SNA STATE AFFILIATE
PROGRAM APPROVAL GUIDE
Revised November 2014. ©Copyright 2010-2014 by the School Nutrition Association. All rights reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Core Courses ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Core Course Approval Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 3
Denying Core Courses .............................................................................................................................. 4
Key Area Programs ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Key Area Program Approval Guidelines ................................................................................................... 5
Listing of Courses by Key Area.................................................................................................................. 7
Denying Key Area Programs ..................................................................................................................... 8
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) ............................................................................................................... 9
CEU Approval Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 9
CEU Suggestion Table ............................................................................................................................. 11
Denying CEUs.......................................................................................................................................... 12
Individual Responsibilities for Maintaining CEUs........................................................................................ 13
Individual’s General CEU Guidelines ...................................................................................................... 14
CEU Documentation for Audits .............................................................................................................. 14
Forms .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Core Course Approval Form ................................................................................................................... 16
Sample Key Area Program Approval Form ............................................................................................. 18
Key Area Program Certificate Template ................................................................................................. 21
Key Area Webinar Proof of Attendance Template ................................................................................. 22
Sample CEU Approval Form.................................................................................................................... 23
Sample Attendance Roster for CEUs ...................................................................................................... 25
CEU Certificate Template ....................................................................................................................... 27
CEU Webinar Proof of Attendance Template......................................................................................... 28
FAQs – Certification & Credentialing Program ........................................................................................... 29
2
CORE REQUIREMENT COURSES
 Core Courses are required at all levels of SNA’s Certification Program:


10 hour SNA-Approved Nutrition Education Core Course
10 hour SNA-Approved Food Safety & Sanitation Core Course
 To view the listing of SNA-Approved Core Courses please visit,
www.schoolnutrition.org/certification, and select “SNA Approved Nutrition Education &
Food Safety & Sanitation Core Courses”
 Core Courses can also be used for certification and credentialing renewal CEUs.
 For initial certification, Core Courses cannot date back further than 5 years of the
application date.
 Individuals can enroll in both Nutrition Education and Food Safety & Sanitation Core
Courses online via SNA’s School Nutrition University at www.snuniversity.org.
CORE COURSE APPROVAL GUIDELINES

All Core Courses must be approved by SNA Headquarters.

SNA is responsible for tracking approved Core Courses.

Core Courses must be at least 10 hours of active instructional time (does not include
registration time or breaks)

Core Courses can be broken down into modules (i.e. two 5 hour sessions = 10 hours or four
2 hour sessions = 10 hours).

State affiliates, third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school
districts must submit to SNA the Core Course Approval Form (see Core Course Approval
Form on Page 16 & 17)

State affiliates, third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school
districts must provide to SNA course materials that will be helpful in course evaluation,
including course objectives, presentations, manuals, videos, scripts, course syllabus, etc.

SNA will review the request for acceptance as a Core Course. If approved, SNA will send
notification via email and send a template of the certificate of completion.

State affiliates, third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school
districts must provide each course attendee with a certificate of completion.

Individuals seeking certification are responsible for submitting the certificate of completion
when applying for initial certification or moving levels.
3

SNA will add the approved Core Course in the database.

Core Course approval will be good for 5 years from the date of approval.

State affiliates, third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school
districts must submit updated course information to SNA every five years.

SNA will notify state affiliates, third party associations, industry members, individuals,
chapters and school districts when their course is up for “re-validation”.
Core Course applications will be denied for the following reasons:

SNA does not receive enough background or content information to evaluate the course.

The course was not related directly to Nutrition Education or Food Safety & Sanitation.

The course was not a minimum of 10 hours of instructional time.
4
KEY AREA PROGRAMS
 Initial certification for Level 2 and Level 3 requires Key Area programs.
 Key Area programs can also be used for certification and credentialing renewal CEUs.
 For initial certification, Key Area Courses cannot date back further than 5 years of the
application date.
KEY AREA PROGRAM APPROVAL GUIDELINES
State Affiliates should follow the following general guidelines for reviewing educational
activities for Key Area programs:

State Affiliate developed programs such as State Affiliate pre-conference sessions,
programs, webinars, and online courses do not require approval by SNA Headquarters.

State Affiliates are able to approve in-state Key Area programs offered by third party
associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts.

Third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts
offering Key Area programs within a state must receive approval from the SNA State
Affiliate. For example, if a local distributor, food broker, registered dietician, fire
department, or association wants to offer Key Area Hours for a program in your state they
must request approval from the state affiliate.

Third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts
offering Key Area programs in more than one state or an annual conference must receive
approval from SNA Headquarters. For example if a local distributor, food broker, registered
dietician, fire department, or association wants to offer the program in more than one state
or nationwide, they will have to request approval from SNA headquarters.

Third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts
seeking approval for programs offering Key Area Hours must complete and submit the Key
Area Program Approval Form (see Sample Key Area Program Approval Form on Page 18 20).

All Key Area programs must be approved before the activity takes place.

SNA Approved Education Providers are organizations that are able to approve their own
developed programs and offer Key Area Hours. Those providers are:
o School Nutrition Association (SNA)
o School Nutrition Foundation (SNF)
o SNA State Affiliates
o State Agencies – State Department of Education (DOE)
o US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
o National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI)
o Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
o Dietary Managers Association (DMA)
5

Key Area programs must be at least 2 hours of active instructional time (does not include
registration time, meals or breaks)

Key Area programs can be broken down into modules/bundles (i.e. two 60 minute sessions = 2
hours or three 60 minute sessions = 3 hours).

Key Area programs need to be in line with the Keys to Excellence: (see the Listing of
Courses by Key Area on Page 7).
Key Area 1 - Operations
Key Area 2 – Nutrition, Nutrition Education and Physical Activity
Key Area 3 – Administration
Key Area 4 – Marketing and Communications

Third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts must
provide the State Affiliate with program materials that will be helpful in program
evaluation, including program objectives, presentations, manuals, videos, scripts, course
syllabus, etc.

All Key Area program approval requests submitted to the State Affiliate by a third party
association, industry member, individual, chapter or school district must include:
.
Printed Program
Program Description
Program Outline/Agenda (including timing, subject, registration, breaks,
mealtimes)
Speaker Qualifications/Degree/Current Position
Program Evaluation Form
If it’s a Home Study Course, participants must complete an evaluation
(test) that documents that the course was completed and submit it to the
educational provider.

Key Area programs can be taught by any state professional.

State Affiliates will review the request for acceptance as a Key Area program.

State Affiliates will notify the third party associations, industry members, individuals,
chapters and school districts in writing or via email when the program has been approved
and provide them with a template for the certificate of completion.

Third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts must
provide each program attendee with a certificate of completion (see Key Area Program
Certificate Template on Page 21 and Key Area Webinar Proof of Attendance Template on
Page 22).

