Pennsylvania ServSafe Certification

ServSafe PA

ServSafe® certification is a series of trainings – followed by a test – which instruct foodservice workers on the best practices for preventing foodborne illness in commercial settings. Different ServSafe programs can also promote beneficial business tactics, career growth for restaurant employees, and other keys to commercial foodservice success. Not only does ServSafe provide the information necessary to keep a business running safely and profitably, the certification also enables you to meet the requirements of Pennsylvania's food safety Person-in-Charge regulation. Read on to discover the benefits ServSafe Pennsylvania can bring to your foodservice business or career.

ServSafe PA: Table of Contents

Why Do I Need ServSafe Certification PA?

ServSafe offers two massive benefits to commercial foodservice establishments: first is the knowledge necessary to run foodservice operations safely. Second is the proof that managers, bartenders, and other operators possess this knowledge. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requires one employee obtain a "nationally recognized food manager certification,"1 and act as the Person-in-Charge of the establishment for food safety purposes. ServSafe food safety manager certification2 meets this requirement. ServSafe offers many other certifications, but the food safety manager program is the only one dedicated to satisfy the PiC requirement.

What Does ServSafe Pennsylvania Certification Require?

Certification would be useless without the knowledge required to attain it. Purchasing the ServSafe Certification Pennsylvania program includes copious study materials focused on real-world examples, a live class with a professional instructor, and follows up with a test that enrollees must pass to be granted the certification. ServSafe's online food safety exams are accredited by the American National Standards Institute,3 which has brought them acceptance nationwide. Enrollees must pass a rigorous, multiple-choice exam with a score of 75 percent correct or higher.

Depending on which program you choose, you'll receive a study book, access to the ServSafe online study portal, a live class, and a written or online exam at the conclusion of the live class. There are other options available, such as an online-only course and an exam-only program, if you're certain you already know the answers. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association requires that all tests are taken at the class location or at another certified testing location, so you can't take the test at home, and offers a calendar that includes ServSafe class dates and locations.4

Which ServSafe PA Certification Do I Need?

If you're only looking to satisfy the Person-in-Charge requirement, you can do so with the Food Protection Manager Certification. However, ServSafe's other offerings provide significant benefits in the right circumstances.

  • ServSafe Alcohol training includes realistic lessons on state-specific regulations to ensure that your bar operates within the laws and best practices of Pennsylvania.5
  • ServSafe Workplace training teaches managers and employees how to create and maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace environment.6
  • ServSafe Allergens focuses on catering to guests with allergies by ensuring there is no cross contamination and no misidentification of potentially harmful allergens.7
  • ServSafe Ops is an educational program focused on the operational end of business management, teaching operators best practices for maintaining a functional, efficient workplace.8
  • ServSuccess teaches restaurant professionals the best ways to turn their job into a career. This program offers certifications for different tiers of restaurant management so each operator can prove their worth.9

Who Administers ServSafe Certification PA?

ServSafe operates underneath the National Restaurant Association.10 This partnership ensures the tests, programs, and certifications provided by ServSafe are designed by those most familiar with the industry, and reaffirms to operators that the information provided within will be accurate and applicable. ServSafe is also recognized around the country, so many foodservice workers can move around freely without needing to retest in every area. Consult local regulations before doing so, as some may have specific certification requirements beyond these.

Does My ServSafe Certificate Expire?

ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification lasts for five years, while the other certificates (Alcohol, Allergens, and Food Handler) are good for three years.11 After the certification expires, you can retest without going through the class again, but there's no guarantee the test will be the same as before. As the restaurant industry evolves, the ServSafe testing and certification process will evolve with it, ensuring the material covers the latest and most important innovations in commercial foodservice.

For ServSafe Certification Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association can help direct you to the best local options for classes and testing.

References

  1. Foodservice Employee Certification PA. PA Department of Agriculture. Accessed October 2021.
  2. ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certification. PRLA. Accessed October 2021.
  3. ServSafe Manager Certification. ServSafe. Accessed October 2021.
  4. PRLA Event Schedule. PRLA. Accessed October 2021.
  5. ServSafe Alcohol Certification. PRLA. Accessed October 2021.
  6. ServSafe Workplace Certification. ServSafe. Accessed October 2021.
  7. ServSafe Allergens Certification. ServSafe. Accessed October 2021.
  8. ServSafe Ops Training. WorkMerk. Accessed October 2021.
  9. ServSuccess. ServSuccess. Accessed October 2021.
  10. ServSafe About Us. ServSafe. Accessed October 2021.
  11. ServSafe FAQs. ServSafe. Accessed October 2021.