Katkin Safety Education for Professional

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between Food Manager and Food Handler?

    The Food Manager Certification verifies that a manager or person in charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness. The class is 4 -8 hours long and requires a proctored exam. There are generally 80 to 90 questions.


    The Food Handler certificate verifies basic food safety knowledge and is for people in food handler employee-level positions. The exam is not required to be proctored. The exam is approximately 40 questions.

  • What is the passing score for Food Manager Examination?

    The passing score for both ServSafe Food Protection Manager Examination and Always Food Safe Food Manager Certification is 70%.

  • Does my Food Manager online course expire?

    Yes. ServSafe Food Manager online courses and Always Food Safe Manager Courses expire 1 year from the date purchased.

  • How long is my Food Manager Certificate valid?

    The certificate is valid for up to five years from the date of the exam.

  • Is the Always Food Safe Food Manager Exam/Certification the Same as Other Food Protection Manager Exams?

    Yes! The Always Food Safe Company, Food Protection Manager exam is equivalent to the Food Protection Manager certification programs from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP), Learn2Serve (360training.com), ServSafe (National Restaurant Association), and Prometric. Our exam is ANSI accredited, meaning that it meets the required national standards for Food Protection Manager Certification Programs.

  • Does the Food Manager exam have to be proctored?

    Yes. The Food manager exam must be proctored.

  • What are my options for the Food Manager Proctored Exam?

    You can have the exam proctored in person at a scheduled time and place with Katkin, in person at a testing site near you, or online with a live virtual 3 rd party proctor with your web camera.

  • How long does the Food Manager Class take?

    The course takes around 4- 8 hours depending on the course type. Some states do have a minimum requirement for class time.

  • What is the difference between an online course and a live virtual class?

    An online course can be accessed anytime, and you go at your own pace to complete the course. A live virtual class is held a specific day and time with a live instructor presenting via TEAMS or ZOOM.

  • Can I take the proctored exam as soon as I am finished with the online course?

    You can choose the day and time for your proctored exam. It is recommended to schedule this at least 48 hours in advance to avoid an extra fee.

  • Can I take the online course and do the exam in person?

    Yes. You can take the online course and then schedule your proctored exam. You can choose an existing class date, schedule a private proctored exam or you can schedule a live virtual proctored exam with your web camera.

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