Individuals seeking certification are responsible for submitting the certificate of completion
when applying for initial certification or moving levels.
6
LISTING OF COURSES BY KEY AREA
Use this list as a guide to determine the Key Area for your program. Programs must be a minimum of 2 hours to qualify for Key Area
Hours and can be broken down into modules (two 60 minute sessions = 2 Hours or three 60 minute sessions = 3 Hours)
KEY AREA 1 - OPERATIONS
Behavior Based Safety
Blood Borne Pathogens
Commodities
CPR
Culinary Techniques
Emergency Response
Equipment
Facility Design
Farm to School
Fire Safety
Food Allergy
Food and Beverage Control
Food Bio-Security
Food Buying Guide
Food Defense
Food Handler
Food Manager Certification
Food Preparation
Food Production
Food Safety
Food Science
Garnishing
HACCP
Hand Safety
Hazard
Hazardous Materials
Inventory
Knife Safety
Menu Planning
Microbiology
Offer vs. Serve
Operations
Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)
Procurement
Purchasing
Quality Management
Quantity Food Preparation
Safe Food Handling
Safety
Sanitation
Serving It Safe
Serving Safe Food
ServSafe®
Special Diets
Standardized Recipes
Thermometers/Calibration
Weights and Measures
KEY AREA 2 - NUTRITION
All Nutrition Courses
Child Nutrition
Community Nutrition
Dietary Guidelines
Family Nutrition
Feeding Children
Food Pyramid
Fundamentals I and II
Healthy Eating
Healthy School Meals
Human Nutrition
MyPyramid
Nutrients
Nutrition
Nutrition 101
Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)
Personal Health
Smart Options
Step Up to the Plate
Vitamins and Nutrients
Whole Grains and Health
KEY AREA 3 - ADMINISTRATION
Absences From the Workplace
Accounting
Administration
Adult Education/Teaching
Adult Learning Principles
Auditing
Budget
Business
Cashiering
Computer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Computer Software
Conflict Management
Cost Management
Database
Dealing With Difficult People
Delegating/Empowering
Disability in the Workplace
Discrimination in the Workplace
Diversity
Drug Free Workplace
Economics
Employee Concerns
Employee Retention
Ethics
Excel
Facilitation Skills
Finance
Foodservice Management
Grant Writing
Human Relations
Human Resource
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership
Legislature
Management
Negotiating/Resolution
Organizational Management
Payroll
Personal Computer
Personnel Management
Professional Development
Record Keeping
Regulations
Sexual Harassment
Stress Management
Supervising
Team Management
Time Management
Violence in the Workplace
Wellness
Windows
Word
KEY AREA 4 - COMMUNICATIONS/MARKETING
Advertising
All Foreign Languages
Business Writing
Communications
Customer Service
English Composition
Focus on the Customer
Fuel Up To Play 60
Marketing
Media Management
Merchandising
Oral Communication
Promotion
Public Affairs
Public Relations
Public Speaking
Sign Language
Social Media
Speech
7
Key Area program applications can be denied by the State Affiliates for the
following reasons:

State Affiliate did not receive enough background or content information to evaluate the
program.

The program was not related directly to the Keys to Excellence:
o
o
o
o
Key Area 1 – Operations
Key Area 2 – Nutrition, Nutrition Education and Physical Activity
Key Area 3 – Administration
Key Area 4 – Marketing and Communications

The program was not a minimum of 2 hours of instructional time.

The program does not follow within the perimeters of SNA’s mission, vision and goals.

If the application is denied, the third party association, industry member, individual,
chapter or school district is able to submit the missing documentation for further review by
the State Affiliate.

Third party associations, industry members, individuals, chapters and school districts are
not able to bypass the State Affiliate’s decision to deny approval by submitting their
application to SNA Headquarters.
8
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs)
 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can only be used for certification and credentialing
renewal.
 CEUs cannot be used for “initial” certification.
 SNA utilizes a random audit system for certification and credential renewals.
o Certification renewals are annual.
o Credential renewals are every 3 years.
o Individuals are responsible for maintaining their own CEU records.
o Individuals will only have to submit CEU documentation to SNA if audited.
o SNA will no longer maintain CEU information in the database, except for SNA
sponsored activities (i.e. NLC, ANC, CNIC, LAC, SNA Webinars, School Nutrition
Magazine PDAs)
CEU APPROVAL GUIDELINES
State Affiliates should follow the following general guidelines for reviewing educational
activities for CEUs:

State Affiliate developed activities such as State Affiliate conferences, programs, webinars,
and online courses do not require CEU approval by SNA Headquarters.

State Affiliates are not required to maintain individual CEU records.

Third party associations, industry members and individuals offering CEUs within a state
must receive approval from SNA State Affiliate. District and chapter meetings do not require
approval for CEUs by the State Affiliate.

Third party associations, industry members and individuals offering CEUs in more than one
state or annual conferences must receive approval from SNA Headquarters.

All educational activities for CEUs must be approved before the activity takes place.

CEUs are earned for participating in job related activities such as conferences, workshops,
online courses, webinars, or in-service trainings that provide ongoing job-related
professional development.

Exhibits, tours, food shows and tradeshows qualify for 1 CEU only (see CEU Suggestion
Table on Page 11).

CEUs must be at least 1 hour of active instructional time (does not include registration time
or breaks)

CEUs can be broken down into modules and bundled (i.e. four 15 minute sessions or two 30
minute sessions)
9

Third party associations, industry members and individuals seeking CEUs for programs they
developed must complete and submit the CEU Program Approval Form (see Sample CEU
Program Approval Form on Page 23 - 24).

SNA Approved Education Providers are organizations that are able to approve their own
developed programs and offer CEUs. Those providers are:
o School Nutrition Association (SNA)
o School Nutrition Foundation (SNF)
o SNA State Affiliates
o State Agencies – State Department of Education (DOE)
o US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
o National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI)
o Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
o Dietary Managers Association (DMA)

All CEU approval requests submitted to the State Affiliate by a third party association,
industry member or individual must include:
Printed Program
Program Description
Program Outline/Agenda (including timing, subject, registration, breaks,
mealtimes)
Speaker Qualifications/Degree/Current Position
Program Evaluation Form
Note: If it’s a Home Study Course, participants must complete an
evaluation (test) that documents that the course was completed and
submit it to the educational provider.

Third party associations, industry members and individuals should provide the State
Affiliates with program materials that will be helpful in evaluating the program such as
manuals, presentations, videos, scripts, course syllabus, etc.

State Affiliates will review the request for acceptance as a CEU program.

State Affiliates will notify the third party association, industry member and individual in
writing or via email that the program has been approved and provide them with the CEU
certificate of completion.

Third party associations, industry members and individuals must provide each program
attendee with a CEU certificate of completion (see CEU Certificate Template on Page 27
and CEU Webinar Proof of Attendance Template on Page 28).

Certified or Credentialed individuals are randomly audited by SNA and are responsible for
submitting documentation of CEUs earned.

