Before you can earn food service sanitation certification, you will most likely need to take a class and pass an exam. In the United States, the requirements for obtaining food service sanitation certification vary from state to state. In some states, the course is offered in person, while in others, it is offered online. In most cases, passing a test isn’t enough to earn certification; you’ll need to take a course.
For example, the state of Illinois requires that you obtain food service sanitation certification by completing a 15-hour course that has been approved by the state before taking the exam. If you have passed a similar course elsewhere and can provide documentation, including your grade and the course syllabus, the state may waive the required course. You can earn state-wide food service sanitation certification through reciprocity if you have a Chicago Department of Health certification.
Other states, such as Washington and Oregon, allow you to earn food service sanitation certification by taking an online course. Both the online course and the examination usually take about an hour in Washington state. The Oregon state online course consists of a series of 25-minute videos, followed by a study section and finally the test.
Students in Washington state can also take the course in person in the cities of Seattle or Renton. You can also choose between taking an online or in-person course in the state of New York. The in-person course in New York is longer and requires you to spend three hours per day in the classroom for five days.
A fee is usually charged for both the course and the examination. It costs $35 US Dollars (USD) to take the exam in Illinois. As of 2011, the course and test costs $10 USD in both Washington and Oregon. As of 2011, the in-person course in New York costs over $100 USD, whereas the online course is free. However, you will have to pay to take the exam in New York.
The causes of food-borne illness, how to control contamination, and the importance of cleanliness are typically covered in a food service sanitation course and examination. Hand washing and cooking foods to the correct temperature are taught to food handlers. You must usually demonstrate that you understand the majority of the topics covered in the course or on the exam in order to earn certification. A passing score is usually greater than 70% or 75%.