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The Credentialing Program of the School Nutrition Association was created to enhance the professional image of school foodservice & nutrition professionals. A key purpose of the School Nutrition Association is to develop and encourage the highest standards and provide education programs for professional development of school food and nutrition personnel. The Credentialing Program includes standards for academic and specialized training, knowledge and skills.

Benefits of Becoming Credentialed

Click here for a PowerPoint Presentation on Certification & Credentialing

• Formal recognition of professional achievement at a national level
• Professional recognition from subordinates, peers and superiors
• Increased self-esteem and pride in one’s work
• Increased ability to manage a complex foodservice operation
• Demonstration of commitment to one’s chosen profession
• More credibility with school district administrators and the general public
• Career opportunities

SNS Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for credentialing and take the national examination, applicants must meet the following minimum prerequisites

• Associate's Degree or education equivalent (60 college semester hours)
• One year of experience in school foodservice and nutrition in the past five years at the school, district, college/university, state or federal levels. Trainers and consultants working in the industry and those who work in community nutrition programs are also eligible.
• Thirty semester hours of specialized training beyond an Associate's Degree in foodservice management, business, nutrition or related field. One year of work experience at a supervisor/director level in child nutrition programs may be substituted for each ten-semester hours of specialized training.

Participation in the credentialing program is voluntary and open to anyone working in the school foodservice and nutrition industry. Those who do not meet the prerequisites to take the credentialing exam can choose to be certified through SNA's certification program. Membership in SNA is not mandatory to become credentialed; however, nonmembers will pay a higher fee than members.

Credentialing Exam

The Credentialing Program entails the passing of a standardized national examination. The credentialing examination tests candidates on knowledge and skills directly related to job activities. The knowledge and skills that will be tested are based on the practice study the National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI) completed in 1996. The survey was a comprehensive delineation of the functions and tasks that are performed on the job and of the underlying knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be able to accomplish those tasks effectively. The examination covers eight broad areas of knowledge, skills, and practices relevant to effective school foodservice & nutrition management.

Click here for Credentialing Handbook

The exam will be offered at SNA's Annual National Conference (held each year in July) and at other locations throughout the year. Please visit the SNA website to learn more:  www.schoolnutrition.org/Credentialing  or contact Diane R. Edwards at 860-253-6509.