ServSafe vs NRFSP vs Prometric: Which Food Manager Exam?
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ServSafe Manager, NRFSP and Prometric CPFM are all accredited food protection manager exams, and they test the same FDA Food Code knowledge. They differ in length, passing score and testing options. Pick the one your jurisdiction accepts and that is easiest for you to take.
| Exam | Questions | Passing score | Valid for | How you take it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServSafe Manager | 80 to 90 (10 unscored) | 70% | 5 years | Online or paper, with a proctor |
| NRFSP Food Safety Manager | 80 (includes some unscored pilot questions), up to 2 hours | Scaled score of 75 | Up to 5 years | Paper, online proctored, test center or remote proctoring |
| Prometric CPFM | 80, up to 2 hours | 70%, unless the jurisdiction sets another | Check with Prometric | Paper, computer, internet or remote proctoring |
Figures come from each provider's own documents (see sources). The Prometric bulletin available is from 2014, so confirm current details with Prometric. Requirements can also vary by state or employer.
Other accredited exams
Learn2Serve (360training), StateFoodSafety and Always Food Safe also offer accredited food protection manager exams covering the same topics. More on food manager certification.
How to choose
- Ask your local health department which exams it accepts.
- Ask your employer whether it prefers a provider or already pays for one.
- Pick the testing option that suits you: online, paper or a test center.
- Study the eight FDA Food Code topics: the content is the same for all three.
Same content, one prep. Practice with 40 free questions that work for any of the three.
Questions and answers
Is NRFSP easier than ServSafe?
NRFSP and Prometric have 80 questions and ServSafe has 80 to 90, but all three test the same FDA Food Code knowledge. Difficulty depends more on your preparation than on the provider.
Do all states accept all three exams?
Many accept any accredited program, but not all. Always confirm with your local health department.
Does iPrep work for all three?
Yes. iPrep covers the topics for ServSafe Manager, NRFSP, Prometric CPFM, Learn2Serve, StateFoodSafety and Always Food Safe, updated for the 2026 FDA Food Code.
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500+ exam-style questions, a timed 90 question exam simulator and a study plan built around your exam date.
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