Effective January 22, 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) requires the “person in charge” in a food service operation to hold a “nationally recognized food protection certificate” such as ServSafe®. To receive and maintain national food safety certification, all individuals are required to pass a certification exam every five (5) years. The certified person must be accessible, such as in person or by phone, during the facilities’ hours of operation.

The following courses are being offered by the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services in conjunction with Penn State Extension.

	ServSafe   Food Safety course for  Profit Organizations.		Cooking for Crowds Food Safety course for  Non-Profit Organizations.
	Class Schedule 2019 Dates: February 14 & 21, 2019 April 11 & 18, 2019 June 13 & 20, 2019 August 1 & 8, 2019 October 10 & 17, 2019 December 5 & 12, 2019 Times  First Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Second Day:  9 a.m. to noon, followed by testing in the afternoon Location  State College Borough Municipal Building Room 220 243 South Allen Street State College, PA Register Register online at Penn State Cooperative Extension. If you need assistance registering or to register by phone, please call 1-877-345-0691, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to register. Cost  $185, includes latest edition of the ServSafe Manager book, certification exam, thermometer, practice and diagnostic exams, handouts, and study guide. Direct Questions to...   Brian O'Donnell Call 814-278-4718 or email Opens a New Window. .		About Although geared to volunteers, those working in food establishments will also find this information to be beneficial. The basic food safety practices included in our certification program are taught in this session as well and include: What causes foodborne illness and how to prevent it  Preparation practice to keep food safe How to safely purchase and store food and supplies How to plan a safe and successful food event The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture accepts this program for the legal operations of non-profit organizations. The next Cooking for Crowds event will take place May, 13 2019. For more information click here. To schedule a course please contact the Extension Educator and Food Safety Specialist for Penn State. Opens a New Window.    Cost $25, includes the Cooking for Crowds, A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety notebook, posters, thermometer, and training folder.
	TAP Online Food Safety Certification Course The TAP Online Food Safety Certification Course, offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension, is for individuals preparing for the exam. After completing the online course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% or higher, participants will receive a ServSafe® certificate, which meets the PDA requirement for food safety certification. This certification is valid for 5 years. Register  Register online If you need assistance registering or to register by phone, please call 1-877-345-0691, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to register.  Location  The class is online; however, the exam is proctored by the Penn State Extension. Contact in advance to arrange.   Cost $145 for certification with the exam.
	ServSafe Online This is a self-paced interactive online program, which includes a practice exam. The online version is a popular option for those who have already been certified once in food safety. After completing the online Manager Training course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% or higher, participants will receive a ServSafe® certificate, which meets the PDA requirement for food safety certification. This certification is valid for 5 years. Location The class is online; however, the exam is proctored by the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services. Contact in advance to arrange: State College Borough Municipal Building 243 South Allen Street State College, PA Phone: 814-234-7191 Cost $125 (to ServSafe) for the online course, plus $65 to proctor the exam and the current costs for the online or paper exam (this is variable and set by ServSafe).