90 question exam tells you whether you are ready and gets you used to the pace.
- Study your weak topics. After every practice round, review the topics you missed most before moving on.
Check where you stand now. Take the free 40 question practice test, with every answer explained.
Other manager exams
ServSafe is not the only accredited food protection manager exam. Prometric CPFM, NRFSP, Learn2Serve, StateFoodSafety and Always Food Safe test the same knowledge. Compare food manager certification.
Practice the real exam format
500+ exam-style questions and a timed 90 question exam simulator in the app.
Questions and answers
Is the ServSafe Manager exam hard?
It is a proctored exam with scenario questions and exact numbers, so it pays to prepare. Practicing by topic and taking a timed mock exam help you walk in confident.
How many questions are on the ServSafe Manager exam?
90 multiple choice questions, 80 of which are scored.
How long is ServSafe Manager certification good for?
5 years from the exam date. Some states and counties require renewal sooner, so check your local rules.
Can I take the ServSafe Manager exam in Spanish?
Yes. The online exam is offered in English and Spanish, and the paper exam in six languages, including Spanish.
Ready for the full practice?
500+ exam-style questions, a timed 90 question exam simulator and a study plan built around your exam date.
Free to download. Start with a free 20 question diagnostic. For iPhone, iPad and iPhone Duo.