1. Order the online course and get a username and password
   
2. Print and review the differences between the ServSafe materials and the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code
   
3. Contact an Illinois approved instructor who will assist the trainee with any questions about the program and is available during normal business hours.

   Illinois approved instructors can be located by:

   Calling the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Course Administration Department at 800-765-2122 ext. 703

   Contacting the Illinois Restaurant Association at 312-787-4000

4. Use the link to the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code for further information on specific Illinois regulations.
   
5. Complete every section of the ServSafe online training and take the post-test.
   
6. Print the Certificate of Completion
   
7. Contact the Illinois Approved Instructor and make arrangements to take the ServSafe Food Manager Certification Exam within six (6) months of completing the training.
   
8. When taking the exam, the trainee must provide the Certificate of Completion to the Illinois approved instructor who is proctoring the exam.
   
9. The trainee will take the exam and fill out the Illinois Department of Public Health scantron form.
   
10. The instructor will give the exam, send in the IDPH scantron and a copy of the Certificate of Completion to IDPH. The instructor will send in the exam and answer sheet to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation for grading.
    
11. If the trainee passes the exam the certificate will be sent to the instructor who will present it to the trainee.
    
12. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation will send results to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
    
13. The Illinois Department of Public Health will process the Illinois scantron forms and send an Illinois application to the trainee if they score 75% or higher on the ServSafe Manager Certification Exam.
    
14. The trainee fills out the Illinois application and returns to the Illinois Department of Public Health with the $35 certification fee.
    
15. The Illinois Department of Public Health will send the trainee their Illinois State certificate.

Any questions about this process should be directed to The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Please call 800-765-2122 ext. 319 for assistance.