School Nutrition Association
NEW CERTIFICATION
&
CREDENTIALING
PROGRAMS
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
About SNA
SNA’s MISSION: To advance good nutrition for all children.
• SNA strives to see that all children have access to healthful school
meals and nutrition education. The primary activities of the
association are:
 Providing education and training.
 Setting standards through certification and credentialing.
 Gathering and transmitting regulatory, legislative, industry, nutritional
and other types of information related to school nutrition.
 Representing the nutritional interests of all children.
• SNA has 52 state affiliates, hundreds of local chapters and over
55,000 members.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
SNA’S
NEW CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS FOR
CANDIDATES
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Reasons to Become Certified
• Increase your knowledge & skills of food safety and
nutrition to create a healthy school environment.
• Enhance your professional image with parents,
children & school administrators.
• Stay current on issues concerning school nutrition
initiatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to your profession.
• Provide a career ladder you can use to advance in the
field from assistant, to cook, to manager, to director.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Certification Levels
• Level 1 Certification
• Level 2 Certification
• Level 3 Certification
• Trainer Certification
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Requirements for Level 1
To become certified at Level 1, you must meet the
following requirements:
LEVEL 1
Academic *None
Experience * High School Diploma/GED will be required in 2011 for new
applicants at all levels.
Core10 Hour Nutrition Education Course
Requirements
(i.e. Healthy EDGE or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Healthy EDGE must be taught by an SNA Certified Trainer
10 Hour Sanitation & Safety Course
(i.e. ServSafe or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Total Core Hours
20 Hours
NOTE: Core Requirement courses cannot date back further than five
years of the date you apply for initial certification.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Healthy EDGE Approved Alternatives
(Healthy Edge must be taught by an SNA Certified Trainer)
STATE
Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
South Dakota
Texas
Virginia
Washington
NUTRITION COURSE
FL's Nutrition : Planning for Healthy Meals
It’s Time for Nutrition
Healthy EDGE
Nutrition – Planning for Healthy Meals and Dietary Guidelines 2005
Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)
School Foodservice Nutrition 101
Healthy Meals: The Kentucky Obligation
Healthy EDGE
Healthy EDGE
Nutrition I
Fundamentals I & II or Healthy EDGE
Healthy EDGE 2000
Smart Options
Practical Nutrition
Healthy EDGE
Nutrition 101
Virginia Nutrition Course
Basic Nutrition
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
ServSafe Approved Alternatives
STATE
Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
North Carolina
North Dakota
South Dakota
Texas
Virginia
Washington
SAFETY/SANITATION COURSE
FL's Sanitation and Safety
ServSafe
Safety and Sanitation
Food Safety for Child Nutrition Professionals
National Restaurant Association's ServSafe Curriculum
Florida’s Sanitation and Safety
Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)
Serving It Safe
Ken-Safe
Serve Safe and More
Serving It Safe or ServSafe
Sanitation & Safety
ServSafe or Serving It Safe
Montana Serving It Safe and NRA's ServSafe
Safe Food Handling
Serve It Safe or ServSafe
Foodservice Sanitation and Safety
ServSafe
Food Service Sanitation
Safety and Sanitation Course
Washington’s Serve Safe
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Requirements for Level 2
To become certified at Level 2, you must meet the following
requirements:
LEVEL 2
High School Diploma/GED
Academic
Experience
Core Requirements 10 Hour Nutrition Education Course
(i.e. Healthy EDGE or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Healthy EDGE must be taught by an SNA Certified Trainer
 10 Hour Sanitation & Safety Course
(i.e. ServSafe or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Key Area 20 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations
Requirements 15 Hours in Key Area 2 – Nutrition
 20 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration
 15 Hours in Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
Total Hours
90 Hours
NOTE: Core Requirement courses and Key Area hours completed by attending
programs/workshops cannot date back further than five years of the date you apply for initial
certification. College Courses can be used for initial certification regardless of how many years
ago they were taken. Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Key Area Requirements
Key Area Requirement courses:
• Must be at least 2 hours of active instructional time
(does not include breaks, registration, warm ups).
• Completed by attending programs/workshops
cannot date back further than five years of the date
you apply for initial certification.
