National Restaurant Association
ServSafe Manager
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination
The most widely recognized food protection manager certification in the US. Most state and local health codes require at least one certified food protection manager per food-service establishment, making it a de facto requirement for kitchen and restaurant managers.
Full program: 6 decks, 889 cards.
What's on the exam
ServSafe Manager, 9th Edition (Supplement to the 2022 FDA Food Code); domain weights are approximate estimates, not official ServSafe percentages
Foodborne Illness and Contamination
~22%Foodborne pathogens and illnesses · Biological, chemical, and physical contaminants · Food allergens and cross-contact · TCS foods and high-risk populations · Deliberate contamination and food defense
The Safe Flow of Food
~28%Purchasing and receiving criteria · Storage temperatures and FIFO · Thawing, cooking, and minimum internal temperatures · Cooling and reheating requirements · Holding and serving food safely · Time-temperature control and monitoring
Personal Hygiene
~15%Handwashing and glove use · Employee health and illness reporting · Work attire and personal cleanliness · Policies for food handlers
Cleaning and Sanitizing
~15%Cleaning vs sanitizing · Sanitizer types and concentrations · Dishwashing machines and three-compartment sinks · Cleaning schedules and storage of tools
Facilities, Equipment, and Pest Management
~10%Facility design and equipment standards · Water supply and plumbing hazards · Garbage handling · Integrated pest management
Regulations and Food Safety Management
~10%FDA Food Code and regulatory authorities · Health inspections · Active managerial control and HACCP · Staff food safety training
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ServSafe Manager cost?
Fees vary. About $39 for the exam access code alone (proctoring fees extra); $152.95 bundled with the online course (ServSafe list prices).
How long is the ServSafe Manager and how many questions does it have?
90 questions (80 scored plus 10 unscored pilot items) — 2 hours.
What do you need to pass the ServSafe Manager?
75% or higher.
Can you retake the ServSafe Manager?
Up to two attempts within 30 days; after two failed attempts, a 60-day wait applies; no more than four attempts within a 12-month period.
What is the best way to study for the ServSafe Manager?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Foodborne Illness and Contamination ~22%, The Safe Flow of Food ~28%, Personal Hygiene ~15%, Cleaning and Sanitizing ~15%, Facilities, Equipment, and Pest Management ~10%, Regulations and Food Safety Management ~10%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our ServSafe Manager — Food Safety Certification program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.