Frequently Asked Questions about the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager classes and exam sessions offered by Hoosier Hospitality Consulting, LLC.
When and where are ServSafe Food Protection Manager classes held?
HHC holds classes at multiple locations across Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. All classes are listed on the HHC website at www.hoosierhospitalityconsulting.com. Because we don't allow walk-ins on the day of the class, the actual class location is provided in a confirmation email after you sign up. The confirmation email is sent manually and is separate from your purchase receipt.
Can a ServSafe class be custom scheduled?
Yes, a class can be custom scheduled on a day and time of your choosing, and at a location of your choosing. Typically a minimum of 10 people is required to schedule a custom class. Some additional costs may be incurred for meeting space rental, exam shipping, travel, etc., but those costs are determined during the scheduling process.
How long are the classes?
All classes are generally eight hours in length and run from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time at the class site. If traveling, please be aware of the time zone for the class site.
The exam session follows immediately after the end of the class. The session begins at 4:30 p.m. and lasts a maximum of two hours.
Do I have to sign-up for a class in advance?
Yes. You need to sign up for a class in advance so that we can assure we have ample seating and materials for all attendees.
By what date to I need to sign up for a class?
You should sign up as soon as possible so that we can reserve your seat and ensure that we can get materials to you for the class. We recommend that you do some advance studying before you attend the class, so signing up early gives you more time.
How do I sign-up and pay for the class?
You may visit our website for a full list of class dates and locations. Find the class location and date that you'd like to attend and then proceed to our online store. You may click on the "TO GO" logo, or just navigate to the store by clicking "STORE" from the menu bar.
Once in the store, select the class or exam product that you want to attend. Enter the name of the person attending, select the class/date from the dropdown menu. If signing up more than one person and choosing different options, it is easiest to purchase each person's class/exam separately rather than changing the quantity.
Once you're done selecting your products, go to your cart and finish the purchasing procedure. Contact Erin at 317-447-4761 if you have difficulty or questions.
You may pay for your purchase with a credit or debit card of your choice. We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and Diner’s Club. If you prefer, you may contact Erin at 317-447-4761 to place your order with a credit card over the phone.
I don’t have a credit or debit card. Can I pay when I come to class?
HHC can invoice you for your purchase and you can pay upon arriving in class. Contact us to make arrangements. Walk-ins without prior arrangements are NOT allowed. PLEASE NOTE that we CANNOT ship books to you in advance of the class unless payment for the books is made in full prior to shipping.
Contact us by phone to sign up for a class without using a credit card.
What does the ServSafe Food Protection Manager class cost?
Classes cost $89 per person as of October 2023. The price covers the price of attendance, exam proctoring and other administrative costs involved with HHC holding a class. ServSafe materials are sold separately because different people and companies have different needs. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing.
What do materials cost?
There are two things that are required for every class participant: a ServSafe textbook, and an exam code. Current pricing for October 2023 is as follows: Books are $72.99 plus tax and come with one exam code. The exam code is delivered in class. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing. HHC does not currently charge sales tax on purchases made by non-Indiana entities. This policy may change as laws change. Shipping costs are additional and are based on USPS rates when you make your purchase.
Does the exam cost extra?
No. The exam proctoring is included in the class price or exam-only price. One exam code is provided in each book, and additional codes can be purchased separately. There are no other additional costs unless you were to fail the exam and need to re-test.
Do I have to take the class, or can I just come and take the exam?
Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky do not require that you take the class; you can just take the exam. Illinois and Ohio do require that you take the 8-hour class as well as pass the exam.
What is the cost for just taking the exam and not the entire class?
The cost as of October 2023 is just $70 and the exam code is included in that price. This option is not available in the state of Illinois of Ohio per state law unless you provide written proof of attendance in a class, or a completion certificate for an online ServSafe class. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing.
I have questions about the exam itself. How can I learn more?
You can download the ServSafe Examinee Handbook for detailed information about the ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam.
What is a passing score on the exam?