• Can be earned by completing college courses or
participating programs/workshops that offer Key
Area hours.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Conversion Table for College
Credits
1 College Credit = 15 Key Area Hours
2 College Credit = 30 Key Area Hours
3 College Credit = 45 Key Area Hours
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Key Area Course Suggestions
KEY AREA
Key Area 1 –
OPERATIONS
COURSE SUGGESTION
 HACCP
 Purchasing/Inventory
 Menu Planning
 Food Preparation/
Culinary/Garnishing
 Commodities
 Facility Design/Management
 *State-Approved Alternatives
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Key Area Course Suggestions
KEY AREA
Key Area 2 –
NUTRITION
COURSE SUGGESTION
 Basic Nutrition
 2005 Dietary Guidelines
 *State-Approved Alternatives
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Key Area Course Suggestions
KEY AREA
Key Area 3 –
ADMINISTRATION
COURSE SUGGESTION
 Personnel Management
 Human Relations
 Business Management
 Organizational Management
 Personal Wellness
 Interpersonal Skills
 Financial Management
 Cashiering
 Record Keeping
 Accounting
 *State-Approved Alternatives
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Key Area Course Suggestions
KEY AREA
COURSE SUGGESTION
 Marketing
 Promotion
Key Area 4 –
COMMUNICATIONS/  Customer Service
MARKETING
 Communication
 Merchandising
 *State-Approved Alternatives
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Requirements for Level 3
There are two ways of earning Level 3 Certification.
Requirements can be met by:
1. Use Table A when completing College Credits.
LEVEL 3 – TABLE A
Academic Experience
College Credit Hours
*College Course
Key Area 1 - Operations
Requirement
 3 College Credits such as Food Safety/
HACCP/Sanitation/Food Science
Key Area 2 - Nutrition
 3 College Credits such as Nutrition/Feeding Children
with Special Needs/Community Nutrition
Key Area 3 – Administration &
Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
 3 College Credits such as Foodservice
Management/Leadership/Marketing/Accounting
Total College Credits
9 College Credits
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Requirements for Level 3
2. Use Table B when taking Key Area courses or when
combining college credits and Key Area courses.
For example:
You can meet the requirements Key Area 1 and 2
by attending programs/workshops that offer Key
Area Hours and meet the requirements for Key Area
3 & 4 by completing a 3 college credit Accounting
course.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Requirements for Level 3
Academic
Experience
Core Requirements
LEVEL 3 – TABLE A
High School Diploma/GED and/or
Some College Credit
10 Hour Nutrition Education Course
(i.e. Healthy EDGE or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Healthy EDGE must be taught by an SNA Certified Trainer
10 Hour Sanitation & Safety Course
(i.e. ServSafe or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Key Area
35 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations
Requirements
35 Hours in Key Area 2 – Nutrition
45 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration &
Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
15 Hours of General Electives
(Can complete courses in any of the four Key Areas)
Total Hours
150 Hours
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Requirements for Level 3
CONVERSION TABLE FOR COLLEGE CREDITS
If using Table B to meet the requirements for Level 3, please use the
Conversion Table for College Credits to determine how many Key
Area hours each credit is worth.
1 College Credit = 15 Key Area Hours
2 College Credit = 30 Key Area Hours
3 College Credit = 45 Key Area Hours
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Certification Application
Fees
Certification
Level
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Member Fee
$ 10
$ 12
$ 25
Non-Member
Fee
$ 38
$ 40
$ 120
This is an nonrefundable application fee. You will be
notified if you are missing information. You will have 30
calendar days to respond. If your documents are not
received within 30 calendar days, you will have to resubmit a new application, documentation, and fee.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Grandfathering
• Effective September 1, 2008, SNA’s
Certification Program will become an annual
program.
• New applicants will follow the new
requirements described in the Certification
Guide.
• Certified individuals will earn CEUs annually
and pay an annual renewal fee.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Grandfathering
• If your certification is scheduled to expire on
or before September 1, 2011, SNA will honor
the existing expiration date, you will follow the
former certification renewal guidelines and pay
the annual fee.
• Individuals who have current SNA certification
will be enrolled in the new program at the time
of their certification expiration date.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
• You have to maintain your certification by renewing
annually and paying an annual renewal fee.
• Three months prior to your certification expiration date, SNA
will mail you a letter and renewal application.
• You are only required to submit CEU documentation if you
receive an audit notice from SNA.
Certification
Level
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Member
Non-Member
Annual
Annual
Renewal Fee Renewal Fee
$5
$ 33
$6
$8
$ 34
$ 103
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
CEUs
6 CEUs
12 CEUs
18 CEUs
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 and Key Area Hours.
• CEUs are for Certification Renewal only.
