How to Get a Food Safety Certification in The U.S.
In the US, most state authorities require food service business owners and employees to have valid food safety certifications. These vital documents prove that the holders are familiar with the key fundamentals of food safety, such as maintaining proper hygiene, handling allergens, and preventing foodborne diseases.
Without valid food safety certification, you can’t legally work in the food sector or run a food service business. If you plan to join the food sector as an employee or business owner, the first thing you should do is get certification. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the Type of Certification You Need
There are different types of food safety certifications from HACCP to ServSafe, and the NRFSP food protection manager certification. Each one of these will be more appropriate than the other in different situations. Therefore, you should determine the right certification depending on your role and your region’s mandates.
Some of the factors that will guide you in your decision include product coverage, regulatory requirements, market demand, and more. Take as much time as you need to do your research to ensure you get the best certification for your case.
Step 2: Find an Accredited Provider
Most state laws require food handlers to be certified by accredited institutions. Don’t get your certificate or permit from a non-accredited service provider because employers and local authorities won’t accept it.
This means the certificate will not help you get a job or start a business and might expose you to legal problems, fines, and many other issues. You want to choose a premium food safety certification course from an accredited provider like RocketCert to ensure you get the best chance and stand out as a credible establishment or employee.
Step 3: Complete the Required Course
The next step after finding the right course would be to complete it. The best providers today offer online courses, so you don’t need to halt other facets of your life. You can learn and train anytime you wish, from wherever you are, whether relaxing at home, travelling to work, etc. Pay close attention to all crucial topics, like the basics of personal hygiene, foodborne illnesses, and cross-contamination prevention.
Step 4: Pass the Exam
After completing the right course, you can take your certification exam. Its primary role is to vet your understanding of key concepts, so make sure to spend as much time as you can on your course. If you opt for an online course, you more than likely will have the option to take your exam online.
You should avoid any temptation to cheat in such examinations since the chances are high that you will be monitored to ensure integrity. Expect to receive your score almost instantly. If you don’t pass, you shouldn’t worry much; just start the retake process.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate
If you’ve passed your exam, you should receive a digital certificate or physical certificate within a short while. Remember, you can ask your provider to mail a physical document whenever necessary. Your certificate will augment your competence in food safety, so make sure to keep it safe. If you don’t receive it in good time, follow up with your provider’s support team.
Need Food Safety Certification? RocketCert is Here for You
Get your food safety certification from RocketCert and start your journey to working in the food sector or running a food service venture. This provider allows you to learn the basics of food safety and take the mandatory test at your discretion.
Everything is online, so you only need a strong internet connection and a digital device like a smartphone.
RocketCert’s programs and certifications are 100% state-approved, thus you can rest assured that your certification will be accepted by employers, health inspectors, and other authorities. Ready to start your journey? Contact the provider’s representatives now for more information.