What Happens If I Fail the ServSafe Food Manager Exam?

Failing the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam can be disappointing, especially after spending time studying and preparing. But failing the exam does not mean you are permanently unable to become ServSafe certified.

ServSafe has a specific retesting policy that allows examinees additional opportunities to pass the examination.

If you recently failed the ServSafe Manager Exam, here is what you need to know.

First: Don't Panic

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam is designed to test your knowledge of important food safety principles, including:

• Personal hygiene

• Preventing cross-contamination

• Time and temperature control

• Cooking and cooling

• Food storage

• Cleaning and sanitizing

• Food allergies

• Employee illness

• Pest prevention

• Receiving food safely

• Food safety management systems

The exam contains 90 questions, although 10 are unscored pilot questions. A passing score is 70% or higher, which means correctly answering at least 56 of the 80 scored questions.

Not passing on your first attempt simply means you need additional preparation before trying again.

How Many Times Can I Take the ServSafe Exam?

According to ServSafe's current retesting policy, an examinee may take the exam twice within a 30-day period.

If you do not pass your second attempt, you must wait at least 60 days from your most recent attempt before taking the exam again.

ServSafe also limits examinees to no more than four attempts during a 12-month period.

ServSafe Retesting Schedule

Attempt	What happens?
First attempt	Take the exam
Second attempt	May be taken within 30 days
Third attempt	If needed, wait at least 60 days after the second attempt
Fourth attempt	Allowed within the 12-month limit, subject to the applicable waiting period

The important thing to remember is that you have another opportunity to pass.

Do I Have to Pay for the Exam Again?

Yes.

and your instructor or registered proctor can help you arrange the retest and fees.

Should I Take the Exam Again Immediately?

If you have another attempt available within the permitted period, you may be able to retake the exam relatively soon.

However, don't simply take the same exam again without changing your preparation strategy.

Use your first attempt as a learning experience.

Think about the subjects that gave you the most trouble. Did you struggle with:

• Cooking temperatures?

• Cooling requirements?

• Cross-contamination?

• Foodborne illness?

• Employee health?

• Cleaning and sanitizing?

• Storage temperatures?

• HACCP principles?

• Food allergens?

  
  

Spend additional time reviewing the areas where you need the most improvement.

What If English Isn't My First Language?

Language can make a challenging exam even more difficult.

ServSafe currently offers the online Food Protection Manager Examination in English, Spanish and Chinese, while print examination options are available in additional language formats.

If English is not your strongest language, ask your instructor or testing provider about the available exam options before your next attempt.

Can I Get My Exam Score?

Yes. For online exams, ServSafe states that examinees receive a pass/fail notification and can view their exam results by logging into their ServSafe account and selecting SCORES.

Reviewing your results can help you determine how much additional preparation you need before attempting the examination again.

What If I Think My Exam Was Scored Incorrectly?

If you believe there was an error involving the processing of your examination, ServSafe provides an examination review/appeal process.

ServSafe's examinee materials state that an Answer Sheet Review Form must be submitted within 30 days of receiving your score when you believe there was an error in processing.

If you believe something unusual happened during your examination, speak with your instructor or proctor and review the applicable ServSafe procedures.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Passing the Second Time?

Don't just memorize answers.

The goal of the ServSafe Manager training is to understand why food safety procedures are required.

A good review should concentrate on the major food safety concepts:

1. Time and Temperature

Know the temperature requirements for receiving, storing, cooking, cooling and holding food.

2. Cross-Contamination

Understand how bacteria and allergens can be transferred from one food, surface or piece of equipment to another.

3. Personal Hygiene

Know proper handwashing procedures, employee hygiene requirements and when an employee should be restricted or excluded from working with food.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Understand the difference between cleaning and sanitizing and how proper procedures help control contamination.

5. Foodborne Illness

Review the major foodborne pathogens, symptoms, sources and prevention methods covered by ServSafe.

6. Food Safety Management

Managers need to understand how to create procedures that help employees consistently follow safe food-handling practices.

Don't Let One Failed Exam Stop You

A failed ServSafe exam is a setback, but it doesn't have to be the end of the process.

Use the experience to identify what you need to study, review the material carefully and prepare differently for your next attempt.

The goal isn't simply to memorize enough information to pass a test.

The goal is to become a more knowledgeable food safety manager who can help protect customers, employees and the business.

Need Help Preparing for Your ServSafe Exam?

If you're preparing for your ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Exam, Westchester Food Safety provides ServSafe training and exam preparation for food service professionals in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.

Our classes are designed to help restaurant owners, managers and food service employees understand the material and prepare for the certification examination.

Whether you're taking the exam for the first time or preparing for a retest, proper preparation can make a major difference.

Don't just hope you pass. Prepare to pass.

WESTCHESTER FOOD SAFETY www.westchesterfoodsafety.com/food-safety-classes

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I fail the ServSafe Manager Exam?

You can retake the examination under ServSafe's retesting policy. A new exam must be purchased for each retest.

How soon can I retake the ServSafe exam?

You may take the exam twice within a 30-day period. After a second unsuccessful attempt, you must wait at least 60 days from your most recent attempt.

How many times can I take ServSafe in one year?

ServSafe permits no more than four examination attempts within a 12-month period.

What score do I need to pass ServSafe?

The current ServSafe Manager Exam requires a score of 70% or higher, equivalent to at least 56 correct answers out of the 80 scored questions.