Note that state affiliates, third party associations, industry members and individuals DO
NOT have to submit to SNA attendance rosters for programs offered. If the state affiliate,
third party association, industry member or individual wishes to maintain record of rosters
for program attendees they can use the Attendance Roster Template as a reference (see
Sample Attendance Roster on Page 25 - 26).
10
CEU SUGGESTION TABLE
CEU SUGGESTIONS
CEUs
Participate in SNA state affiliate-approved
educational programs
Attend workshops and seminars
Attend state and national conferences
Complete home study courses
Complete online courses on SNA’s School
Nutrition University at www.snuniversity.org
Complete Professional Development Articles
(PDAs) in School Nutrition magazine or state PDA’s
– www.schoolnutrition.org/pda
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Participate in study group meetings to review and
discuss at least two foodservice/managementrelated articles
Participate in Personal Wellness programs
1 CEU - Limited to 2 per year
Participate in Webinars/Satellite Teleconferences
Teach a course – first time only
Education provider determines CEU amount
Publish an article in a national journal/magazine
Attend Exhibits/Tours/Food Shows
Teach Classroom Nutrition Lesson
Participate in Back to School Workshops
Participate in Point of Sale Training
Attend Blood Borne Pathogens Workshops
Participate in Civil Rights or Diversity Training
Participate in Meal Pattern/Production Training
Participate in Offer vs. Serve Training
Hold State Leadership Position
Hold Chapter Leadership Position
Hold National Leadership Position
Planning or participating in Special Event Planning
& Implementation Workshops
Participate in School Community Open House
Participate in Technology Skill Development
Workshops
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Education provider determines CEU amount
Education provider determines CEU amount
1 CEU - Passing grade of 80%. Limited to 3
passing per year for certified professionals.
SNS professionals have no limit on the
number of CEUs earned for passing PDAs
submitted. Articles must be published within
current renewal period.
1 CEU - Limited to 1 per year (weight loss
programs should be science based programs)
2 CEUs per hour taught. First time for each
course
2 CEUs
1 CEU per year
1 CEU
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
1 CEU per year of service
1 CEU per year of service
1 CEU per year of service
1 CEU per event
1 CEU per event
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
11
CEU applications submitted by third party associations can be denied by the State
Affiliates for the following reasons:

State Affiliate did not receive enough background or content information to evaluate the
program.

The program was not a minimum of 1 hour of instructional time.

The program does not follow within the perimeters of SNA’s mission, vision and goals.

If the application is denied, the third party association, industry member or individual is
able to submit the missing documentation for further review by the state.

Third party associations, industry members and individuals are not able to bypass the
state’s decision by submitting their application to SNA Headquarters.
12
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MAINTAINING
CERTIFICATION or SNS CREDENTIAL CEUs

Level Certification is valid for one year. Individuals must complete the required
number of CEUs during their annual certification period: Level 1 = 6 CEUs, Level 2
= 12 CEUs and Level 3 = 18 CEUs.

SNS Credentialing is valid for three years. Individuals must complete 45 CEUs
during their three year SNS Credentialing period.

Three months prior to expiring, SNA will send via mail a letter and renewal form.
Individuals are responsible for renewing their level certification, Trainer
Certification or SNS Credential on time to avoid cancellation and having to re-apply.

Level Certified or SNS Credentialed professionals are responsible for maintaining and
keeping records of CEUs earned.

SNA will check proof of CEUs via a random audit. Only those chosen for the audit will be
required to send in documentation of CEUs earned. If selected for an audit, notification to
send CEU documentation to SNA will be included in the renewal notice.

Level certificants must submit to SNA the annual renewal fee with the renewal form. The
renewal fees are dependent on your certification level. SNS professionals pay an annual
maintenance fee and renew every 3 years.

SNA strongly urges individuals to submit their renewal forms at least 4-6 weeks
prior to expiring.

After SNA reviews and approves the certification or SNS renewal, a letter will be mailed.

To prove active level certification to a school district, SNA members can easily access and
print out a certificate by login into MySNA at www.schoolnutrition.org.

If renewal forms are incomplete, SNA will send a letter explaining what is required to
become re-certified or re-credentialed.

In order to pay the member rate for the renewal fee, individuals must be active SNA
members. Those with an inactive membership must pay the non-member rate for
certification or SNS credentialing.

Individuals are able to renew their Level Certification, Trainer Certification and SNS online
at www.schoolnutrition.org/certrenew
13
INDIVIDUAL’S GENERAL CEU GUIDELINES

Individuals are responsible for maintaining documentation of all CEUs earned.

Core Requirements and Key Area Hours can be used for CEUs – CEUs cannot be used for
Core Requirements or Key Area Hours for initial certification.

CEUs are for Certification or SNS Credential Renewal only.

CEUs must be completed or earned within the certification or SNS Credential period.

CEUs should reflect job-related professional development experiences.

CEUs for SNA-sponsored events such as ANC, NLC, LAC, CNIC, SNA Webinars and School
Nutrition magazine PDAs will be maintained in the SNA database and can be downloaded
from MySNA.

All CEUs must be a minimum of one hour in length.

CEUs are required during the annual certification period and 3 year SNS period as indicated
below:
Program
CEUs
Member Annual Fee
Non-Member Annual Fee
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
SNS
6 CEUs (annually)
12 CEUs (annually)
18 CEUs (annually)
45 CEUs (3 years)
$ 8.00
$ 9.00
$ 11.00
$ 58.00
$ 53.00
$ 63.00
$ 163.00
$ 153.00
CEU DOCUMENTATION FOR AUDITS
SNA will notify individuals who are selected for an audit of the CEUs they need to submit.
Below is a list of the types of CEU documentation accepted by SNA:









Certificates of Completion
Copies of Rosters
College/University Transcripts
Program Agendas
Program Books/Brochures
Registration Confirmation Letters
Badges
Payment Receipts
MySNA Transcript
(For additional information, please review the FAQ’s on Certification and Credentialing
beginning on page 29.)
14
FORMS
15
CORE COURSE APPROVAL GUIDELINES
Introduction
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) offers Core Course approval guidelines for school nutrition
education courses. These approved Core Courses are used by individuals pursuing initial SNA
Certification, moving certification levels or as CEUs for certification and SNS credential renewal.
The Core Course Approval Form, payment, and required attachments must be submitted to SNA for
review 6-8 weeks prior to the course date. Once the course is approved, SNA will send notification via
email which will include a certificate template. Each participant must receive documentation of
completion for the approved Core Course.
Core Courses
Core Courses are workshops, seminars or online courses that meet objectives and goals which
help to achieve best practices. Core Courses:
 Must be at least 10 hours of instructional time (does not include registration time or breaks)
 Can be broken down into modules and bundled (i.e. two 5 hour sessions = 10 hours or four 2
hour sessions = 10 hours).

