Food Safety Training
Everyone consumes food. Knowing how to prepare it safely, whether it is at home for your family, or in a business that prepares foods for others, food safety is key to preventing food-borne illnesses. Statistically 1 in 6 Americans experience some type of food-borne illness each year. The FDA states, “While the American food supply is among the safest in the world, the Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of food-borne illnesses annually. And each year these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.” Food safety training could protect others from food poisoning and ingredient contamination. It can also prevent allergic reactions by preventing cross-contact. Nebraska Extension offers various food safety trainings for anyone that prepares food for others.
ServSafe® Certification in Southwest Three
ServSafe® Food Handler Class 2026
Download the Flyer
Online Registration
This course is certified by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. ServSafe is the food service industry’s premier food safety training and certification course. ServSafe Food Handlers Class is good for two years, and recommended for all types of food handlers, both commercial and non-commercial. The class consists of five sections: Basic Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross-Contamination and Allergens, Time and Temperature, and Cleaning and Sanitation. During the class, a short test will be administered, and you will be able to go to www.servsafe.com to download or share your certificate.
Fee: $35 per person
Class Schedule:
- March 2 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. MT - Imperial
- April 13 - 1:00 p.m.-5:00 pm CT - McCook
Approximate Duration: 4 Hours
Interested in staff-wide training? Contact us for on-site and flexible training options.
ServSafe® Manager Training 2026
Download the Flyer
Online Registration
A Food Safety Training and Certification Program from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. ServSafe is the food service industry’s premier food safety training and certification course. It is recognized by more federal, state and local health jurisdictions than any other food safety training program in the United States. The ServSafe course is recommended for all types of food service managers, both commercial and non-commercial.
Fee: $150 per person
Class Schedule:
- February 23 - 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT - McCook
- March 23 & 24 - 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CT - McCook (Must Attend Both Days)
- April 20 - 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT - Cambridge
Approximate Duration: 8 Hours
Things to Note:
- You will receive the most current edition of the ServSafe® Manager Course book for your establishment, as part of the in-person workshops.
- This workshop is a fast-paced overview of the course book. Reviewing the book prior to the class will give you the best chance for success on the exam.
- Course books may be picked up at the Extension Office, during regular business hours. Or Mailed prior to the course
- You will take a 90-question test for National Certification.
- The class is taught in English - contact us a month in advance if you need a book or test in an alternate language.
Online ServSafe®
Nebraska Extension is qualified to administer the ServSafe® Manager Online Exam by appointment only.
The ServSafe® Manager exam is a 90-question, multiple choice test that covers food safety topics. This certification verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness.
*You MUST have a registered proctor to administer the exam. You may not administer the exam to yourself.
Fee: $80, includes online test seat and proctor fee
Time: During regular business hours.
For fee information or to make an appointment for a testing time, contact Baleigh Lashley, registered proctor at 308-334-5666
