Certification

“Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC) is required by Section 750.540 of the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code based on the food service establishment risk category assigned by the local health department. As of July 1, 2014, Section 750.570 of the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code requires food handler training in certain conditions.”

Source: IDPH Website Click here for the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act.

Essentially anyone who handles food as part of their job must obtain food handler or food manager training. Anyone working at the management level will need to select the manager training. I often have had students who have been hired specifically at their job because they hold their Food Service Manager certificate.

Sometimes students will have obtained a Food Handler license as part of a current or previous work experience. Food Handler is not equivalent to Food Manger so even if you have a handler license you will still need to complete the Manager coursework and exam since that is part of this class.

Food Handler training is geared towards general employees hired to handle food in entry level positions. I have found that most restaurants who have their employees obtain food handler training will utilize an online program which can typically be completed in 2-3 hours with an approximately 25 to 40 question test at the end but it is up to the training company as long as they cover the required topics. Food Handler training is less extensive than food manager training. A food handler certificate is good for 3 years, but may not be transferable from operation to operation.

Food Service Manager Certification is geared toward employees working at, or desiring to move into a management level position. IL has very specific requirements about what the ServSafe Manager class must entail, including the number of hours spent studying different topics and the specific course objectives which must be covered. After completion of the required training students take a 90 question test and must obtain a 75% or higher. If they pass they are awarded their ServSafe manager certification. This manager certificate is good for 5 years and should be recognized by any employer in the state of IL, though specific training requirements are up to the individual employer.

• • This is the standard certificate required for individuals working at the management level in foodservice in the state of IL. Even if you are not working at the management level now, it helps open doors for movement into a management level position in the future.

  • This certificate provides employers and culinary school programs with evidence that the student is proficient in basic food handling practices and knows how to apply them in a food service facility.

  • The ServSafe certificate is accepted in IL and is transferable as the individual moves between employers/operations.

  • ServSafe is also a nationally recognized certification program so if you move out of state your certificate is still valid.

  • If you are going to culinary school you will usually be required to have a Foodservice Manager license. Some schools require you to obtain the certification on your own through an outside provider prior to starting school. Some require you to take a non-credit course offered by their school. Some require you to take a for credit course (usually 1 to 3 semester hours).

  • Because you are also getting COD college credit for passing your certification exam students should talk with the schools they are applying to and see if they will accept the course/ServSafe exam that students have completed at York. The class that the students take at York EXCEEDS the minimum 8 hour training requirement. I am happy to provide the college/university with documentation of what our course entails if it will help the student bypass or receive credit for a required college sanitation course! To obtain a copy of your COD transcript to send to your college/university please see these instructions.

  • If a student was to take the sanitation manager course outside of York, the average cost of the course from other IL providers is $180-$200. Students are able to take the course at York for only the cost of the ServSafe textbook/exam. (Approx: $86 as of 9/18/2017)

  • By taking this course at York students are able to spread their sanitation study out over the course of several months. There is ample opportunity for review, application, and practice of key skills necessary for success on the exam. When you take this course outside of York it is typically offered in a one day format. Students complete 8 hours of instruction and the exam at the end of the day. Students are responsible for reading and studying the assigned text prior to the date of the course/exam.