Must fall into one of the following categories:
o Nutrition Education
o Food Safety and Sanitation
Application Fees - Completed Core Course Approval Forms received less than 6 weeks prior to the program will
need to include a $50 rush fee along with the correct application fee listed below.
Program
Minutes
600
Hours
Awarded
10
*SNA Approved
Education Providers
$0
Individuals, School
Districts or Associations
$75
Industry
Members
$100
601 – 900
10.1 – 15
$0
$100
$120
901 – 1200
15.1 – 20
$0
$105
$125
1201 – 1500
20.1 – 25
$0
$125
$145
1501 – 1800
25.1 – 30
$0
$145
$165
1801 or +
30.1 or +
$0
$165
$185
*SNA Approved Education Providers: School Nutrition Foundation (SNF), SNA State Affiliates, State Agencies/State Department of
Education (DOE), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Food Service Management Institute (NFMSI), Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics (AND), Dietary Managers Association (DMA).
Submitting Application (If paying by credit card please fax the completed form and attachments.)
ALL Core Course requests must be approved by SNA Headquarters. The Core Course Approval
Form should be submitted for approval prior to offering the course.
Mail to:
School Nutrition Association
Attn: Education
120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
Fax to:
Email:
(301) 686-3115
Attn: Education
education@schoolnutrition.org
(Application on the following page)
16
CORE COURSE APPROVAL FORM
Due 6-8 weeks prior to program date. Applications submitted less than 6 weeks prior to
program date must include a rush fee of $50 along with the application fee.
(Please Print or Type)
PART I - CONTACT DETAILS
For SNA Use Only
Received:
Processed:
Hours approved:
Hours requested:
Approved by:
Program Provider:
Address:
City, State & Zip:
Contact Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Signature:
PART II – CORE COURSE DETAILS
Core Course Title:
Core Course Development Date:
State:
 Nutrition Education Course
Course Type:
Hours Requested:
 Food Safety & Sanitation Course
(minimum 10 hours of instructional time - do not include registration or breaks)
Program Type:  Workshop
 Conference  Webinar
 Online  College Course
*Home Study - Participant must complete a test documenting course completion. The
test must be submitted to the educational provider for grading.
PART III - REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS (All attachments must be submitted along with this completed form)
 Content Summary
 Learning Objectives
 Course Evaluation Form
 Speaker Bio (Qualifications/Degree/Title)
 Course Curriculum (Syllabus, manuals, videos)
 Course Outline (Sessions & times, registration, breaks, meals)
PART VI - PAYMENT (If paying by credit card, please fax the completed Core Course Approval Form &attachments)
 Check (Make payable to SNA)  Visa
 MasterCard
 AMEX
Name on Credit Card:
Expiration Date:
Card Number:
Signature:
Mail to:
School Nutrition Association
Attn: Education
120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
Fax to:
Email:
 Discover
(301) 686-3115
Attn: Education
education@schoolnutrition.org
17
KEY AREA APPROVAL GUIDELINES
Introduction
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) offers Key Area approval guidelines for school nutrition
education programs. These education programs may then be used by individuals pursuing SNA
Certification, moving certification levels or as CEUs for certification and SNS credential renewal.
The Key Area Approval Form, payment, and required attachments must be submitted to SNA for review
6-8 weeks prior to the program date. Once the program is approved, SNA will send notification via email
which will include a certificate template. Each participant must receive documentation of completion
for the approved Key Area Program.
Key Area Hours
Key Area Hours are earned for participating in programs such as workshops, conferences, online
courses, webinars, or home study courses that are directly related to the Key’s to Excellence. Key Area
Programs:
 Must be at least 2 hours of instructional time (does not include registration time or breaks)
 Can be broken down into modules and bundled (i.e. two 60 minute sessions = 2 hours or
three 60
minute sessions = 3 hours).
 Must fall under one of the following (review the enclosed listing of programs by Key Area):
Key Area 1 – Operations
Key Area 3 – Administration
Key Area 2 – Nutrition, Nutrition Education and Physical Activity
Key Area 4 – Marketing and Communications
Application Fees - Completed Key Area Approval Forms received less than 6 weeks prior to the program will need
to include a $50 rush fee along with the correct application fee listed below.
Program
Minutes
120 – 300
Hours
Awarded
2–5
*SNA Approved
Education Providers
$0
Individuals, School
Districts or Associations
$50
Industry
Members
$70
306 – 600
5.1 – 10
$0
$75
$100
606 – 900
10.1 – 15
$0
$100
$120
906 – 1200
15.1 – 20
$0
$105
$125
1206 – 1500
20.1 – 25
$0
$125
$145
1506 – 1800
25.1 – 30
$0
$145
$165
1806 or +
30.1 or +
$0
$165
$185
*SNA Approved Education Providers: School Nutrition Foundation (SNF), SNA State Affiliates, State Agencies/State Department of
Education (DOE), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Food Service Management Institute (NFMSI), Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics (AND), Dietary Managers Association (DMA).
Submitting Application (If paying by credit card please fax the completed form and attachments.)
If this is a national conference, national program or being held in more than one state, please mail or fax
the completed Key Area Approval Form, application fee, and required attachments to SNA Headquarters:
Mail to:
School Nutrition Association
Attn: Education
120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
Fax to:
Email:
(301) 686-3115
Attn: Education
education@schoolnutrition.org
If this program is being held in only one state, you must complete a different application. Please contact SNA
at education@schoolnutrition.org or call (800) 877-8822 for the correct form to complete.
18
LISTING OF COURSES BY KEY AREA
Use this list as a guide to determine the Key Area for your program. Programs must be a minimum of 2 hours to qualify for Key Area
Hours and can be broken down into modules/bundled (two 60 minute sessions = 2 Hours or three 60 minute sessions = 3 Hours)
KEY AREA 1 - OPERATIONS
Behavior Based Safety
Blood Borne Pathogens
Commodities
CPR
Culinary Techniques
Emergency Response
Equipment
Facility Design
Farm to School
Fire Safety
Food Allergy
Food and Beverage Control
Food Bio-Security
Food Buying Guide
Food Defense
Food Handler
Food Manager Certification
Food Preparation
Food Production
Food Safety
Food Science
Garnishing
HACCP
Hand Safety
Hazard
Hazardous Materials
Inventory
Knife Safety
Menu Planning
Microbiology
Offer vs. Serve
Operations
Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)
Procurement
Purchasing
Quality Management
Quantity Food Preparation
Safe Food Handling
Safety
Sanitation
Serving It Safe
Serving Safe Food
ServSafe®
Special Diets
Standardized Recipes
Thermometers/Calibration
Weights and Measures
KEY AREA 2 - NUTRITION
All Nutrition Courses
Child Nutrition
Community Nutrition
Dietary Guidelines
Family Nutrition
Feeding Children
Food Pyramid
Fundamentals I and II
Healthy Eating
Healthy School Meals
Human Nutrition
MyPyramid
Nutrients
Nutrition
Nutrition 101
Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)
Personal Health
Smart Options
Step Up to the Plate
Vitamins and Nutrients
Whole Grains and Health
KEY AREA 3 - ADMINISTRATION
Absences From the Workplace
Accounting
Administration
Adult Education/Teaching