• CEUs must be completed and earned within the
certification renewal period.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
General CEU Guidelines
• Individuals who earn CEUs by attending
programs offered by third party associations do
not need to receive approval for those CEUs.
• CEUs should reflect job-related growth
experiences.
• CEUs for SNA-sponsored events will be
maintained in the SNA database.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Ways To Earn CEUs
CEU SUGGESTIONS
CEUs
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Participate in SNA state affiliate-approved
educational programs
Attend workshops and seminars
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Attend state and national conferences
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Complete home study/correspondence courses Education provider determines CEU amount
Education provider determines CEU amount
Complete online courses on SNA’s website
http://www.schoolnutrition.org
Complete Professional Development Articles 1 CEU - Passing grade of 80%. Limited to 3
(PDAs) in School Nutrition magazine or state passing per year. Articles must be published
PDA’s
within current renewal period.
Participate in study group meetings to review 1 CEU - Limited to 2 per year
and discuss at least two
foodservice/management-related articles
Participate in Personal Wellness programs
1 CEU - Limited to 1 per year (weight loss
programs should be science based programs)
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Ways To Earn CEUs
CEU SUGGESTIONS
CEUs
Participate in Webinars/Satellite Teleconferences Education provider determines CEU amount
Teach a course – first time only
2 CEUs per hour taught - First time for each
course
Publish an article in a national journal/magazine 2 CEUs
Earn a high school diploma or GED during your 5 CEUs
renewal period (before July 1, 2011)
Attend Exhibits/Food Shows
1 CEU per year
Teach Classroom Nutrition Lesson
1 CEU
Participate in Back to School Workshops
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Participate in Point of Sale Training
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Attend Blood Borne Pathogens Workshops
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Participate in Civil Rights or Diversity Training 1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Participate in Meal Pattern/Production Training 1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Ways To Earn CEUs
CEU SUGGESTIONS
CEUs
Participate in Offer vs. Serve Training
1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Hold State Leadership Position
1 CEU per year of service
Hold Chapter Leadership Position
1 CEU per year of service
Hold National Leadership Position
1 CEU per year of service
1 CEU per event
Planning or participating in Special Event
Planning & Implementation Workshops
Participate in School Community Open House 1 CEU per event
Participate in Technology Skill Development 1 CEU for each hour of instructional time
Workshops
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
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
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Changing Certification Levels
• You may move from one Level to another by attaining the
additional academic and Key Area requirements for the
new level.
• You must submit an application form, certificates of
completion for the Key Area hours and/or college
transcripts and payment for the level you are applying for.
• You also may downgrade from one level to the next by
submitting the certification renewal application and
appropriate fee.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Changing Certification Levels
• If you change certification levels, you will be given a
new certification expiration date. You will be
expected to meet the CEU requirements and fees for
the new level at that expiration date.
• You are able to use college courses and participate in
programs approved for Key Area hours to move from
one Level to the next.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Moving From Level 1 to Level 2
MOVING FROM LEVEL 1 TO LEVEL 2
High School Diploma/GED
Academic
Experience
Additional 20 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations
Key Area 15 Hours in Key Area 2 – Nutrition
Requirement 20 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration
 15 Hours in Key Area 4 –
Communications/Marketing
Total Hours
Additional 70 Hours
NOTE: If using college courses to move from one Level to the next, please use
the Conversion Table for College Credits to determine how many Key Area hours
each college credit is worth.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Moving From Level 1 to Level 3
There are two ways to move from Level 1 to Level 3:
MOVING FROM LEVEL 1 TO LEVEL 3
High School Diploma/GED
Academic
Experience
Additional 35 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations
Key Area 35 Hours in Key Area 2 – Nutrition
Requirement 45 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration &
Key Area 4 – Communications/ Marketing
 15 Hours of General Electives
(Can complete courses in any of the four
Key Areas)
Total Hours
Additional 130 Hours
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Moving From Level 1 to Level 3
MOVING FROM LEVEL 1 TO LEVEL 3
Academic Experience
Some College Credit
Additional Key Area 1 - Operations
Key Area 3 College Credits such as Food
Requirement Safety/HACCP/Sanitation/Food Science
Key Area 2 - Nutrition
3 College Credits such Nutrition/Feeding
Children with Special Needs/Community Nutrition
Key Area 3 – Administration &
Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
3 College Credits such as Foodservice
Management/Leadership/Marketing/Accounting
Total College Credits
9 College Credits
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Moving From Level 2 to Level 3
There are two ways to move from Level 2 to Level 3:
MOVING FROM LEVEL 2 TO LEVEL 3
High School Diploma/GED
Academic
Experience
Additional 15 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations
Key Area 20 Hours in Key Area 2 – Nutrition
Requirement
10 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration &
Key Area 4 – Communications/ Marketing
15 Hours of General Electives
(Can complete courses in any of the four
Key Areas)
Total Hours
Additional 60 Hours
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Moving From Level 2 to Level 3
MOVING FROM LEVEL 2 TO LEVEL 3
Academic Experience
Some College Credit
Additional Key Area 1 - Operations
Key Area 3 College Credits such as Food
Requirement Safety/HACCP/Sanitation/Food Science
Key Area 2 - Nutrition
3 College Credits such as Nutrition/Feeding
Children with Special Needs/Community Nutrition
Key Area 3 – Administration &
Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
3 College Credits such as Foodservice
Management/Leadership/Marketing/Accounting
Total College Credits
9 College Credits
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Facts on Certification
• Certificants must be current SNA members to renew
certification annually at the member rate.
