Penn State Extension will offer several food safety manager certification options, including an in-person ServSafe Food Safety Manager course at Penn State Berks in October.
The in-person course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 in Room 105 of the Franco Building at Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading. The certification exam will be administered at 11 a.m. Oct. 15.
The training is designed for restaurant and food service managers and others who need food safety certification. Certified ServSafe instructors will teach participants methods for preventing contamination while receiving, storing, preparing, cooking, cooling and serving food, as well as proper sanitation practices for food service facilities.
According to Penn State Extension, the classes are taught by extension educators with advanced degrees, food safety training and industry experience. Faculty in Penn State’s Department of Food Science also provide instructors with ongoing training on current industry issues.
The in-person course costs $165 and includes the latest edition of the ServSafe Manager book, virtual study materials, handouts, instruction, review and the certification exam.
Penn State Extension also offers a self-paced TAP Online Food Safety Manager Certification course for food service managers, chefs, caterers, cooks, health officials and inspectors preparing for a Food Protection Manager certification exam.
The online portion can be completed at any time, but the certification exam must be taken in person with a proctor. Exams typically are offered in conjunction with the second day of an in-person ServSafe class, although alternate arrangements can be made with the instructor.
Participants have 180 days from enrollment to complete the online course, which costs $145.
Those who complete either the in-person or online course and score at least 70% on the multiple-choice exam will receive a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certificate valid for five years.
A third option, the Food Safety Manager Certification Prep Course, is offered as a live online webinar over two days. Participants receive a textbook before the first class and can select from several certification exam options after completing the course.
The webinar costs $65. The certification exam, which costs approximately $100, is separate, and participants are responsible for registering and paying for their selected exam.
According to Penn State Extension, all of the course and exam options meet Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements under the Food Employee Certification Act.
Registration and additional information are available through Penn State Extension’s Food Safety Manager Certificate Training Options webpage. Registration questions also can be directed to 877-345-0691.
