Passing the ServSafe Manager Exam

The Definitive Guide to Passing the ServSafe Manager Exam

The ServSafe Manager Certification is the gold standard in the hospitality and food service management industries. This certification verifies your complete knowledge of the best food safety practices as directed by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. As such, its programs and testing materials are constantly evolving to match those standards set by the FDA Food Model Code. 

While you will want to thoroughly read the ServSafe Essential textbook and/or the ServSafe CourseBook, the following is a key and definitive guide to help you pass the ServSafe Manager exam:

A Guide to the ServSafe Exam

ServSafe exam - what you should know about passingThe ServSafe Manager exam involves 90 multiple choice questions. In order to pass, you must achieve a score of 75 percent or higher. You'll have approximately 90 minutes to finish the exam—it is important for you to complete all answers as any question left blank will be scored as wrong.

There are 14 sections within the Manager Exam:

1. Providing Safe Food

This section involves understanding foodborne illnesses and what parts of the population are at higher risk. You'll need to know the types of foods that require Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) and the Danger Zone temperature range (41 degrees - 135 degrees Fahrenheit) they must be kept out of. 

2. The Microworld

This section details the various microscopic causes of food-related illnesses. You'll need to understand the definitions and differences between foodborne infections, foodborne intoxications, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. 

3. Contamination, Food Allergens, and Foodborne Illnesses

This section goes more into depth on the aforementioned section. Here, you'll need to know the key fish toxins to avoid, as they are unable to be destroyed by either freezing or cooking. Understand the difference between chemical and physical contamination and how to protect against both. Understand the symptoms of food allergies, their common causes, and the most appropriate ways to inform customers of their potential to be included in food service.

4. The Safe Foodhandler

This section details proper hand washing techniques, personal hygiene expectations, glove use, and how to approach employee illnesses. 

5. The Flow of Food

This section details the importance of thermometers and their best use. Most importantly, know that glass thermometers should never be used to measure food temperatures. 

6. Purchasing & Receiving

This section involves recognizing approved suppliers (those who have been inspected and meet all local, state, and federal laws) and how you should accept their supplies. This includes planning deliveries, the appropriate temperatures to receive deliveries, stock rotation, and the recommended storage for dry goods, live shellfish, fresh produce, and other foods. 

7. Preparation

This section details recommended food prep guidelines. Understand the three proper techniques for thawing frozen food (and that it should never be done at room temperature), and how to prep eggs, egg mixtures, and produce. Most importantly, every ServSafe Manager Exam will require you to know the minimum internal temperatures various foods must be cooked to. Knowing these temperatures and foods is mandatory to achieving the certification.

8. Service

This section includes both how long food must be held before being discarded, the appropriate handling of glassware and dishes, and how to approach self-service bars and open condiments. 

9. Food Safety Management Systems

This section is specific to the Manager's Exam. Here you'll have to understand the five most common risk factors responsible for foodborne illnesses as identified by the Center for Disease Control. You'll also be expected to know the steps for the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and how to react to a foodborne-illness outbreak.

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10. Sanitary Facilities and Equipment

This section details cleaning and proper inspections for flooring, restrooms, food service grade equipment, stationary equipment, plumbing systems, lighting, ventilation, and garbage containers.

11. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Know the difference between cleaning and sanitizing. This section details the proper techniques to use for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces, dishwashing machines, sinks, and the cleaning tools themselves.

13. Food Safety Regulations

This section elaborates on the government's ability to inspect your restaurant and how you should approach officials should an inspection occur at your facility.

12. Integrated Pest Management

Know the three-step approach:

  • Deny pest access
  • Deny pests food, shelter, and water
  • Should they continue to exist in your restaurant, work with a licensed pest control operator to eliminate the pests

14. Employee Food Safety Training

Once you achieve manager status, it’s your responsibility to ensure your employees understand all of the food safety techniques detailed in the ServSafe Essential textbook. This section details your responsibilities regarding training your employees.

Your First Stop: Hands-on Food Service Management Education

For more information about succeeding in the food service management industry, contact ECPI University about our Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management. During this course, you can learn every detail covered by the ServSafe materials (and more) so that you can both successfully take the Manger Exam and enter the workforce with confidence and experience. Call today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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