Hey, Lemme Axya Somethin...

Business By KidMcWonder Updated 6 Jun 2009 , 12:25am by kakeladi

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KidMcWonder Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 8:33pm
post #1 of 10

I saw an ad posted on Craigslist that was for a certification course in the restaurant industry. It was called ServSafe. I emailed the lady and told her of my hopes and dreams of one day running a home bakery (in TN), and asked if this would be the kind of certification I would need.

She wrote back and said yes, it was the industry standard certification course, and it would also look good if I took out a business loan.

I just wanted to ask all of you's who are certified if this was a course you took, or if this could be something fishy. It's $100 for the class/test, and I have to buy the book, too. I just wanted to make sure it's legit.

TIA!

9 replies
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cylstrial Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 8:42pm
post #2 of 10

I'm pretty sure that it's legitimate. It's listed on our Health Dept's website as a class to take.

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KidMcWonder Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 8:46pm
post #3 of 10

Thanks!
I'll do some searching online to see if I can find anything on what TN dictates as far as food safety. It seems like the representatives I've called or emailed asking these questions are too busy to respond...

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MnSnow Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 8:47pm
post #4 of 10

It is something you need to take, however I have never heard of them being advertised on craigslist. I would check with either your dept of health or agriculture to make sure their an apporved class. I know here, the class had to be given by approved vendors.

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Deb_ Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 9:06pm
post #5 of 10

I took it and it wasn't $100 it was $20..........maybe $100 is the craigslist price icon_confused.gif

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aundron Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 9:15pm
post #6 of 10

Google Tennesse Dept. of Agriculture; then look under domestic kitchen and look for the name "Ron Murphy"; he should be able to help you out.

The class I took cost $100.00

HTH

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Mindy1975 Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 11:11pm
post #7 of 10

Yes, the whole Serve Safe class is the real deal. But depending on what state you live in......that is not the only thing you need to have a certified kitchen, as far as paperwork goes. I took the Serve Safe class at my local community college, which was $100 for the class, and $85 for the book. After I took the class, the state of Illinois sent me their state permit form to fill out and it cost $35.00 and then I also have to pay my county $150 a year, for the county permit. Those serve safe class and the state permit are good for 5 years. I don't have to take the serve safe test anymore either. You just have to go sit in a class for 5 hours every 5 years. and it costs around $40 for that renewal every 5 years. I have heard that you can take a cheaper course through your health dept. I didn't know that at the time. I just wanted to get it done as soon as possible at the time. Hope this helps!

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-Tubbs Posted 5 Jun 2009 , 11:24pm
post #8 of 10

Where I am, it's a Food Safe course (2 days for $125), and it is ONLY run by the Health Department. I'd check this out a little more - the Craigslist thing smells a bit fishy.

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leah_s Posted 6 Jun 2009 , 12:19am
post #9 of 10

ServeSafe is a Food Sanitation/Food Handler Course. Yes it's the industry standard - for Safe Food Handling, not for anything else. It's excellent, but its only one small part of your culinary education.

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kakeladi Posted 6 Jun 2009 , 12:25am
post #10 of 10

Leahs said: ... Yes it's the industry standard - for Safe Food Handling, not for anything else. It's excellent, but its only one small part of your culinary education.........

So true. Also it covers *all* kinds of food.........meats, fresh fish, etc etc. It is a must (I think) in all states now. pricing does vary.

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