Complete the registration form (below) and mail or fax with payment. Upon receipt of your registration and payment, you will be sent confirmation of your registration and directions to the course location.
Food Safety Certification Training
The Program
Designed for food service managers, chefs, caterers, cooks, health officials, and inspectors. This course fulfills Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act. Check your PDA Certificate expiration date.
The Problem
Each year in the United States there are an estimated 48 million cases of food-borne illness that result in an estimated 3,000 deaths and 128,000 hospitalizations. About 95 percent of all food-borne illnesses are caused by mishandling of food. Many food-handling practices that cause illness are related to poor temperature control or poor sanitation.
The Solution
Penn State's nationally-recognized certification program offers valuable instruction to help reduce problems caused by food mishandling. The course demonstrates to the public, employees, and co-workers your commitment to provide safe food to consumers.
The course helps:
- protect customers
- increase profitability
- reduce liability
- promote goodwill
- maintain patronage
- enhance competitiveness
Topics
The Food Safety Challenge
- Providing Safe Food
- The Microworld
- Contamination and Food Allergies
- The Safe Foodhandler
The Flow of Food Through the Operation
- Introduction
- Purchasing, Receiving, and Storing
- Preparation
- Service
Food Safety Management Systems, Facilities, and Pest Management
- Food Safety Management Systems
- Sanitary Facilities and Equipment
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Integrated Pest Management
Food Safety Regulations and Employee Training
- Food Safety Regulations and Standards
- Employee Food Safety Training
Who needs to be in compliance with the Food Employee Certification Act?
Fee and General Information
Certification
Effective January 22, 2011, The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) requires the "person in charge" in a food service operation to hold a "nationally recognized food protection certificate" such as ServSafe®. To receive and maintain national food safety certification, all individuals are required to pass a certification exam every five (5) years. The new law also states that a certified person must be accessible, such as in person or by phone, during the facility's hours of operation.
The ServSafe® course, conducted by Penn State Cooperative Extension, is for individuals preparing for the exam. After attending the ServSafe® class(es) and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% or higher, participants will receive a ServSafe® certificate, which meets the PDA requirement for food safety certification. This certification is valid for 5 years.
ServSafe® is a registered trademark of the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association.
Course Formats and Fees
16-Hour Classroom Format - $190.00
This format meets for 16 classroom hours and is recommended for individuals with little or no prior food safety training.
8-Hour Classroom Format - $175.00
This format meets for 8 classroom hours and is recommended for individuals who have a strong food safety background.
Payment Options
The course fee covers the cost of the ServSafe® course book, other instructional materials, and the exam. The fee may be paid by check, money order, employer-authorized billing*, MasterCard, or VISA.
*Employer-authorized billing: The Bursar will bill an employer in response to a letter written on organizational letterhead and stating the student’s name, Social Security number, and billable fees. This letter must be included with your completed registration form.
Instructors
Penn State Cooperative Extension educators and other faculty are qualified by the National Restaurant Association as ServSafe® instructors. All have received training in the most current research on food safety.
University Policies
Access: Penn State encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, call or e-mail the contact person for the location where you plan to take the course.
Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.
Refunds: A full refund will be made only if notice of cancellation is received at least two business days prior to the course. Anyone who is registered but cannot attend may send a substitute. To cancel your registration, mail or fax a written notice to the contact person for the location where you plan to take the course.
Continuing Education Units
Upon successful completion of the course, each participant will receive a certificate verifying the 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned. The CEU is a nationally recognized unit of measure used to accumulate a standardized permanent record of an individual’s participation in noncredit continuing education programs conducted under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. The CEU is based on a standard of one unit per ten hours of instructional contact.
Act 48–Pennsylvania Department of Education
Penn State is a Pennsylvania Act 48–approved provider. Professional educators are encouraged to confirm that this program fits their school district’s professional development plan for Pennsylvania Act 48. Earn sixteen contact hours and work toward fulfilling Pennsylvania Act 48 requirements.
Registration
Complete the registration form (below) and mail or fax with payment. Upon receipt of your registration and payment, you will be sent confirmation of your registration and directions to the course location.