ServSafe FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Indiana Certification Requirements
Indiana requires each food service establishment to have one certified food handler on staff. New establishments have 6 months to comply. If an establishment only has one certified food handler and that person leaves employment, the establishment has 90 days to certify another food handler. Each establishment must have a person-in-charge during every shift that can demonstrate knowledge of food safety practices.
Indiana’s certified food handler law requires an exam that meets the ANSI-CFP requirements. Training for the exam is not required, however training is beneficial in helping pass the comprehensive exam.
Click Here for the full Training and Exam Schedule
An examinee may take the exam twice within a 30-day period, if necessary. If three or more attempts are required, the examinee must wait at least 60 days from their last attempt. No more than four attempts are allowed in a 12-month period. Not passing the exam is the only legitimate reason to retest.
For example: 1st attempt: June 1st, 2nd Attempt: June 2nd, 3rd Attempt: August 2nd, 4th Attempt: October 2nd.
A list of our classes can be found on our website here.
These classes use the most current materials available that have been developed for the food service industry BY the food service industry. If you choose to use another resource for training, be sure that the instructors use quality up-to-date materials and are administering an approved exam. You may find other material available more academic or regulatory in nature than ServSafe.
No, only an exam is required. An exam must be approved by the CFP (Conference for Food Protection) and administered by a registered proctor. However, we offer a variety of study options to fully prepare for the exam.
Study Options Include:
Independent study of the ServSafe Book
Online Course
Classroom Setting
Classes include book, instruction and exam. The cost ranges from $145 for members, nonprofits and government agencies and $165 for nonmembers. Some classes include lunch and may cost a little more.
Book only: $65
Exam and Proctoring: $60
Online Course and Exam: $155
Class, Exam and Book: $165
If you purchase materials including the online voucher for the exam from ServSafe directly, you must still pay a proctor to administer the exam. If you purchase materials through our website, all fees are included in pricing.
Indiana law requires one certified food manager per shift for each foodservice location. There are several options to help prepare for the exam:
One Course with Instruction and Proctored Exam*
The ServSafe textbook and answer sheet are provided with the multi-media training by registered instructors. Instructors have specific requirements and passed rigorous exams prior to becoming an instructor. This is a full day of classroom instruction followed by the exam. Since the entire book is taught over the course of a day, it is recommended to review the textbook prior to class. Registering early will allow you to receive the book in advance.
* please note: some classes are offered in two or three day formats.
Online Course with Classroom Proctored Exam
Study the course via the internet at your own pace. Online course length is approximately 8 hours. You have one year to use your purchased access code. Once access code is used, you have 90 days to complete the course. This allows users to study at their own pace and gives you the ability to login in and out of the course as needed.
Independent Study with Proctored Exam
You can purchase the book and study on your own. When ready, you can contact our office to schedule an exam either online or print at a location near you.
Exam Only
Answer Sheet or Online Voucher provided. You may choose to join a class for the exam portion of the class or schedule a private exam with a proctor at an on-site location.
Recertification Class with Proctored Exam
This is a half-day refresher course follow by an exam for those who’s ServSafe certification has expired and are looking to renew. If you choose this option, we recommend studying the 7th Edition ServSafe Book.
ServSafe Food Manager is good for 5 years. ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Alcohol Training is good for 3 years.
The book is available in:
- English
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Korean
The exam is available in:
- English
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Korean
- Japanese
- French Canadian
- Large Print
- Instructor
ServSafe Alcohol Training Online Course is available in:
- English
- Spanish
Special accommodations can be requested for:
- Examinee with special needs
- Examinee has limited proficiency in English and needs an interpreter
Click here to download instructions on how to submit a request.
Click here to download the request form.
Given the risks of unsafe food and alcohol service, the importance of well-qualified instructors and proctors is clear. Certified ServSafe® Instructors and Registered ServSafe Proctors and Approved ServSafe Alcohol® Instructors and Registered ServSafe Alcohol Online Proctors must meet minimum experience and educational requirements. So when students and organizations look for the most reliable food and alcohol safety programs, ServSafe instructors and proctors stand out.
Click here to learn more on ServSafe’s website.
Multiple choice with 4 possible answers.
Students may now download their certificates. Certificates are available to download at www.ServSafe.com
Click here to print your certificate
ServSafe if accepted in all 50 states. However, there may be additional state or county regulations and requirements. For regulatory requirements in each state, click here.
More Food Safety Information
Indiana State Department of Health – Food Protection Division