Adult Learning Principles
Auditing
Budget
Business
Cashiering
Computer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Computer Software
Conflict Management
Cost Management
Database
Dealing With Difficult People
Delegating/Empowering
Disability in the Workplace
Discrimination in the Workplace
Diversity
Drug Free Workplace
Economics
Employee Concerns
Employee Retention
Ethics
Excel
Facilitation Skills
Finance
Foodservice Management
Grant Writing
Human Relations
Human Resource
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership
Legislature
Management
Negotiating/Resolution
Organizational Management
Payroll
Personal Computer
Personnel Management
Professional Development
Record Keeping
Regulations
Sexual Harassment
Stress Management
Supervising
Team Management
Time Management
Violence in the Workplace
Wellness
Windows
Word
KEY AREA 4 - COMMUNICATIONS/MARKETING
Advertising
All Foreign Languages
Business Writing
Communications
Customer Service
English Composition
Focus on the Customer
Fuel Up To Play 60
Marketing
Media Management
Merchandising
Oral Communication
Promotion
Public Affairs
Public Relations
Public Speaking
Sign Language
Social Media
Speech
19
KEY AREA APPROVAL FORM
Due 6-8 weeks prior to program date. Applications submitted less than 6 weeks prior to
program date must include a rush fee of $50 along with the application fee.
(Please Print or Type)
PART I - CONTACT DETAILS
For SNA Use Only
Received:
Processed:
Hours approved:
Hours requested:
Approved by:
Program Provider:
Address:
City, State & Zip:
Contact Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Signature:
PART II - PROGRAM DETAILS
Program Title:
Program Dates:
Locations (City, State):
Hours Requested:
(minimum 2 hours of instructional
time - do not include registration time or breaks)
Program Type:
 Workshop
 Conference
Key Area:
 Webinar
 Online
*Home Study - Participant must complete a test documenting course completion. The
test must be submitted to the educational provider for grading.
PART III - REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS (All attachments must be submitted along with the Key Area Approval
Form)
 Program Description
 Learning Objectives
 *If Home Study – copy of test
 Program Evaluation Form
 Copy of Presentation (Handouts, PowerPoint)
 Program Agenda (Sessions & times, registration, breaks, meals)
 Speaker Bio (Qualifications/Degree/Current Position)
PART VI - PAYMENT (If paying by credit card, please fax the completed Key Area Approval Form and attachments)
 Check (Make payable to SNA)  Visa
 MasterCard
 AMEX
Name on Credit Card:
Expiration Date:
Card Number:
Signature:
Mail to:
School Nutrition Association
Attn: Education
120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
Fax to:
 Discover
(301) 686-3115
Attn: Education
Email: education@schoolnutrition.org
20
SNA STATE
AFFILIATE LOGO
KEY AREA HOURS
PROGRAM
PROVIDER LOGO
CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLETION
This Certifies that
NAME
SNA Member #
has completed the program entitled:
PROGRAM NAME
Number of Hours Earned:
Key Area:
Date of Completion & Location
Instructor’s Signature
This certificate serves as official documentation of completion of this Key Area program.
Counts as ____ Hours in Key Area _______ for Initial Certification or Moving Levels.
Counts as ____ CEUs for SNA Certification or SNS Credential Renewal.
21
SNA STATE
AFFILIATE LOGO
PROGRAM
PROVIDER LOGO
KEY AREA WEBINAR
PROOF OF ATTENDANCE
This document confirms your participation and
serves as documentation that you earned ____ Key
Area Hours for viewing the following webinar:
PROGRAM NAME
Live Webinar aired on _______ from ___ to __
Date:
_________________________________
(Write in the date you viewed this webinar)
Hours:
_________________________________
Key Area: _________________________________
This certificate serves as official documentation of completion of this webinar.
Counts as ____ Hours in Key Area _______ for Initial Certification or Moving Levels.
Counts as ____ CEUs for SNA Certification or SNS Credential Renewal.
22
CEU APPROVAL GUIDELINES
Introduction
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) offers Continuing Education Unit (CEU) approval guidelines for
school nutrition education programs. These education programs may then be used by SNA Certified
(Levels 1, 2, or 3) and SNS Credentialed professionals for certification and credential renewal.
The CEU Approval Form, payment, and required attachments must be submitted to SNA for review 6-8
weeks prior to offering the program. Once the program is approved, SNA will send notification via email
which will include a certificate template. Each participant must receive documentation of completion
for the approved CEU Program.
Continuing Education Units
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are earned for participating in job related activities such as
conferences, workshops, online courses, webinars, or in-service trainings that provide ongoing
professional development. Note that exhibits, tours, food shows and tradeshows qualify for 1 CEU only.
CEUs:
 Must be at least 1 hour of instructional time (does not include registration time or breaks)
 Can be broken down into modules/bundled (i.e. four 15 minute sessions or two 30 minute
sessions)
Application Fees - Completed CEU Approval Forms received less than 6 weeks prior to the program will
need to include a $50 rush fee along with the correct application fee listed below.
Program
Minutes
60 – 300
Hours
Awarded
1–5
*SNA Approved
Education Providers
$0
Individuals, School
Districts or Associations
$50
Industry
Members
$70
306 – 600
5.1 – 10
$0
$75
$100
606 – 900
10.1 – 15
$0
$100
$120
906 – 1200
15.1 – 20
$0
$105
$125
1206 – 1500
20.1 – 25
$0
$125
$145
1506 – 1800
25.1 – 30
$0
$145
$165
1806 or +
30.1 or +
$0
$165
$185
*SNA Approved Education Providers: School Nutrition Foundation (SNF), SNA State Affiliates, State Agencies/State
Department of Education (DOE), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Food Service Management Institute (NFMSI),
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Dietary Managers Association (DMA).
Submitting Application (If paying by credit card please fax the completed form and attachments.)
If this is a national conference, national program or being held in more than one state, please mail or
fax the completed CEU Approval Form, application fee, and required attachments to SNA Headquarters:
Mail to:
School Nutrition Association
Attn: Education
120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
Fax to:
(301) 686-3115
Attn: Education
Email: education@schoolnutrition.org
If this program is being held in only one state, you must complete a different application. Please
contact SNA at education@schoolnutrition.org or call (800) 877-8822 for the correct form to complete.
(Application on the following page)
23
CEU APPROVAL FORM
Due 6-8 weeks prior to program date. Applications submitted less than 6 weeks prior to
program date must include a rush fee of $50 along with the application fee.
(Please Print or Type)
PART I - CONTACT DETAILS
For SNA Use Only
Received:
Processed:
Hours approved:
Hours requested:
Approved by:
Program Provider:
Address:
City, State & Zip:
Contact Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Signature:
PART II - PROGRAM DETAILS
Program Title:
Program Dates:
Locations (City, State):
CEUs Requested:
Program Type:
(minimum 1 hour of instructional time - do not include registration time or breaks)
 Workshop
 Conference
 Webinar
 Online
*Home Study - Participant must complete a test documenting course completion. The
