ServSafe Manager vs Food Handler
ServSafe Manager is a comprehensive certification for supervisors and managers who oversee food safety at establishments. Food Handler is a basic certification for entry-level workers who handle food. Manager certification costs 10-15x more but is required for Person-in-Charge roles.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ServSafe Manager | Food Handler |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | ServSafe Food Protection Manager | Food Handler Certification |
| Exam Cost | $150-$275 | $7-$25 |
| Passing Score | 75% (60/80 scored questions) | 70-75% |
| Questions | 90 (80 scored, 10 pilot) | 40 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 2 hours | 60-90 minutes |
| Study Time | 15-25 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Prerequisites | None - proctored exam required | None - usually not proctored |
| Exam Body | National Restaurant Association | ANSI-Accredited Providers |
Key Differences
- 1Manager certification: $150-$275; Food Handler: $7-$25
- 2Manager exam: 90 questions, 2 hours; Food Handler: 40 questions, 1 hour
- 3Manager covers HACCP and regulatory compliance; Food Handler covers personal hygiene basics
- 4Manager exam is always proctored; Food Handler usually is not
- 5Manager certification valid 5 years; Food Handler valid 2-3 years
- 6Manager required for PIC roles; Food Handler for entry-level positions
- 7Manager certification can lead to 15-25% salary increase
What Each Exam Allows You To Do
ServSafe Manager
- Serve as Person-in-Charge (PIC) at food establishments
- Train and supervise food handlers
- Implement HACCP food safety systems
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Manage food safety documentation
Food Handler
- Handle, prepare, and serve food safely
- Meet state requirements for food workers
- Demonstrate basic food safety knowledge
- Work as server, cook, dishwasher, busser
Who Should Take Each Exam?
Take the ServSafe Manager if you...
- →Restaurant managers and supervisors
- →Kitchen managers and executive chefs
- →Food service directors
- →Those starting food businesses
Take the Food Handler if you...
- →Entry-level food service workers
- →Servers, cooks, and kitchen staff
- →Anyone handling food professionally
- →Part-time food service employees
Which Should You Take First?
Start with Food Handler if you're new to food service - it's required within 30-60 days of hire in many states. Get ServSafe Manager when you're promoted to supervisory roles or if your state requires a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on-site. Both cannot substitute for each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan Food Handler certification substitute for ServSafe Manager?
No. These are fundamentally different certifications. Food Handler covers basic employee-level knowledge, while Manager covers comprehensive managerial food safety. States requiring a CFPM will NOT accept Food Handler certification.
QDo I need both certifications?
It depends on your role. Entry-level workers only need Food Handler. Managers and supervisors need Manager certification. In some states, if you're the Person-in-Charge (PIC), you MUST hold manager-level certification during all operating hours.
QWhich states require Manager certification?
Over 30 states have statewide CFPM requirements, including California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Wisconsin. Some states have county-level requirements. Always verify with your local health department.
QIs ServSafe Manager harder than Food Handler?
Yes, significantly. Manager requires 15-25 hours of study vs 2-3 hours for Food Handler. Manager covers HACCP principles, regulatory compliance, and employee management - topics not covered in Food Handler certification.
10 free AI interactions per day
Ready to Start Studying?
Free study materials for both exams - start learning today.
Related Exam Comparisons
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.