Side by side
PFH vs ServSafe Food Handler: how do the two compare?
NEHA's PFH and the ServSafe Food Handler course are both online food handler courses with a test at the end, both on the list of accredited issuers kept by ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board), and both $15.00 on their makers' sites as of October 2026. They differ on test attempts and languages.
- ExamPFH
- UpdatedOct 14, 2026
On this page 5 sections
Same job, two makers
The National Restaurant Association's training arm sells ServSafe Food Handler; the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) sells the Professional Food Handler certificate. Both teach from the 2022 FDA Food Code, so the rules on the test overlap: 41°F (5°C), 135°F, 20-second handwashing, the Big 9 allergens.
What your state cares about is accreditation. ANAB lists both as food handler certificate issuers (ANAB directory, as of October 2026). The price is a wash at $15.00 each; the food handlers card cost page covers state-run cards and employer-paid options.
PFH and ServSafe on paper
marks a row where the two differ.
| Point | NEHA PFH | ServSafe Food Handler |
|---|---|---|
| Made by≠ | National Environmental Health Association | National Restaurant Association Solutions |
| Price, online | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| ANAB directory≠ | Listed, ID 1031 | Listed, ID 0655 |
| Food Code basis | 2022 FDA Food Code | 2022 FDA Food Code |
| Test attempts≠ | 1 per purchase | 3 included |
| Languages≠ | English, Spanish | English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese |
| Good for | 3 years | 3 years |
| State version | Non-state specific | Non-state specific |
| Course length | 2 hours, 7 modules | Not on the product page we read |
| Pass mark | 70% | Not on the product page we read |
Sources: NEHA shop, NEHA handbook, ServSafe product page SSECT6, ANAB directory. Prices change; check before you buy.
Who each one fits
- PFH fits
- You read best in English or Spanish and your state takes ANAB-accredited courses. With one attempt per purchase, put the practice in before the test.
- ServSafe Food Handler fits
- You'd rather take it in Simplified Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese, or you want extra test attempts in the price.
- Your manager already picked
- Go with that. The person who files your card with the inspector knows which one they keep.
- You work in Utah
- Utah takes only providers on its state list, and NEHA isn't on it (list dated 03/26/2026). Check the list before you buy either course.
- Neither fits
- Washington, Oregon and Southern Nevada run their own cards. Other options: online food handler courses compared.
Choosing between them
Is a food handler certificate the same as ServSafe?
ServSafe Food Handler is one food handler certificate among several. NEHA's PFH, StateFoodSafety and others are listed by ANAB too (as of October 2026).
Does California accept both?
California takes a card only from an ANSI-accredited provider (Health and Safety Code 113948), and ANAB lists both NEHA and ServSafe (as of October 2026).
Is ServSafe Food Handler the same as ServSafe Manager?
No. Food Handler is for front-line staff; Manager is a manager-level exam. The difference is laid out in food handler vs food manager certification.
Sources
- NEHA shop, PFH online course — $15.00, English and Spanish, non-state specific checked Oct 13, 2026
- NEHA PFH online course handbook — 70%, one attempt, 3 years checked Oct 13, 2026
- ServSafe Food Handler Online Course and Assessment (SSECT6) — $15.00, three attempts, five languages, 3 years checked Oct 13, 2026
- ANAB directory of accredited certificate issuers — NEHA 1031, ServSafe 0655 checked Oct 13, 2026