test must be submitted to the educational provider for grading.
PART III - REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS (All attachments must be submitted along with the CEU Approval Form)
 Program Description
 Learning Objectives
 *If Home Study – copy of test
 Program Evaluation Form
 Copy of Presentation (Handouts, PowerPoint)
 Program Agenda (Sessions & times, registration, breaks, meals)
 Speaker Bio (Qualifications/Degree/Current Position)
PART VI - PAYMENT (If paying by credit card, please fax the completed application and attachments)
 Check (Make payable to SNA)  Visa
 MasterCard
 AMEX
Name on Credit Card:
Expiration Date:
Card Number:
Signature:
Mail to:
School Nutrition Association
Attn: Education
120 Waterfront Street, Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
Fax to:
 Discover
(301) 686-3115
Attn: Education
Email: education@schoolnutrition.org
24
SAMPLE
ATTENDANCE ROSTER
SNA no longer processes rosters! You DO NOT have to submit this roster to SNA!
Those certified or credentialed are responsible for keeping track of their own CEU
records. Participants of this program should receive a certificate of completion.
Program Title:
Date:
Program Provider:
Location of Program:
Number of Hours:
Instructor’s Signature:
Name
State
SNA Identification
Number (Required)
Hours
Completed
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
25
Name
State
SNA Identification
Number (Required)
Hours
Completed
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
26
SNA STATE
AFFILIATE LOGO
CONTINUING EDUCATION
UNIT - CEU
PROGRAM
PROVIDER LOGO
CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLETION
This Certifies that
NAME
SNA Member #
has completed the program entitled:
PROGRAM NAME
Number of CEUs Earned:
Date of Completion & Location
Instructor’s Signature
This certificate serves as official documentation of completion of this CEU program.
Counts as ____ CEUs for SNA Certification or SNS Credential Renewal.
27
SNA STATE
AFFILIATE LOGO
PROGRAM
PROVIDER LOGO
CEU WEBINAR
PROOF OF ATTENDANCE
This document confirms your participation and
serves as documentation that you earned ____ CEUs
for viewing the following webinar:
PROGRAM NAME
Live Webinar aired on _______ from ___ to __
Date Viewed:
(Write in the date you viewed this webinar)
Duration:
Minutes
Approved For:
CEUs
This certificate serves as official documentation of completion of this CEU program.
Counts as ____ CEUs for SNA Certification or SNS Credential Renewal.
28
Certification and SNS Credentialing
Program FAQ’s
CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS
Changes to the Certification Program as of August 1, 2012
1. Are there changes to the Certification Program Requirements?
A: Yes. SNA’s Education Committee reviewed the Certification Program and provided final
recommendations for changes to the SNA Board. The Board approved the following changes are
in effect as of August 1, 2012:
Level 1 - Changing the wording for the Core Course Requirements for Certification and adding
that you can use college credits.
LEVEL 1
High School
Diploma/GED
Core Courses
OLD PROGRAM
 Not Required (will be required
beginning July 1, 2012).
 10 Hour Nutrition Education
Core Course (i.e. Healthy
Edge or SNA-approved
equivalent course)
 10 Hour Sanitation and
Safety Core Course (i.e.
ServSafe® or SNA-approved
equivalent course)
Total Hours
NEW PROGRAM AS OF
AUGUST 1, 2012
 High School Diploma/GED
 20 Hours
 10 Hour SNA Approved Nutrition
Education Core Course or 1
College Credit Course in Nutrition
 10 Hour SNA Approved Food
Safety and Sanitation Core
Course or 1 College Credit Course
in Food Safety and
Sanitation/HACCP/
Microbiology
 20 Hours
Level 2 - Changing the wording for the Core Course Requirements for Certification and adding
that you can use college credits.
LEVEL 2
High School
Diploma/GED
Core Courses
Key Area
Hours
Total Hours
OLD PROGRAM
 High School Diploma/GED
 10 Hour Nutrition Education
Core Course (i.e. Healthy
Edge or SNA-approved
equivalent course)
 10 Hour Sanitation and
Safety Core Course (i.e.
ServSafe® or SNA-approved
equivalent course)
 20 Hours in Key Area 1 Operations
 15 Hours in Key Area 2 Nutrition
 20 Hours in Key Area 3 Administration
 15 Hours in Key Area 4 Communications/ Marketing
 90 Hours
NEW PROGRAM AS OF
AUGUST 1, 2011
 High School Diploma/GED
 10 Hour SNA Approved Nutrition
Education Core Course or 1
College Credit Course in Nutrition
 10 Hour SNA Approved Food
Safety and Sanitation Core Course
or 1 College Credit Course in Food
Safety and Sanitation/ HACCP/
Microbiology
 20 Hours in Key Area 1 - Operations
 15 Hours in Key Area 2 - Nutrition
 20 Hours in Key Area 3 Administration
 15 Hours in Key Area 4 Communications/ Marketing
Can be earned by using college
credits.
 90 Hours
29
Level 3 Using Table A - Changing the wording for the Academic Requirements for Certification.
LEVEL 3
USING - TABLE A
Academic
Requirement
College
Credits
OLD PROGRAM
 Some College Credit
 3 College Credits such as Food
Safety/HACCP/
Sanitation/Food
Science/Microbiology
 3 College Credits such as
Nutrition/Feeding Children
with Special Needs/
Community Nutrition
 3 College Credits such as
Foodservice Management/
Leadership/Marketing/
Accounting
Total Hours
 9 College Credits
NEW PROGRAM AS OF
AUGUST 1, 2011
 High School Diploma/GED and
College Credits
 3 College Credits such as Food
Safety/HACCP/Sanitation/Food
Science/Microbiology
 3 College Credits such as
Nutrition/Feeding Children with
Special Needs/Community Nutrition
 3 College Credits such as
Foodservice Management/
Leadership/Marketing/ Accounting
 9 College Credits
Level 3 Using Table B - Changing the wording for the Academic Requirements for Certification
and changing the wording for the Core Course Requirements.
LEVEL 3
USING - TABLE B
OLD PROGRAM
Academic
Requirement
 High School Diploma/GED
Core Courses
 Hour Nutrition Education Core
Course (i.e. Healthy Edge or
SNA-approved equivalent
course)
 10 Hour Sanitation and Safety
Core Course (i.e. ServSafe®
or SNA-approved equivalent
course)
Key Area
Hours
Total Hours
Can be a combination of programs
and college credits:
 35 Hours in Key Area 1Operations
 35 Hours in Key Area 2 Nutrition
 45 Hours in Key Area 3 Administration and Key Area 4
Communications/ Marketing
 15 Hours in General Electives
 150 Hours
NEW PROGRAM AS OF
AUGUST 1, 2011
 High School Diploma/GED or
College Credits (College credits
are not required to meet Level 3
using Table B, but can be combined
with workshop hours to meet the
150 hours required).
 10 Hour SNA Approved Nutrition
Education Core Course or 1
College Credit Course in
Nutrition
 10 Hour SNA Approved Food
Safety and Sanitation Core
Course or 1 College Credit
Course in Food Safety and
Sanitation/HACCP/
Microbiology
Can be earned by using a
combination of programs,
workshops and college credits:
 35 Hours in Key Area 1 - Operations
 35 Hours in Key Area 2 - Nutrition
 45 Hours in Key Area 3 Administration AND Key Area 4 Communications/Marketing
 15 Hours in General Electives
 150 Hours
30
Trainer - Changing the wording in the Professional Experience Requirements and removing the
10 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course Requirement.
TRAINER
Professional
Experience
Credential/
Academic
Experience
(Must have one of
the following)
Course
Requirements
OLD PROGRAM
 Two or more years
experience teaching adults
 Submit 2 letters of
recommendation from
current employer, former
employer, or customers
indicating your experience as
a trainer
 Level 3 Certification, SNS,
RD, Associates, Bachelors,
Masters or PhD in a related
field
 10 Hour Nutrition Education
Core Course (i.e. Healthy
Edge or SNA-approved
equivalent course)
