Food Safety Training
Ohio State University Extension offers three different food safety trainings - manager, person in charge, and food handler.
Food Safety Manager Training 
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 17,18 & 19, 2026 with proctored exam on February 20, 2026. Register here for 2026 ServSafe Manager Training. Registration deadline is February 9, 2026. 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 
Ohio State University Extension’s “Ohio Person in Charge: Know and Show” course will be offered October 9 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. both classed will be held 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 2025 Person in Charge Training. Registration deadline is October 2, 2025. 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)
Step 1: Sign up for the course by calling or emailing:
Caitlin Smith
(740) 489-5300
Step 2: You will pay for the course either at the OSU Guernsey County Extension office or by going online http://go.osu.edu/guernseyextensionpayment. Please type "TAP and ServSafe Exam" as the item/service.
Step 3: Once payment has been received you will be contacted via the email address provided with your username and access code for the TAP series Food Protection Manager training.
Step 4: Schedule* proctored exam. ServSafe Exam Proctoring Service (no class): - Cost of $80 (includes an exam, proctoring fee, and application to Ohio Department of Health). Payment is required at the time of scheduling to ensure the scheduled date.
*Schedule an exam by contacting Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Caitlin Smith, via email or by calling 740-489-5300. Please plan for a 2-3 week lead time in availability to schedule a proctored exam.
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.