ServSafe® Manager - National Certification Information
  • 8-hour training
  • Instructor led class or online coursework
    • Online coursework + proctored exam (proof of completion of the online class, exam must be taken in presence of ServSafe approved person or online with ProctorU)
  • Two hours to complete exam
  • 90 multiple-choice questions, scored on 80 questions (10 are pilot questions)
  • Students need a 70% to pass 
  • Certification is good for 5-years
  • Valid government issued picture ID to attend class/exam (photocopies are NOT accepted) 
  • Instructor-led classes held monthly in Sioux Falls and Rapid City and two times annually in Aberdeen, Pierre, and Watertown

What happens if I don't pass?

  • If the student fails, they may retest at an upcoming scheduled class date or in the Pierre Office. Students are allowed two attempts within 30 days and must pay a $90 retest fee for each attempt. Retests must be reserved through SDRA and are required prior to class/exam. 
  • If the student fails the next test, they must wait 60 days from the most recent attempt to retest ($90 retest fee again required)
  • No more than four attempts in a 12 month period (12 months from original attempt)

ServSafe Food Handler - State Recertification
  • 4-hour training
  • Instructor led class  or online coursework 
    • Both instructor led class and online coursework requires 75% score on assessment
  • Certification is good for 5-years (certificate states three years, South Dakota Department of Health recognizes for additional two years for a total of five years)
  • Valid government issued picture ID to attend class (photocopies are NOT accepted) 
  • Online option purchased from ServSafe directly
  • Instructor-led classes held four times per year in Sioux Falls, two times per year in Rapid City and two times in Pierre and one each in Aberdeen and Watertown.

Please Note:
  • Medical facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, etc.) may be required to have the National Certification. Please check with your employer before registering.
  • South Dakota Department of Health does not allow the 4-hour recertification option unless currently Nationally Certified
  • Schools and other educational facilities may be required to have the National Certification. Please check with your employer before registering.
  • Some franchises (restaurant, hotel, gas stations, etc.) require the National Certification. Please check with your employer before registering. 

Preparing for Class and Exam

ServSafe Manager Certification Class and Exam
  • ServSafe and SDRA strongly recommend attendees read the book and complete chapter quizzes before attending class
  • As the attendee reads though the book, they need to think through how specific businesses operate
  • What do they look for in the store when shopping (meat, produce, etc.), how do they store the groceries (fresh, frozen, and dry), how do they prep and then cook food (temperature, leave out before refrigerating, etc.), how long keep something before disposing?
  • The exam is NOT easy and the class presents a lot of information in a short time – the exam is logic based, meaning the questions are designed to make the examinee (employee) relate information presented in the book/class to real life situations.

Updated  01/2024