• Certification levels:
 Certification level may be changed at the time you are eligible for the
higher level
 When upgrading, you only have to meet the difference in the requirements
between current certification level and applying level
• Members can view and print their Certificates by
visiting www.schoolnutrition.org under My SNA.
• Additional Certification information is located on
www.schoolnutrition.org.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Trainer Certification
Trainer Certification assures that:
• Instructors are experienced and trained to provide quality
training.
• Courses developed by SNA are standardized across the
country.
• Instruction meets the standards of the profession and
assures the objectives of the classes have been met.
• SNA is able to maintain a database of qualified trainers,
providing assistance to others in search of trainers.
• Future courses developed by SNA will be designed to be
taught by SNA Certified Trainers.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Requirements for Trainer
Certification
To become a Certified Trainer, you must meet the following requirements:
TRAINER CERTIFICATION
ProfessionalHave two or more years of experience teaching adults
Experiencewithin the past five years
Submit two letters of recommendation from your current
employer, former employer, or customers indicating your
experience as a trainer
Credentials/Level 3 Certification, SNS, RD, Bachelors, Masters or PhD
Academic Experiencein a related field
Course Requirements10 Hour Nutrition Education Course (i.e. Healthy EDGE
or SNA-approved equivalent course) Healthy EDGE must
be taught by an SNA Certified Trainer
10 Hour Trainer Certification Workshop or Adult
Education Training College Course (Minimum 1 College
Credit)
20 Hours
Total Course Hours
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Trainer Certification Renewal
Once you become a Certified Trainer, you have to maintain
this certification by renewing every 3 years and paying the
renewal fee. Three months prior to your Trainer Certification
expiration date, SNA will mail you a letter and renewal
application.
Member
Renewal
Fee
$ 50
Non-Member
Renewal Fee
$ 145
Documentation
Must have taught at least 1 class
within 3 years to be eligible to
renew.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Grandfathering
Effective August 1, 2008, all current Healthy EDGE
Trainers will be grandfathered into the new Trainer
Certification Program and will have a Trainer
Certification expiration date of July 31, 2011.
• SNA Members who apply between August 1, 2008
and February 1, 2009 will have the application fee
waived. Non-Members must pay the application
fee.
• SNA Members who apply after February 1, 2009
will have to pay the application fee.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
SNA CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
GUIDELINES FOR
STATES
Handbook Available
at ANC
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Program Types
• Core Requirement Courses
• Required for initial certification for all three Levels
• Can also be used for certification renewal
• Key Area Requirement Courses
• Requirement for Level 2 & Level 3 initial certification
• Can also be used for certification renewal
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Only to be used for Certification Renewal
• Not for “initial” certification
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Core Requirements
• ALL Core Courses must be approved by SNA.
• Core Courses are required at all levels of SNA’s
Certification Program:
10 hour approved Nutrition Education Course (i.e.
Healthy EDGE or SNA-approved equivalent course)
Healthy EDGE must be taught by an SNA Certified
Trainer.
10 hour approved Sanitation & Safety Course (i.e.
ServSafe or SNA-approved equivalent course)
• States and third party associations must submit to SNA
the Core Course Approval Form.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Core Requirements
• Core Courses must be at least 10 hours of active
instructional time (does not include breaks,
registration, warm ups.)
• Core Courses can be broken up into modules.