As of 7/7/22, the passing score was adjusted to 70%! Previously, you had to achieve a score of 75% in order to pass the ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam and earn your ServSafe Certification. There are 90 questions on the exam, and ten of those questions are pilot questions for future exams and are not graded.
What if I fail the exam?
If you attend the class and fail the exam, then you will have to attempt the exam again to earn your certification. The only cost involved is the current cost for another exam code. Re-attending the class is free of charge. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing. You may re-attend the class again for no additional fee above the cost of the exam code.
If you only take the exam and then fail the exam, then you’d pay full price to retest. You would also have to pay full price to attend a class session should you then want to attend one.
If you fail the exam on the first attempt, you may re-test again immediately. After failing a second attempt you must wait 60 days to re-test. There is a 60-day waiting period after every additional attempt beyond your second attempt. You may only take the ServSafe exam 4 times in a calendar year.
I took the class with another company or ServSafe instructor and failed the exam. What will it cost me to attend the class and test with HHC?
Regular pricing will apply. Only people who take their class with HHC receive special pricing when retesting, or re-attending a class.
Do I need to buy a new book?
You are not required to buy a ServSafe book. You may borrow a book from another person or a library. If your company has the book available, you may use their copy. You may also share a book with someone else, but it is recommended that no more than two people share one book. Whatever you choose, it is STRONGLY recommended that you have the textbook with you in class, and that you study in advance. Contact us to learn which version of the ServSafe book is currently in use.
If you buy ServSafe textbooks or materials from other sources, please make sure you know what you are buying. HHC can not be responsible for materials that you purchase from any other source other than HHC.
Please note that the ServSafe COURSEBOOK is not required to take the ServSafe exam. The coursebook, while an excellent source of food safety information, has more information than you need to prepare for the exam. The coursebook in meant for higher education purposes such as colleges, universities, and culinary school. You are welcome to use a current coursebook however should you choose to do so.
What book do I need to have?
You need a ServSafe Manager 7th Edition (any version) with exam code inside. If your book is used, you’ll have to buy an exam code in order to be able to take the certification exam. ServSafe books prior to the 7th edition are not recommended as they are outdated.
I have an older book, or a book from a different company. Can I just use this book for the class?
You need to have a ServSafe® Manager 7th Edition (any version) book authored by the National Restaurant Association for the class. Books from other organizations or companies may have different information or standards and cannot be used.
Do I get my books and exam codes in advance of the class so that I can study?
Books are shipped to attendees in advance via USPS Mail so that you can study in advance. This assumes that the book is paid for in advance, and that you sign up with enough notice for HHC to ship the book to you. Exam codes are always delivered upon attendance in class.
Do I need to study in advance of the class?
Classes are eight hours long and cover all ten chapters of the book. There is a lot of information to cover in a short period of time! Being familiar with the content will make the class easier, and will improve your exam score. Special attention should be given to chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 as they tend to be the most challenging chapters for students. Use the Chapter Review Activities and Study Questions at the end of each chapter to help you study prior to the class. The answers for the activities can be found in your textbook.
Additional study materials and a practice "Diagnostic Test" are available on the Student Resources page of our website. You will be provided a password to the Student Resources page once you sign up for a class or exam session.
Do I need to buy an exam answer form?
Exam answer forms are only used for paper exams. Beginning in 2022, HHC will begin providing the ServSafe exam exclusively in a digital format at all of our class locations. You only need to buy a exam code if you are re-using a used book, sharing a book, or retesting after attending a class using a digital exam.
Exam-only sessions provide exam materials as part of the exam-only fee.
When do I get my exam score and certificate?
Scores for online testing are available immediately. Students are notified of their exam scores via email.
ServSafe no longer prints physical certificates. Instead, certificates can be printed by the certificate holder by visiting www.servsafe.com. Certificate holders need to create an account on the ServSafe website, then click on “My Account” and finally “My Certificates” to view or print their certificate. There is no charge for saving or printing the certificate.
