Clearing Up the Confusion
If you’re a restaurant owner, manager, or food service worker in Florida, you’ve probably heard of ServSafe, but you may not be clear on how it differs from Serve It Up Safe (SIUS). The two names, among others names used among the industry, often get used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion when it comes to training, exams, and certification.
The short answer? ServSafe is the exam. Serve It Up Safe is the training provider that gets you ready to pass it.
What is ServSafe?
ServSafe is a national food safety certification program created by the National Restaurant Association (NRA). It develops the Food Manager Certification Exam and other tests that many states, including Florida, require for food safety compliance.
ServSafe provides the exam content.
While ServSafe does offer online training products, it does not host in-person classes, offer on-site training, or provide personalized ongoing compliance support.
To take the ServSafe exam, you need to register with an approved proctor which you can find on the ServSafe.com website. This is where providers like Serve It Up Safe come in.
What is Serve It Up Safe?
Serve It Up Safe (SIUS) is a Florida-based training and certification provider specializing in hospitality training and compliance. We provide comprehensive training, tools, and support you need to succeed.
Here’s what makes us different :
- Comprehensive Training : Custom, curated programs for Food Manager, Food Handler, and Responsible Vendor (Alcohol) training.
- Florida-Approved : Our food safety and alcohol training meets all state requirements.
- Flexible Options : In-person classes across Florida, private on-site training for businesses, and online learning available nationwide.
- Exam Administration : We proctor and administer the official ServSafe Food Manager Exam.
- Extra Support : Consulting, compliance guidance, and responsive customer service – services you find with many national providers.
Key Differences : ServSafe vs Serve It Up Safe
| ServSafe | Serve It Up Safe (SIUS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who They Are | Product of the National Restaurant Association | Independent, Florida-based training provider |
| What They Do | Creates exams and online training products | Provide training, proctor exams, offer consulting & support |
| Training Options | Online | In-person, private on-site, and online |
| Customer Service | Corporate call center | Local, responsive, hospitality-focused |
| Geographic Reach | National | Florida-focused in-person + Nationwide online |
| Added Value | Exam only | Training, certification, consulting, compliance support |
Why Florida Businesses Choose Serve It Up Safe
When it comes to hospitality and food safety in Florida, one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it. That’s why restaurant groups, hotels, and bars across the state choose SIUS:
- Local Expertise : We understand Florida’s state requirements and inspection expectations.
- Flexible Scheduling : Public classes across major Florida cities + private on-site options for teams.
- Hospitality Focus : We specialize in food & alcohol service training.
- Real Support : Speak to your trainer, not a call center.
Nationwide Reach
While our headquarters and core training operations are in Florida, Serve It Up Safe also offers nationwide certification solutions. With our online food handler courses and remote training options, we can serve:
- Independent restaurant owners anywhere in the U.S.
- Multi-state hospitality groups that need a single compliance partner.
- Individuals seeking an affordable, approved path to certification.
Conclusion : Exam vs Training Provider
ServSafe is the nationally recognized exam.
Serve It Up Safe is your training provider, exam proctor, and compliance partner – especially for food & alcohol safety training in Florida.
If you’re looking for food safety training, alcohol certification, or ServSafe exam proctoring, Serve It Up Safe gives you the tools to succeed.
Ready to book your next class? Explore our Food Manager, Food Handler, or Responsible Vendor training programs today. Contact us or view our training options on our website.