Why do I have to take this class?
It is a Rhode Island Health Department requirement. Please refer to law RIGL 21-27-11.
What is the class about?
Listed below are some of the concepts your managers will understand with ServSafe training:
- How to stay current with the 2005 FDA Food Code updates
- How to understand complicated foodborne pathogen information through simplified microbiology charts
- How to avoid risks with expanded information on HACCP
- How to practice protection with expanded information on produce management
- How to share training in the operation with the new "Take it Back" sections
- How to keep local jurisdictional requirements at hand with the new "How This Relates to Me" tool
- How to learn from experience with segment-specific, real world scenarios that bring lessons to life
How long does the class last?
Full certification is 2 days from 8am-5pm (total class time is 16 hours)
Re-certification is 1 day from 8am-2:30pm (total class time is 6 hours)
Online – both full certification and re-certification are estimated at 9 hours.
Which class do I need to take?
If this is the first time you are taking the course, you have not re-certified within 3 years of your last passing test date, or you received your certification in a different state/country, you need to take a FULL CERTIFICATION course. Full certification can be completed in the classroom or online.
If you have already taken the class in the state of Rhode Island within the past 3 years you need to take the RECERTIFCATION course. Recertification can be completed in the classroom, online or by taking a paper & pencil test.
How many people in my establishment have to be ServSafe® certified?
According to RIGL 21-27-11.6, for an establishment with 10 or less food handlers, one full time person must be certified. For an establishment with more than 10 food handlers, 2 full time people must be certified. A manager can be the one who is certified if he has supervisory control over the food handlers. Nursing homes and hospitals MUST have one person on duty at all times who is certified.
Where are these classes held?
2008 classes will be held at the RI Community Food Bank in Providence.
Do I need to buy a book or can I use a friend’s?
“ServSafe Essentials Fourth Edition” is the required textbook. The exam sheet that you will need for testing day is included in the textbook. Therefore each individual student is required to have their own book.
Do I need to buy a book if I am taking the course online?
No.
Can I take the examination online?
Yes. The state of RI does allow online testing. Our association is currently in the process of making our facility an online testing site.
Is my computer compatible with the online course?
Below are the following requirements that need to be met for your computer to be compatible with the online course:
Hardware:
Pentium II processor or higher
Sound card and speakers enabled
Internet access - 56K modem with actual connection speed of greater than 40K. (High-speed access is recommended.)
Compatible keyboard and mouse
Operating System and Software:
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher with cookies enabled
Windows® 98 or higher
Macromedia® Flash Player 7 or higher
Adobe® Reader®
Settings:
800x600 monitor capable of thousands of colors [high color (16-bit)] or higher, millions of colors recommended
Cookies enabled
Pop-up blockers disabled
Macintosh:
The course may not function properly on a Macintosh computer and is not supported at this time. Do not take the course using the Safari browser.
When does my certification expire?
Your ServSafe certification is good for 5 years, however your Rhode Island Health Department certification is good for only 3 years, then you must re-certify. Please use your health department license expiration date to determine when you need to re-certify.
My certification is expired. How long do I have to re-certify?
According to RIGL You have a grace period of 6 months after your certification expires. You must re-certify before the 6 month period is over.
What do I do after I receive my certification?
Once you receive either the certification or re-certification certificate in the mail, make a copy and send it to the Health Department along with your completed Rhode Island Department of Health application and $50 application fee.
I failed the test. What do I do?
You will need to call RIHTA to schedule a re-test. You can take your test a total of 3 times before you are required to take the course again. Before taking your third and final test, you are required to wait 60 days from the date you took your second test. It costs $65 for each re-test.
I lost my ServSafe® certificate. What do I need to do?
Contact the RIHTA office for a duplicate request form. You must complete the form and send to NRA along with $20. They will then send you a new copy of your certificate.
[I, my chef, my manager] do/does not speak English. What are my options?
There are several options. They can attend one of our current classes taught in English and obtain the test and exam in an alternate language. The textbook is available in Spanish and Chinese (alternate languages might be available through special request). The answer sheet is available in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, French Canadian and Japanese. Translation dictionaries may be used, but must be approved by the instructor at the start of the class. Translators may be used, but the instructor prior to the class must approve them. For information on where additional foreign language classes are available, you will need to contact the Health Department.
The online course is currently offered in English and Spanish.
I want to become a certified ServSafe Food Safety Manager teacher. Can you help me?
We can only assist you in purchasing your materials and training. If you would like to learn more about becoming a teacher, please contact the: Department of Health, Office of Food Protection: 401-222-2749.
I received my certification in another state. Is it good in Rhode Island?
Each state has different hourly requirements. Please contact the Department of Health, Office of Food Protection to find out for certain by calling 401-222-2749. |
