2026 Safe Plates Class Information

Logo reading "safe plates" above three semicircular plates in black, gray, and red.

Safe Plates for Food Service Managers - 2026 Class Information


Ensure your establishment meets the highest food safety standards. This 12-hour course prepares food service managers for the ANSI-approved Food Protection Manager Certification exam.


2026 Training Schedule


Attendance is mandatory for the full duration of both days to be eligible for the exam.

Dates Instructor Location
February 25 & 26  Andrea Sherrill Haywood County Extension Center
June 10 & 11  Savana Everhart Nunn Haywood County Extension Center
October 7 & 8  Andrea Sherrill Haywood County Extension Center

Haywood County Extension Center address is: 589 Raccoon Rd. Waynesville


Course Itinerary


To meet the required 12 hours of instruction, we follow a timely schedule:

  • Day 1: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (8 hours of instruction; 1-hour lunch break)

  • Day 2: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (4 hours of instruction); 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Lunch break); 1:00 PM: Certification Exam


Registration & Fees


  • Standard Registration: $140

  • School Nutrition Employees (NC DPI): $70

  • What’s Included: The fee covers the Safe Plates coursebook, instructional materials, and your first attempt at the exam.

  • Re-testing: If the initial exam is not passed, a $40 re-testing fee is required for each subsequent attempt.

  • If you need to make payment with a check, call Sally Dixon at 828.456.3575 to handle registration over the phone before you mail a check!

REGISTRATION LINK (for the February 2026 Class) - deadline 2/9/2026 @ 5 pm

REGISTRATION LINK (for the June 2026 Class) - deadline 5/18/2026 @ 5 pm

REGISTRATION LINK (for the October 2026 Class) - deadline 9/14/2026 @ 5 pm


Food & Refreshments


  • Provided: We will provide light snacks, coffee, and water throughout the day.

  • Lunch: Lunch is not provided. Participants have a 1-hour break each day.

  • Location Tip: Our office is located approximately 3 miles from Russ Avenue in Waynesville, offering a variety of quick dining options for your lunch break.


Mandatory Requirements


  • Attendance: You must attend all 12 hours of instruction. Missing any part of the course may disqualify you from the exam.

  • Exam Language: The certification exam is offered in English only.

  • Photo ID: You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver’s License) for the exam session on Day 2.


What You Will Learn


This course provides science-based training on:

  • Time and Temperature Control for food safety.

  • Personal Hygiene and employee health.

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing procedures.

  • Allergen Management and cross-contamination prevention.


Contact Information


For questions or assistance with registration, please contact:

Sally Dixon | Email: srdixon@ncsu.edu | Phone: 828.456.3575


 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Sally Dixon, srdixon@ncsu.edu, 828-456-3575. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, and veteran status.