Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

ANSI - Accredited Food Handler Certificate

Credential Name	ANSI - Accredited Food Handler Certificate
Credential Vendor Info	eFoodHandler Anjani Kelm anjani.kelm@certus.com 503.729.5667 https://www.efoodhandlers.com/eFoodSchools/?Site=ncFoodhandlers schoolservices@efoodhandlers.com 503.726.1076, Option 2 Safe Plates Scott Bailey sbailey@diversyslearning.com OR support@myvlp.com https://www.ncstate.myvlp.com/ ServSafe Lauren Robin Manager, K-12 Sales Academic Market 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3600 \| Chicago, IL 60606-6383 lrobin@restaurant.org 312.627.2424 https://ahlei.servsafebrands.com/training-and-certification-overview
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	FN41 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate OR Score List report
Credential Lead Consultant	Gwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	FN41 Food and Nutrition I
Credential as POL	FN41 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Food and Nutrition (FONU) Food Products and Processing Systems (FPPR)
Cost of Instructor Training	eFoodHandler N/A Supplemental training materials will be provided based on the program subscription. Safe Plates $0.00 ServSafe N/A Instructor training is not required. The online course and exam are self-paced. If an instructor would like complimentary resource materials, the instructor can register to become a Food Handler instructor.
Instructor Training Requirements	eFoodHandler Available Supplemental training materials will be provided based on the program subscription. Safe Plates Available Review Safe Plates Teacher Guide. ServSafe Required Register online to be an instructor. https://www.servsafe.com/Instructors-Proctors
Exam Voucher Expiration	eFoodHandler After 1 year if not assigned to a student and 1 year after assignment to a student Safe Plates 1 year ServSafe For online course/exam, expiration date is 12 months of purchase. Once course voucher is activated, course expires 60 days after it is started. Booklet course/paper exams do not expire.
Credential Lifespan	eFoodHandler 3 years Safe Plates Up to 3 years Check with the local health department or regulatory agency to see how often recertification is needed. ServSafe 3 years
Renewal Options	eFoodHandler Yes Retake after 5 years Safe Plates Yes Take and pass the Food Handler Certification Exam ServSafe Yes Retake after 5 years
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Dietetic Technicians (29-2051)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	eFoodHandler No Safe Plates No ServSafe No
Employer Transferability	eFoodHandler Yes Safe Plates Yes A Food Handler certification is not required nationally. Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. However, this certification is recognized where it is required. ServSafe Yes
Delivery Format	eFoodHandler On-line Safe Plates On-line ServSafe On-line or Paper/pencil Bundles cannot be separate. For the online course, there is an online exam at the end. For the booklet course, there is a paper exam included.
Proctored Environment Required	eFoodHandler No Safe Plates No ServSafe No
Proctored Requirements	eFoodHandler N/A Safe Plates N/A ServSafe https://www.servsafe.com/Instructors-Proctors
Test Site Options and Requirements	eFoodHandler None Safe Plates Any electronic device can be used. ServSafe None
Testing Environment Requirements	eFoodHandler N/A Safe Plates No specific requirements required. ServSafe N/A
Exam Time Allotment	eFoodHandler Exam is not timed. Safe Plates Exam is not timed. ServSafe 2.5 hours
Exam Passing Requirement	eFoodHandler Complete online modules and pass the exam with a 70% or higher. Safe Plates Scaled score of 75 or higher ServSafe Go through the online modules or through teacher-led course and pass the exam.
Retakes	eFoodHandler Yes Students have two attempts to pass. Safe Plates Yes The exam can be retaken twice. If the student fails twice, they must retake the course. ServSafe Yes Online course/exams have up to three times to take the exam. Booklet course/paper exams have one chance. If first exam is failed, a second exam can be taken, which results in using an additional exam sheet at cost.
Student Accommodations	eFoodHandler Yes Follow student testing accommodations in IEP or 504 plan. Closed captioning and read-aloud available. Other accommodations available upon request. Safe Plates No There are no special accommodations. ServSafe Yes Follow student testing accommodations in IEP or 504 plan. Accomodations form: https://views.paperflite.com/assets/63f3c3b5d8f2bb607f6b81c6?utm_source=Paperflite%20Link
Multilingual Resources*	eFoodHandler Yes Exam and resources are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Tagalog, and Serbo-Croatian. Safe Plates Yes Exams are offered in English and Spanish. ServSafe Yes Online course/exam has an option to choose languages such as English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese before course starts. Booklet course/paper exam has a language option of English or Spanish.
Directory Notes	eFoodHandler None Safe Plates Food Handler Portal: NCstate-foodhandler.myvlp.com ServSafe None

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.