 10 Trainer Certification
Workshop or Adult Education
Training College Course
(Minimum 1 College Credit)
NEW PROGRAM AS OF
AUGUST 1, 2011
 Submit 2 letters of
recommendation from current
employer, former employer, or
customers indicating a
minimum of 2 years experience
as a trainer teaching adults
 Level 3 Certification, SNS, RD,
Associates, Bachelors, Masters or
PhD in a related field
 10 Hour Trainer-the-Trainer
Workshop or 1 College Credit
Course in Adult Education
Training
New Trainers will select the SNA
developed course they want to
teach and submit the certificate of
completion for that course to SNA in
order to gain access to the
instructor manual for the course
Certification Reinstatement – Changing the requirement to re-apply for initial certification once
expired.
EXPIRED
CERTIFICATIONS
Reinstatement
Fee
OLD PROGRAM
 Individuals with lapsed
certifications must re-apply
for initial certification
 Submit documentation of
completing all of the core
courses and/or key area
hours required.
NEW PROGRAM AS OF
AUGUST 1, 2011
 Individuals with lapsed certifications
can reinstate their certification within
90 days of expiring.
 SNA will mail a reinstatement notice
after the expiration date with
instructions.
 Those with lapsed certifications must
pay the certification reinstatement
fee: Level 1 - $16, Level 2 - $20 and
Level 3 - $30
 Lapsed certificants will also pay any
previously owed renewal fees
 Submit CEU documentation
(mandatory audit)
Applying for Initial Certification
2. Do I need to have a High School Diploma/GED to apply for Level 1 Certification?
A: Those applying for Level 1 now, do not need a High School Diploma/GED, but after July 1,
2012 a High School Diploma/GED will be required for initial certification and moving up levels.
31
3. Where is the NEW Certification Guide available?
A: The Guide is available for download at www.schoolnutrition.org/certification then click on
Certification Documents. Hardcopies of the Guide are also available. Please contact SNA at
servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org.
4. Do I have to start at Level 1?
A: No. You do not have to start at Level 1. Review the requirements for each certification Level
described in the Certification Guide and determine if you have met the requirements for that
Level.
5. Is there an initial application fee for certification?
A: Yes. Please note that the fee is non-refundable. The initial application fee covers SNA’s
processing cost. As of August 1, 2011, the initial application fees for certification are:
Initial Certification
Application Fee
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Member
$ 16
$ 20
$ 30
NonMember
$ 61
$ 73
$ 177
6. Are associate members eligible to pay the member rate for certification?
A: Yes. All current members of SNA are eligible to pay the member rate for certification.
7. What is the waiting period before I will receive a response for my certification?
A: It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for your application to be processed. If approved, you
will receive a Certification Verification Letter via mail with instructions on certification renewal.
Members who are approved for certification will be able to visit our website at
www.schoolnutrition.org, login to MySNA and download their certificate at any time. SNA no
longer mails certification cards. The certification expiration date will appear on your
membership card which will be mailed to you at the time you renew your SNA membership.
If you are not approved, you will receive notice stating the reason why you did not become
certified with SNA. You must submit the requested documents within 30 calendar days of
receipt of notice. If your documents are not received within 30 calendar days, you will have to
re-submit the entire application, documentation, and pay the initial application fee again. Note
that this fee is non-refundable.
8. Do states offer their own SNA-approved Nutrition Education and Food Safety & Sanitation
Core Courses?
A: Yes. Some SNA State Affiliates offer their own SNA-approved Core Courses. To view a listing
of these, please visit www.schoolnutrition.org/certification and click on SNA Approved Core
Courses.
9. I’m supposed to get a bonus or pay increase when I have achieved a certain certification level.
How does that work and when will I get that?
A: SNA is not responsible for any monetary awards that you might receive related to
certification. These are unique agreements between you and your employer. Check with your
supervisor or human resources department about documentation requirements and timelines.
32
Certification Renewal
10. What do I need to do to maintain my annual certification?
A: You need to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for certification renewal within your
annual certification period and pay a renewal fee. You are responsible for maintaining records
of CEUs earned each year. It is your responsibility to renew your certification on time to avoid
your certification being cancelled. NOTE: You are only required to submit CEU documentation
to SNA if you receive an audit notice at the time you receive your renewal notice.
Certification Levels
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
CEUs
6 CEUs
12 CEUs
18 CEUs
11. Will notices be sent out to individuals who are certified?
A: Yes. Three months before your certification is scheduled to expire, SNA will send you (via
mail) a letter and renewal form. Simply submit the renewal form with payment to SNA at least
4-6 weeks prior to expiring. NOTE: If SNA has your email address in its database, you will also
receive an email notification a few weeks prior to expiring.
12. How will I know if I am picked for audit?
A: SNA will use an automated random selection process for audits. SNA will have a percentage
of certified individuals audited for renewal each month. If you are selected for an audit,
notification to send CEU documentation to SNA will be included in your annual renewal notice.
13. If I’m audited, what kind of CEU documentation do I need to submit to SNA?
A: CEUs can be verified with several forms of documentation such as certificates of completion,
copies of rosters, college/university transcripts, program agendas, program books/brochures,
registration confirmation letters, badges, MySNA transcript or payment receipts. The
documentation must include your SNA ID number, date, and amount of credits you earned.
14. If I’ve just renewed, do I have to renew again next year?
A: Yes. Certification is valid for one year. You will have to renew and pay the renewal fee every
year.
15. Is my certification renewal date the same as my membership renewal date?
A: No. Your certification renewal date and membership renewal dates are different.
16. What happens if I don’t renew my certification?
A: If you fail to renew your certification on time, you will have 90 days after your expiration
date to reinstate it. You will have to pay a reinstatement fee along with any annual fees due
from previous years. You will also have to submit documentation of CEUs earned for that year.
SNA will mail you a reinstatement notice after your expiration date with instructions on how to
reinstate your certification. Note that these fees are non-refundable.
33
Ways to Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
17. Does work experience count for CEU or Core Requirements?
A: No. Work experience is not part of the certification program.
18. Do Back-to-School meetings count for CEUs?
A: Yes. Attending Back-to-School workshops counts for CEUs. Each hour of instructional time
equals 1 CEU. Please review page 9 of the Certification Guide for ways to earn CEUs.
