ServSafe® Food Manager vs ServSafe® Food Handler — What Is the Difference?

Josh Cooke
Feb 21, 2023

ServSafe® Food Safety Manager Certification and ServSafe® Food Handler are food safety certifications offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). However, there is a big difference between the two. Which one do you need for your business? Let's take a closer look.

At Raise-The-Grade®, we are proud to offer both of these courses to ensure your needs are met. Both the Food Safety Manager and Food Handler courses are available nationwide through livestream, online, or in-person. All courses include either the ServSafe® Manager Certification exam, or the Food Handler Quiz Assessment. Continue reading to learn more, and sign up for the appropriate course today!

Owner and head chef in restaurant.

What Is a ServSafe® Food Manager Certification?

A ServSafe® Food Manager Certification is a credential that proves an individual has the knowledge and skills to manage food safety in restaurants, schools, hospitals, or other foodservice operations. This certification is designed for restaurant owners, managers, and employees who are responsible for managing food safety in the workplace. To receive this certification, you must pass a proctored exam that covers all aspects of food safety. This certification course can be done at home or work through livestream, online, or in-person.

Chefs preparing salad.

What Is a ServSafe® Food Handler Certification?

The ServSafe® Food Handler Certification can be done at home or work through livestream, online, or in-person. This course is for food handlers such as waitstaff, cooks, and dishwashers. This certification proves that you have the knowledge and skills to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses in the workplace. To receive this certification, you must pass a test that covers basic food safety concepts.

Preparing food on a food truck.

Which Course Do I Need?

So, which course do you need for your business? The answer depends on who is responsible for food safety in your establishment. If you are a restaurant owner, manager, or employee and are responsible for food safety, then you need the ServSafe® Food Manager Course. If you are not a manager but still an individual who will be handling the food in your establishment, then you need the ServSafe® Food Handler Course.

Selling hamburgers at a festival.

Benefits of Taking Our ServSafe® Certification Courses

Participating in one of our ServSafe® Certfication courses at Raise-The-Grade® has many benefits, including:

  • Learning about food safety from experienced instructors with over 125 years of combined experience
  • Receiving a nationally recognized certification that is valid for five years, or a food handler certificate of completion that is valid for 3 years
  • Having access to our course materials online and offline
  • Being able to retake the course at no additional cost
  • Receiving a certificate upon successful completion of the course

Ensure your business complies with food safety regulations! Sign up for your ServSafe® Food Manager or ServSafe® Food Handler certification courses through Raise-The-Grade® today.