ServSafe® Allergens Course

The ServSafe Allergens® Training program is developed by the National Restaurant Association and experts who have direct experience with the risks involved in serving populations sensitive to allergens. The course covers many topics, such as identifying allergens, communication with the guest, preventing cross-contact, food labels, and more. Our materials help define best practices for safe food service because we involve specialists in regulatory agencies, law, insurance, medicine, law enforcement, restaurants, and academia to create them. ServSafe Allergens materials reflect scientific research in an easy-to-understand format.

Take the ServSafe Allergens Course in-person/onsite/online and assessment after completing training.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of food and beverage servers and related workers is projected to grow 53 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the projected annual job openings over the decade is 12,360. Currently, workers in New York earn on average $15.07 an hour for food and beverage servers and related workers.

Sample of reported job titles include:

Diet Aide
Dietary Aide
Dietary Assistant
Food Preparer
Food Service Aide
Food Service Worker
Nutrition Aide
Kitchen Runner
Pantry Cook
Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), and Slicer.

ServSafe® Allergens Course FAQs

What are the ServSafe Allergens Certificate program purpose, scope, and intended learning outcomes?

Purpose - Provide and assess knowledge of procedures for serving people who indicate they have a food allergy.
Scope - Individuals who receive a ServSafe Allergen Certificate have successfully completed an Allergen Course and have demonstrated knowledge of the topics covered in the course.

Is food allergen training required?

Allergen awareness training is required in several states. Please review the allergen awareness training regulatory requirements. Reasonable accommodations for food allergic customers are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If training is not required in your state, it's still important that you know how to safely serve a customer with a food allergy to be compliant with federal law.

Does my certificate expire?

The National Restaurant Association recognizes the ServSafe® Allergens Certificates for a three-year period. However, state or employer requirements can vary. For more detailed information, check the regulatory requirements or contact your local health department or alcohol commission depending on the program.

In what languages is the ServSafe® Allergens exam available?

The ServSafe® Allergen Assessment is available in English and Spanish only.

How do I complete the ServSafe® Allergens Online Course and Assessment?

Once purchased, you'll need to launch it and watch view the course in its entirety. At the end of the course you’ll be given the option to take the Assessment right away, or you can take it at another time. You will need your Course Access Key in order to take the Assessment. You have 3 attempts to pass the Assessment. Once you’ve passed the Assessment your certificate is available to download right from the site.

How does the ServSafe Manager Certification differ from the ServSafe® Allergens Certificate?

The ServSafe Manager Certification verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness. Individuals that successfully pass the 90-question, multiple-choice exam will receive a ServSafe Manager Certification and wallet card. The ServSafe Manager Certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the Conference for Food Protection Standards.

The ServSafe® Allergens Certificate verifies basic food safety knowledge and is for individuals in food handler employee-level positions. Upon successful completion of the ANSI ASTM 2659 accredited Food Handler course and 40-question exam, the employee will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the National Restaurant Association that can be printed from a secure section of the website.

Are there qualifications to take the ServSafe® Allergens course and assessment?

The ServSafe® Allergens Course and Assessment do not have an official prerequisite. It may be completed by any individual seeking knowledge of basic safe food handling procedures.

Course Objectives

Prerequisites

The ServSafe® Allergens Course and Assessment do not have an official prerequisite. It may be completed by any individual seeking knowledge of basic safe food handling procedures.

Curriculum

Introduction to food allergies

Food Handlers will be able to:

Recognize the symptoms of a food allergy
Identify the differences between a food allergy, a food intolerance, and other food-related diseases
Identify the difference between cross-contamination and cross-contact
Identify personal hygiene best practices to avoid cross-contact
Identify the correct methods for cleaning surfaces.

Front of the house

Food Handlers will be able to describe how to:

Communicate with guests who have food allergies.
Prevent cross-contact in self-service areas and work stations.
Properly handle any special dietary requests.
Deal with an allergy emergency in the operation.

Back of the house