Food Safety Training

Ohio State University Extension offers three different food safety trainings - manager, person in charge, and food handler

2025 Food Safety Trainings Brochure

Food Safety Manager Training      ServSafe Logo

ServSafe® Manager Training has become the industry standard in food-safety training and is accepted in almost all U.S. jurisdictions that require employee certification. Manager Training meets Ohio Department of Health Manager in Food Protection Certification requirements.  The Manager Training program provides food service managers, operators, and owners with accurate, up-to-date information on all aspects of handling food, from receiving and storing to preparing and serving.  Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from ServSafe® and an Ohio Food Protection Certificate from Ohio Department of Health. The next training in Guernsey County will be February 25, 26, and 27 with proctored exam on February 28. Register here for 2025 ServSafe Manager Training. Please contact Caitlin Mathews-Smith at OSU Extension Guernsey County at 740-489-5300 or mathews-smith.1@osu.edu for other training options.

Person-in-Charge Training Dolls that are painted scarlet and gray. They serve as the mascots for this class.

Ohio State University Extension’s “Ohio Person in Charge: Know and Show” course will be offered Wednesday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at OSU Guernsey Extension, 335B Old National Road, Old Washington, OH 43768. The newly released training meets Ohio Department of Health Person-In-Charge (PIC) Certification in Food Protection requirements by providing safe food handling education for food service employees as well as those opening an establishment for the first time. This training uses a variety of engaging activities and discussion to enhance understanding of major food safety principles. Food service employees will be able to demonstrate knowledge to foodborne illness prevention by learning topics including personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, cross contamination, proper cooking and holding of food, and facilities management. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive Person-in-Charge Certification in Food Protection recognized by the Ohio Department of Health. Register here for May 2025 Person in Charge Training. Please contact OSU Extension at 740-489-5300 or mathews-smith.1@osu.edu for more information. 

Food Handler Training

Employee Training is a 3-hour basic food safety training. This does not meet any Ohio Department of Health Training Requirements for food service employees.

The ServSafe® Food Handler Training enhances employee understanding of major food safety principles: time and temperature abuse, cross-contamination, and personal hygiene. The program includes a National Restaurant Association Education Foundation handbook, several hands-on activities, and a Certificate of Completion.

There is no Food Handler training scheduled at this time, but these can easily be scheduled upon request. Please contact Caitlin Mathews-Smith at mathews-smith.1@osu.edu or 740-489-5300 for details. 

Online Training Through ServSafe®

ServSafe® offers an online course for $153. Completion of the online course can be done at your own speed and at a time that works for you. This includes the course and an exam voucher code. Register for Online Training and Exam (Total of $178 when proctor services are obtained through OSU Extension for $25.)

Proctoring Services

Caitlin Mathews-Smith is a certified proctor for ServSafe® Manager Examinations. There is a $25 fee for this service when you have your own online exam access code. The fee is $60 if you need proctoring service ($25) as well as an online exam access code ($35) or certified written exam answer sheet ($35). Please contact Caitlin at 740-489-5300 or mathews-smith.1@osu.edu to schedule a time for a proctored exam.