If you’d like HHC to mail you a printed copy of your certificate, the fee is $7.50. Please contact us by phone to order a copy. Please note that HHC can only print certificates for those individuals who attended a class with HHC.
How can I get a copy of my certificate for my employer?
Students need to create an account on the ServSafe website, then click on “My Account” and finally “My Certificates”. Once on the “My Certificates” page, just enter the email address for anyone that you’d like to give a copy to. An email will be sent to them with a link to download a copy.
How can I see if an employee or applicant of mine has a valid certificate?
Employers should go to www.servsafe.com. There is no need to log-in. Hover over “Certificates” at the top of the page, and then click on "Validate a certificate". On the next page, complete the requested information to confirm whether someone is certified.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes. Beginning in 2022, HHC will begin providing the ServSafe exam exclusively in a digital format
at all of our class locations. Students are requested to bring their own laptop or tablet (and charger) with them to class. If a laptop or tablet is not available, HHC will have a limited number of tablets
for students to use for the exam session. Phones are not allowed for taking the exam. Prior to the class participants need to create a user account at www.servsafe.com.
Can I take the ServSafe class online?
Yes, but there are some disadvantages. First, online classes only provide the ServSafe information to you for 90 days. After the 90 days is complete, you lose access to the ServSafe materials. Second, online classes, while convenient, do not always provide the best learning environment. It can be hard to focus on learning while at work, or at home with other distractions occurring. Live class sessions avoid those pitfalls. Lastly, the online class costs more than the live class (not including materials), and you don't receive ServSafe materials that you can keep for future reference.
To register for the online class go to our online store.
How long is the ServSafe Certification good for?
ServSafe Certification is valid for five years.
Is ServSafe valid in all 50 states?
Yes. ServSafe is recognized in all 50 states; however some states and counties have additional requirements. Click on https://www.servsafe.com/ss/regulatory/default.aspx to access information for a specific state, or paste the link into your browser.
HHC holds classes at multiple locations across Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. All classes are listed on the HHC website at www.hoosierhospitalityconsulting.com. Because we don't allow walk-ins on the day of the class, the actual class location is provided in a confirmation email after you sign up. The confirmation email is sent manually and is separate from your purchase receipt.
Can a ServSafe class be custom scheduled?
Yes, a class can be custom scheduled on a day and time of your choosing, and at a location of your choosing. Typically a minimum of 10 people is required to schedule a custom class. Some additional costs may be incurred for meeting space rental, exam shipping, travel, etc., but those costs are determined during the scheduling process.
How long are the classes?
All classes are generally eight hours in length and run from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time at the class site. If traveling, please be aware of the time zone for the class site.
The exam session follows immediately after the end of the class. The session begins at 4:30 p.m. and lasts a maximum of two hours.
Do I have to sign-up for a class in advance?
Yes. You need to sign up for a class in advance so that we can assure we have ample seating and materials for all attendees.
By what date to I need to sign up for a class?
You should sign up as soon as possible so that we can reserve your seat and ensure that we can get materials to you for the class. We recommend that you do some advance studying before you attend the class, so signing up early gives you more time.
How do I sign-up and pay for the class?
You may visit our website for a full list of class dates and locations. Find the class location and date that you'd like to attend and then proceed to our online store. You may click on the "TO GO" logo, or just navigate to the store by clicking "STORE" from the menu bar.
Once in the store, select the class or exam product that you want to attend. Enter the name of the person attending, select the class/date from the dropdown menu. If signing up more than one person and choosing different options, it is easiest to purchase each person's class/exam separately rather than changing the quantity.
Once you're done selecting your products, go to your cart and finish the purchasing procedure. Contact Erin at 317-447-4761 if you have difficulty or questions.
You may pay for your purchase with a credit or debit card of your choice. We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and Diner’s Club. If you prefer, you may contact Erin at 317-447-4761 to place your order with a credit card over the phone.
I don’t have a credit or debit card. Can I pay when I come to class?