• Approval will be good for 5 years from the date of
approval. Courses may be resubmitted for current
approval.
• SNA is responsible for tracking approved core courses.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Core Requirements
• SNA will notify course sponsors when their course is
up for re-validation (every 5 years).
• Course sponsors must provide a certificate of
completion to course participants.
• Core Courses may be used as CEUs for Certification
Renewal, but CEUs may not be used for Core
Requirements in “initial” certification .
• For initial certification, Core Courses cannot date back
further than 5 years of the application date.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Key Area Requirement Courses
• States are able to approve in-state Key Area
Courses.
• Third party associations offering Key Area Courses
within a state must receive approval from SNA
State Affiliate.
• Third party associations offering Key Area Courses
in more than one state must receive approval from
SNA Headquarters.
• Authorized Providers are able to approve Key Area
Courses.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Key Area Requirement Courses
• Key Area courses/programs must be at least 2 hours
of active instructional time (does not include
breaks, registration, warm ups.)
• Providers must supply a certificate of completion to
course participants.
• Key Area Courses may be used as CEUs.
• For initial certification, Key Area Courses cannot
date back further than 5 years of the application
date.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Authorized Providers For
Key Area Courses
• School Nutrition Association (SNA)
• School Nutrition Foundation (SNF)
• SNA State Affiliates
• US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI)
• American Dietetics Association (ADA)
• Dietary Managers Association (DMA)
• College Credits will be approved by course description and
credit hours Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Continuing Education Units - CEUs
• Non-approval process for state sponsored activities.
• Third party associations offering CEUs within a
state must receive approval from SNA State
Affiliate.
• Third party associations offering CEUs in more
than one state must receive approval from SNA
Headquarters.
• CEUs should reflect job-related growth
experiences.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Continuing Education Units - CEUs
• CEUs must be at least 1 hour of active instructional
time (does not include breaks, registration, warm ups.)
• CEUs may be presented in modules totaling one hour.
• For certification renewal, CEUs must be earned within
the individuals renewal period.
• States are not required to maintain individual CEU
records.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Other Information in the
Certification Guide
• Table of Contents
• Color Coded
• Everything you need to know for the each Level
and Trainer Certification
• Applications and Check Lists
• Renewal Information
• Fees
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
SNA’S
CREDENTIALING
PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Credentialing Background
• Credentialing refers to a formalized process
which includes a standardized examination
designed to assess the competency of
personnel against established standards.
• Personnel who meet all prerequisites and
pass the examination are awarded the
designation - School Nutrition Specialist
(SNS).
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
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Eligibility Requirements
• Associate’s Degree or equivalent education
(60 college credits).
• One year of work experience in school
foodservice and nutrition within the past five
years.
• Thirty (30) college credits in any of the Key
Areas or substitute each additional year of
work experience in school foodservice as 10
college credits (i.e. 3 years of additional work
experience = 30 college credits)
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Credentialing Application
• The Credentialing Exam Handbook contains the
exam application and requirements.
• The handbook is available by contacting SNA’s
Service Center or online at www.schoolnutrition.org
You must:
 Submit supporting documentation (copies of your
transcript or diploma)
 Submit the application, appropriate fee and SNA
will verify that you meet the eligibility
requirements.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Preparing for the Exam
• Use the Credentialing Handbook as your main resource
to prepare for the exam. It contains the Content
Outline for the exam and provides a comprehensive list
of resource materials.
• The SNS Study Guide is one of several resource tools
that addresses broad topics essential to school nutrition
programs; however, it is not intended to be the sole
source for preparing for the SNS exam . It may be
purchased for $40 through the SNA Emporium toll
Free at 800-728-0728.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Credentialing Exam
• Those who take the exam will receive results six to
eight weeks after taking the exam.
• Individuals who pass will receive an SNS Certificate
and are able to order the SNS Pin.
 To renew, you must complete 45 CEUs within the
three year credentialing period.
• Those who fail will receive a letter and Diagnostic
Report showing the areas of weakness in the exam.
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Credentialing Exam Dates
• For a complete listing of upcoming exam
dates, locations and registration deadlines,
visit www.schoolnutrition.org and click on
“Credentialing”
• Over 1000 Child Nutrition Professionals
have earned the SNS credential!
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
Contacting SNA
School Nutrition Association
700 S. Washington Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (800) 877-8822
Fax: (703) 739-3915
Web: www.schoolnutrition.org
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org
QUESTIONS
Copyright © 2008 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.
www.schoolnutrition.org