The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) requires that every retail foodservice operation have at least one employee who holds a “nationally recognized food safety manager certification” such as ServSafe®. Further, a certified person must be available during all hours of the operation (they do not need to be present, but accessible). To receive and maintain certification all individuals are required to pass a certification exam every five (5) years.

The TAP Online Food Safety Certification Course, offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension, is for individuals preparing for the exam. After completing the online course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam with a score of 75% or higher, participants will receive a ServSafe® certificate, which meets the PDA requirement for food safety certification. This certification is valid for 5 years.

This course offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension will help your establishment fulfill this PDA requirement for certification. If you are uncertain as to whether you need certification, contact your regional PDA office.
 
Food Safety eLearning Program

• Provides a self-paced learning experience from work or home.
• Interactive online learning. 
• Training includes colorful graphics, animations, full-motion video, audio, and interactive learning exercises.  Practice exam to prepare learner for the certification exam.
• Certification exam is a proctored exam and fulfills the PDA Food Employee Certification requirement with a passing score of 75% or higher. 
• Program must be completed within 6 months from the date registrant is enrolled by the instructor. 
• Available in English and Spanish.

• The Need for Food Safety Training
• Foodborne Illness 
• Hygiene, Health & Food Safety
• Flow of Food: Purchasing, Receiving, Storing, Preparing, Cooking and Serving
• Environment: Equipment, Cleaning, Sanitizing, Pest Control and Facilities
• The HACCP System

• Windows 7, 2000, XP or Vista or Mac OS
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Firefox 2, Safari (Mac)
• 512 MB memory 
• Flash Player version 9 (Flash will update itself if necessary)
• High Speed Internet, DSL, Cable, Wireless or any other broadband connection
• Multi-media support (speakers, printer)

• Upon registration, learner will receive an email with a link to the training program and a username & password.
• Learner has 6 months to complete the program from date of enrollment.
• Learner must pass a proctored exam with a score of 75% or higher to earn a ServSafe® food safety certificate.
• Exams are held at the Extension Office unless other arrangements are made.
• Learner is responsible for scheduling an exam 2 weeks in advance.
• Learner must present their printed TAP Certificate of Completion and a photo ID for entrance to the exam.

1. I am comfortable using a computer.
2. I have reliable Internet access.
3. I will have ready access to a computer when it is convenient for me to study.
4. I learn best by reading and hearing information.
5. I will set aside time on a regular basis in order to complete the program in the allotted time.
6. I learn best on my own without additional teacher or student interaction or assistance.

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, please contact an Extension Educator before registering.