ServeSafe Certification

2011 foodservice training brochure (PDF)

2011 foodservice training schedule & registration form (PDF)

The state of South Dakota requires every food service establishment and mobile food service establishment to have at least one person on staff who has passed an eight-hour food service training and certification program. The requirement is part of the state food service code adopted in 1997.

    ServSafe is the industry standard in food-safety training, and is accepted by more federal, state and local jurisdictions than any other food safety program. Information presented in this program is based on the FDA Model Food Code, the latest updates in the science of food safety, and best practices used in the industry.

Recertification

    The ServSafe certification is valid for five years. At that point, you will have two options for recertification. You can select the option which best suits your needs.

1. National Recertification/ServSafe: You can maintain your national ServSafe certification by attending an 8-hour refresher course, than taking an exam. Individuals who select this option may elect to just take the exam without attending the entire 8-hour class instruction; the cost is the same.

2. State Recertification/4 Hour Class: This program does not maintain the national ServSafe certification, but it does meet the requirements of the South Dakota Department of Health-Office of Health Protection. The 4-hour class is based on the ServSafe course, but there is no pass or fail on the written test at the end of the course, and no book to study beforehand. This course also offers an economical way to train ALL employees on basic food handling techniques. (NOTE: The 4-hour course does not meet the recertification requirements for health care facilities).

Workbook

    All participants who attend the ServSafe Certification and 8 hour ServSafe Recertification program will receive a course workbook. It will be mailed to you as soon as the South Dakota Retailers Association receives your registration form and fee. The workbook should be studied prior to the seminar.

Pre-registration is required

Pre-registration - including payment - is required prior to the seminar, whether you are becoming certified for the first time, or are being recertified. Due to high demand for classes, SDRA is not able to reserve a spot in a class until payment is received. Be sure to register early, as seating is limited. A fee is charged for rescheduling a class and for retesting.

What to bring to the class

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