Servsafe Certification on Resume

What Is Servsafe Certification

The ServSafe Certification is a food safety and sanitation certification program administered by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF). IT validates essential knowledge in areas such as foodborne illness prevention, hazard analysis, and safe food handling practices. This certification holds significant importance in the food service industry, ensuring that professionals maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.

Prerequisites for obtaining a ServSafe Certification may include completion of an accredited training program or self-study materials provided by the NRAEF. However, no formal experience is required. The certification remains valid for three years, after which renewal is necessary to maintain its status. Estimated preparation time varies but can be completed within a few weeks with focused study. The difficulty level depends on one's prior knowledge and understanding of food safety principles.

Should I Include Servsafe Certification on Resume?

Including the ServSafe Certification on your resume is highly recommended, particularly if you are targeting positions in the food service or hospitality industry. The value of this certification depends on your career stage and geographical location. Fresh graduates can leverage this credential to demonstrate their commitment to food safety practices from the start of their careers. For seasoned professionals, IT underscores their ongoing dedication to maintaining industry-standard best practices.

If you have recently obtained the ServSafe Certification, make sure to highlight IT prominently on your resume. In instances where multiple certifications are relevant, prioritize those most applicable to the position you're pursuing.

Hiring Managers And Servsafe Certification on Resume

Hiring managers value the ServSafe Certification as evidence of a candidate's commitment to food safety standards and professional development. Specific skills associated with this credential include:

• Foodborne illness prevention strategies
• Proper sanitation techniques
• Safe food handling procedures
• Hazard analysis and risk management

In various sectors of the food service industry, ServSafe Certification is widely recognized as a reliable indicator of a candidate's competency in these areas. By holding this certification, you set yourself apart from competitors who may not have pursued such training.

IT's essential to be aware that a lack of ServSafe Certification could potentially raise concerns for some hiring managers, particularly in regions with stringent food safety regulations.

How to List Servsafe Certification on Resume

To properly list the ServSafe Certification on your resume:

• Use a consistent format such as: ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager, National Restaurant Association
• Include your certification number (e.g., #1234567) if space allows and IT is requested by the position.
• Note expiration/renewal dates: e.g., Valid through: [Expiration Date]
• Include the certifying organization (National Restaurant Association) for clarity.
• If you are pursuing an in-progress certification, list IT under "Certifications (In Progress)" with a clear indication that IT's not yet complete.

Examples:

• ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager #1234567, National Restaurant Association (Valid through: 2025)
• ServSafe Certification (In Progress), National Restaurant Association

Where to List Servsafe Certification on Resume

The optimal section for listing the ServSafe Certification on your resume depends on its relevance to the position you're applying for:

• Create a dedicated certifications section and list all relevant credentials there.
• If the certification is directly related to the role, include IT in the summary or professional experience sections as well.
• In cases where multiple certifications are relevant, prioritize those most closely related to the position you're pursuing. Place the ServSafe Certification near the top of the certifications section or in a more prominent location if applicable.

Examples of How to List Servsafe Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Certifications Servsafe Certification, the certifying organization, Month Year-Month Year+2, Current

This format is suitable for technical resumes where the focus lies on professional certifications and technical skills. By listing all relevant certifications together, IT allows recruiters to quickly identify the candidate's expertise and knowledge in specific areas.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education & Certifications Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management, University Name, Graduation Date Servsafe Certification, the certifying organization, Month Year-Month Year+2, Current

For recent graduates, IT is beneficial to combine educational degrees and professional certifications into one section. This approach allows recruiters to easily assess both the candidate's academic achievements and professional competencies in a single glance.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications Servsafe Certification, the certifying organization, Month Year-Month Year+2, Current Food Protection Manager Certificate (FPMC), National Restaurant Association, Month Year-Month Year+2, Current

Some resumes may choose to have a dedicated section for certifications. This format is suitable for candidates with multiple relevant certifications they want to highlight. By separating the certifications into their own section, IT ensures that recruiters can easily find and assess the candidate's professional achievements in this area.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills & Certifications Servsafe Certification, the certifying organization, Month Year-Month Year+2, Current HACCP Principles and Practices (Level 1), International HACCP Alliance, Month Year-Month Year+2, Current

A skills-first resume format focuses on showcasing the candidate's abilities and accomplishments before delving into their work history. By listing the Servsafe Certification alongside other relevant skills and certifications, IT allows recruiters to quickly understand the candidate's skillset and level of expertise. In this example, the certifications are listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent ones first.