HHC can invoice you for your purchase and you can pay upon arriving in class. Contact us to make arrangements. Walk-ins without prior arrangements are NOT allowed. PLEASE NOTE that we CANNOT ship books to you in advance of the class unless payment for the books is made in full prior to shipping.
Contact us by phone to sign up for a class without using a credit card.
What does the ServSafe Food Protection Manager class cost?
Classes cost $89 per person as of October 2023. The price covers the price of attendance, exam proctoring and other administrative costs involved with HHC holding a class. ServSafe materials are sold separately because different people and companies have different needs. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing.
What do materials cost?
There are two things that are required for every class participant: a ServSafe textbook, and an exam code. Current pricing for October 2023 is as follows: Books are $72.99 plus tax and come with one exam code. The exam code is delivered in class. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing. HHC does not currently charge sales tax on purchases made by non-Indiana entities. This policy may change as laws change. Shipping costs are additional and are based on USPS rates when you make your purchase.
Does the exam cost extra?
No. The exam proctoring is included in the class price or exam-only price. One exam code is provided in each book, and additional codes can be purchased separately. There are no other additional costs unless you were to fail the exam and need to re-test.
Do I have to take the class, or can I just come and take the exam?
Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky do not require that you take the class; you can just take the exam. Illinois and Ohio do require that you take the 8-hour class as well as pass the exam.
What is the cost for just taking the exam and not the entire class?
The cost as of October 2023 is just $70 and the exam code is included in that price. This option is not available in the state of Illinois of Ohio per state law unless you provide written proof of attendance in a class, or a completion certificate for an online ServSafe class. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing.
I have questions about the exam itself. How can I learn more?
You can download the ServSafe Examinee Handbook for detailed information about the ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam.
What is a passing score on the exam?
As of 7/7/22, the passing score was adjusted to 70%! Previously, you had to achieve a score of 75% in order to pass the ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam and earn your ServSafe Certification. There are 90 questions on the exam, and ten of those questions are pilot questions for future exams and are not graded.
What if I fail the exam?
If you attend the class and fail the exam, then you will have to attempt the exam again to earn your certification. The only cost involved is the current cost for another exam code. Re-attending the class is free of charge. Prices may change without notice so visit the store to verify current pricing. You may re-attend the class again for no additional fee above the cost of the exam code.
If you only take the exam and then fail the exam, then you’d pay full price to retest. You would also have to pay full price to attend a class session should you then want to attend one.
If you fail the exam on the first attempt, you may re-test again immediately. After failing a second attempt you must wait 60 days to re-test. There is a 60-day waiting period after every additional attempt beyond your second attempt. You may only take the ServSafe exam 4 times in a calendar year.
I took the class with another company or ServSafe instructor and failed the exam. What will it cost me to attend the class and test with HHC?
Regular pricing will apply. Only people who take their class with HHC receive special pricing when retesting, or re-attending a class.
Do I need to buy a new book?
You are not required to buy a ServSafe book. You may borrow a book from another person or a library. If your company has the book available, you may use their copy. You may also share a book with someone else, but it is recommended that no more than two people share one book. Whatever you choose, it is STRONGLY recommended that you have the textbook with you in class, and that you study in advance. Contact us to learn which version of the ServSafe book is currently in use.
If you buy ServSafe textbooks or materials from other sources, please make sure you know what you are buying. HHC can not be responsible for materials that you purchase from any other source other than HHC.
Please note that the ServSafe COURSEBOOK is not required to take the ServSafe exam. The coursebook, while an excellent source of food safety information, has more information than you need to prepare for the exam. The coursebook in meant for higher education purposes such as colleges, universities, and culinary school. You are welcome to use a current coursebook however should you choose to do so.
What book do I need to have?
You need a ServSafe Manager 7th Edition (any version) with exam code inside. If your book is used, you’ll have to buy an exam code in order to be able to take the certification exam. ServSafe books prior to the 7th edition are not recommended as they are outdated.