19. How many of the “To Your Credit” articles in School Nutrition Magazine or Professional
Development Articles (PDAs) can I use from the magazine to renew my annual certification?
A: You can use a maximum of three (3) passing “To Your Credit” or PDA articles per year to
renew your certification. The passing grade is 80%. Each article is worth 1 CEU. Articles must
be published and submitted within your current renewal period. PDA’s can be completed online
at www.schoolnutrition.org/certification and click on Online PDAs.
20. Is SNA going to keep track of all my CEUs?
A: No. SNA will only maintain CEU records for SNA sponsored activities such as ANC, NLC, LAC,
CNIC, SNA Webinars and School Nutrition magazine PDAs. You are responsible for maintaining
records of all CEUs earned.
21. If I take a college course on writing children’s books, can it count for CEUs?
A: No. CEUs must be job-related professional growth experiences that relate to your job in
school foodservice and nutrition.
22. Can I take the same course twice within my yearly certification period?
A: No. Courses cannot be used twice for CEUs within the same annual certification period.
23. Can I carry CEUs over to my next certification period?
A: No. When your certification is renewed, you start fresh with no CEUs. All CEUs must be
earned within the annual certification period.
24. Does SNA offer online courses?
A: Yes. SNA offers online courses at www.snuniversity.org.
25. Do the state affiliates still send in the rosters?
A: State affiliates no longer have to submit rosters to SNA. Those certified are now responsible
for keeping track of their own CEU records.
26. Do district meetings have to be approved for CEUs by the SNA State Affiliate?
A: No. Districts that have developed their own programs/meetings do not require approval for
CEUs by the State Affiliate. Each hour of instruction equals 1 CEU. The agenda can be used as
CEU documentation for audit.
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Key Area Hours
27. Do Key Area programs have to be approved by the SNA State Affiliate?
A: SNA State Affiliates are able to approve in-state Key Area programs. Third party associations,
individuals and districts offering Key Area programs within a state must receive approval from
the State Affiliate. Those offering Key Area programs in more than one state must receive
approval from SNA Headquarters. For example, if a local distributor or food broker wants to
offer a Key Area Hour program in your state they must request approval from the state affiliate.
If on the other hand a school district wants to offer a Key Area program in more than one state
or nationwide, they will have to request approval from SNA headquarters.
28. Is the National Restaurant Association an approved provider?
A: No. The National Restaurant Association is not an approved provider, but SNA does accept
NRA’s ServSafe® as a Core Course.
Changing Levels
29. I have Level 1 certification but am working to move up to Level 2. Do I need to take Core
Courses a second time?
A: No. You only have to meet the difference in the Key Area Hour requirements between your
current certification level and the level that you are applying for. For example: Level 2 (90 hours)
– Level 1 (20 hours) current level of certification = 70 Key Area Hours difference. Note that
there is a requirement on the number of hours you earn in each Key Area. Please review the
Certification Guide for details.
30. Do I have to wait for my renewal before applying to move to another Level?
A: No. You can apply to move to a higher level whenever you meet the eligibility requirements
for that new level. You must submit the certification application with the documentation
verifying the eligibility requirements for the higher level, along with the initial application fee for
the new level. Once you change Levels, you will have a new certification expiration date.
Trainer Certification
31. Is a trainer required to teach all classes or only SNA developed core classes?
A: Trainers are able to teach any classes included those offered by NFSMI.
32. What else can I use for the 10 hour train-the-trainer workshop?
A: You can complete a 1 credit college course in Adult Education as the alternate to the trainer
certification workshop.
33. I have a college degree in Education. Do I still need to take the 10 hour train-the-trainer
workshop?
A: No. If you have a college degree in Education you have already completed a method of
teaching or adult education college course. Simply submit a copy of your degree diploma which
meets the 10 hour train-the-trainer workshop requirement.
34. Can I teach ServSafe®?
A: No. ServSafe® is managed by the National Restaurant Association. Trainers must meet the
requirements set by NRA. ServSafe® requires NRA trainer certification.
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SNS CREDENTIALING QUESTIONS
35. Did SNA update the SNS Credentialing Exam?
A: Yes. SNA’s Specifications and Exam Development
committees finalized the update of the SNS Credentialing
exam. The new exam is comprised of 200 multiple choice
questions and candidates have four hours to complete it. The new exam is based on 9
Content/Knowledge Areas.
36. I’m taking the SNS Exam. What will I need to study?
A: Individuals taking the SNS Exam need to use the New SNS Credentialing Exam Handbook
which can be downloaded at www.schoolnutrition.org/sns. The Exam Handbook contains the
requirements, content/knowledge areas, exam resource list to prepare for the exam, and
application form.
37. Is there a fee for taking the Credentialing Exam?
A: Yes. The application fee for the exam is $200 for members and $295 for non-members. If
you are not deemed eligible to sit for the exam or cancel your exam registration, you will receive
a refund of the exam application fee minus the processing fee of $50. Those who earn the SNS
Credential will pay a yearly maintenance fee. The yearly fee for members is $58 and $153 for
non-members. Note that the exam fees are subject to change at anytime.
38. I took the SNS exam, how long will it take for me to receive the results from the exam?
A: The exam is scored by an independent testing vendor and it takes approximately 6-8 weeks
after the exam date for the results to be issued. If you have successfully passed the
credentialing exam, you are given the designation SNS as well as a card and certificate displaying
the SNS designation. If you fail the exam, you’ll receive a diagnostic report that shows which
areas you scored weakest on.
39. I passed the SNS exam, how long is my credentialing renewal period?
A: The credentialing renewal period is every 3 years.
40. My Credential is scheduled to expire soon. Do I need to submit documentation of my CEUs?
A: You are only required to submit documentation of 45 CEUs if you are randomly selected for
an audit. You will receive your audit notification with your renewal notice. SNA will maintain
CEUs for SNA sponsored activities that you attend. You may view and print your SNA transcript
by login to MySNA at www.schoolnutrition.org. SNA offers online CEU courses at
www.snuniversity.org. SNS professionals can also complete the Professional Development
Articles
(PDAs)
from
the
School
Nutrition
magazine
online
by
visiting
www.schoolnutrition.org/pda.
41. How can my SNA State Affiliate host the SNS Credentialing exam?
A: SNA State Affiliate representatives may contact SNA’s Certification & Credentialing Staff at
certification@schoolnutrition.org or (800) 877-8822 for details on hosting the SNS exam.
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