Serv Safe Program Information

OPTION 1: ABE Contextualized Instruction

Cost: $38 exam fee & is waived if the student purchases their own textbook for $75

Students enrolled in ABE may study and prepare for their ServSafe Food Manager exam while enrolled in ABE. Instructors will access online Instructor Tools to enhance instruction. Students can study at their own pace under the guidance of a ServSafe certified instructor. Instruction focuses on basic literacy and soft skills components (including vocabulary instruction, encoding and decoding of new words, developing strong study habits, etc...) in a contextualized manner. Students can choose to use the classroom materials while in class, or they may choose to purchase their own textbook at a cost of $75. At a time determined by the instructor and student, the instructor (or another certified proctor) will administer the ServSafe exam to the student at a cost of $38 and upon passing (with a score of 76% or higher) the instructor will print and present the ServSafe Food Manager certificate to the student. Once the student has received their credential, the ABE instructor will assist them in the final step - completing the application for the Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate.

OPTION 2: Non-ABE Stand-alone Instruction

Cost: $175 which includes a textbook and exam

Occasionally, ABE instructors may be contracted to provide a one-day, stand-alone training for area employers or employees outside of ABE. The location for the training can vary, depending upon the location of the participants. All stand-alone classes begin at 8:30 AM, with registration at 8 AM. There is a one-hour break for lunch, which participants take on their own, and the instructional part of the course concludes at 3:30 PM, at which time the exam is administered. There is a two-hour time block allowed for the exam.

Registration, promotion and invoicing for a scheduled stand-alone training takes place through the NWSC agency. Registration is opened with a deadline set up to 4 weeks before the class. Textbooks are ordered and distributed a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the scheduled class. Registered participants study on their own. On the day of the class, the instructor presents a review of the content in the textbook, followed by proctoring of the assessment. Instructors will notify participants of their scores upon receipt.

What if a student or examinee doesn't pass the exam on their first try?

ABE enrolled students can schedule and retake the exam at a cost of $38 after further preparation with their instructor.

Non-ABE participants are encouraged first to enroll in their local ABE program for further instruction and remediation before re-taking the test. When this is not possible, they can take the review and test again by participating in another Stand-Alone course at a reduced cost of $100, or they can register to retake only the assessment (last two hours of the day) at a cost of $38.

Re-certification Options
Every 3 years, a person who holds a Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate must complete four (4) or more hours of approved continuing education to renew their Minnesota CFPM.

OPTION 1: ABE Community Ed rate

Cost: $30 community ed fee for up to 4 hours of instruction

Applicants seeking re-certification may contact their local ABE provider and schedule a time to meet during regular ABE hours. These students are self-paying and are not to be enrolled in the ABE program. Working with a local certified ServSafe instructor, they will review 4 units or lessons, at which time the instructor will issue 4 CEU's that can be submitted to Minnesota CFPM for certificate renewal. Applicants must apply for renewal of their Minnesota CFPM no later than six months after the expiration date on their current state certificate. For detailed information about renewal procedures, visit the Minnesota CFPM website.

OPTION 2: Non-ABE Stand-alone Instruction - first half of the day.

Cost: $75 which does not include a textbook (additional $75 if textbook is requested)

Upon request, and when available, a re-certification applicant may choose to register and attend the morning session (8:30-12:30) of a scheduled Non-ABE Stand-alone training. Registration and payment for attending these trainings will be conducted through the NWSC office.

OPTION 3: Serv-It Up Safely online courses through UMN Extension

Cost: $50 per course, total cost of $200

For some students, it might be most effective to refer them to the Serve It Up Safely™ online course offered through the University of Minnesota. This is a convenient, effective way to meet the State of Minnesota's continuing education requirement to renew a certified food protection manager certification. These courses are also excellent for employee food safety training.

Students must register for four courses. Each is approved for one hour of continuing education for Minnesota certified food protection managers. They will pick the topics that interest them and study at their own rate. These interactive modules include videos, quizzes, case studies, tip sheets and resources to download. They can then complete the self-paced course online day or night. Once registered, the course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be completed at home, work, or anywhere the student has access to a computer. Please note: this is a re-certification course, not an initial certification. NWSC ABE is not associated with this organization, but simply provides it as a resource for those seeking options for re-certification.