The Food Manager Certification is a mandatory requirement for anyone working in the food industry, from chefs to managers, in many states. The certification ensures that individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. In the past, ServSafe was the go-to brand of exams for the Food Manager Certification. However, in recent years, new brands have emerged, and now two brands, ServSafe and Always Food Safe, have been approved in every state.

Both ServSafe and Always Food Safe meet the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for Food Manager Certification requirements, meaning that they are equivalent in compliance to regulators. This ensures that no matter which brand of exam a test-taker chooses, they will be meeting the necessary requirements to work in the food industry.

While both brands are equivalent in compliance, they do offer different benefits to test-takers. ServSafe is a well-known and established brand, with a strong reputation in the industry. It is recognized by many employers and offers a variety of resources for exam prep, such as textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.

Always Food Safe, on the other hand, is a newer brand that offers a unique benefit to test-takers. If a test-taker does not pass the exam on the first attempt, they are allowed to take the exam again for free. This can provide peace of mind for test-takers who may be nervous about the exam or who want to ensure that they pass on the first attempt.

ATC Food Safety, a leading provider of food safety training and certification, now offers both ServSafe and Always Food Safe exams. This means that test-takers can choose the brand that best suits their needs and preferences, and be assured that they are meeting the necessary requirements for the Food Manager Certification.

In addition to the exam itself, ATC Food Safety also offers an exam prep class that prepares test-takers for both ServSafe and Always Food Safe exams. This class covers all the necessary topics for the Food Manager Certification, including foodborne illnesses, personal hygiene, time and temperature control, and more.



In conclusion, the approval of new brands for the Food Manager Certification offers test-takers more options and flexibility in choosing an exam that suits their needs. Both ServSafe and Always Food Safe are equivalent in compliance to regulators, but offer different benefits to test-takers. ATC Food Safety offers both exams and an exam prep class, ensuring that test-takers are well-prepared for the certification exam, no matter which brand they choose.