I have an older book, or a book from a different company. Can I just use this book for the class?
You need to have a ServSafe® Manager 7th Edition (any version) book authored by the National Restaurant Association for the class. Books from other organizations or companies may have different information or standards and cannot be used.
Do I get my books and exam codes in advance of the class so that I can study?
Books are shipped to attendees in advance via USPS Mail so that you can study in advance. This assumes that the book is paid for in advance, and that you sign up with enough notice for HHC to ship the book to you. Exam codes are always delivered upon attendance in class.
Do I need to study in advance of the class?
Classes are eight hours long and cover all ten chapters of the book. There is a lot of information to cover in a short period of time! Being familiar with the content will make the class easier, and will improve your exam score. Special attention should be given to chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 as they tend to be the most challenging chapters for students. Use the Chapter Review Activities and Study Questions at the end of each chapter to help you study prior to the class. The answers for the activities can be found in your textbook.
Additional study materials and a practice "Diagnostic Test" are available on the Student Resources page of our website. You will be provided a password to the Student Resources page once you sign up for a class or exam session.
Do I need to buy an exam answer form?
Exam answer forms are only used for paper exams. Beginning in 2022, HHC will begin providing the ServSafe exam exclusively in a digital format at all of our class locations. You only need to buy a exam code if you are re-using a used book, sharing a book, or retesting after attending a class using a digital exam.
Exam-only sessions provide exam materials as part of the exam-only fee.
When do I get my exam score and certificate?
Scores for online testing are available immediately. Students are notified of their exam scores via email.
ServSafe no longer prints physical certificates. Instead, certificates can be printed by the certificate holder by visiting www.servsafe.com. Certificate holders need to create an account on the ServSafe website, then click on “My Account” and finally “My Certificates” to view or print their certificate. There is no charge for saving or printing the certificate.
If you’d like HHC to mail you a printed copy of your certificate, the fee is $7.50. Please contact us by phone to order a copy. Please note that HHC can only print certificates for those individuals who attended a class with HHC.
How can I get a copy of my certificate for my employer?
Students need to create an account on the ServSafe website, then click on “My Account” and finally “My Certificates”. Once on the “My Certificates” page, just enter the email address for anyone that you’d like to give a copy to. An email will be sent to them with a link to download a copy.
How can I see if an employee or applicant of mine has a valid certificate?
Employers should go to www.servsafe.com. There is no need to log-in. Hover over “Certificates” at the top of the page, and then click on "Validate a certificate". On the next page, complete the requested information to confirm whether someone is certified.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes. Beginning in 2022, HHC will begin providing the ServSafe exam exclusively in a digital format
at all of our class locations. Students are requested to bring their own laptop or tablet (and charger) with them to class. If a laptop or tablet is not available, HHC will have a limited number of tablets
for students to use for the exam session. Phones are not allowed for taking the exam. Prior to the class participants need to create a user account at www.servsafe.com.
Can I take the ServSafe class online?
Yes, but there are some disadvantages. First, online classes only provide the ServSafe information to you for 90 days. After the 90 days is complete, you lose access to the ServSafe materials. Second, online classes, while convenient, do not always provide the best learning environment. It can be hard to focus on learning while at work, or at home with other distractions occurring. Live class sessions avoid those pitfalls. Lastly, the online class costs more than the live class (not including materials), and you don't receive ServSafe materials that you can keep for future reference.
To register for the online class go to our online store.
How long is the ServSafe Certification good for?
ServSafe Certification is valid for five years.
Is ServSafe valid in all 50 states?
Yes. ServSafe is recognized in all 50 states; however some states and counties have additional requirements. Click on https://www.servsafe.com/ss/regulatory/default.aspx to access information for a specific state, or paste the link into your browser.
Hoosier Hospitality Consulting, LLC - 403 E. 5th Street, Sheridan, Indiana 46069
Erin: 317-447-4761 Don: 317-650-1126
ServSafe is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and used under license by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Restaurant Association.
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