Anchoring the SNA Ship Through Certification and Credentialing Sandra Ford, SNS Danny Seymour, SNS April 24, 2008.

Anchoring the SNA Ship Anchoring the SNA Ship Through Certification Through Certification

and Credentialing and Credentialing

Sandra Ford, SNSDanny Seymour, SNS

April 24, 2008

About SNA

• SNA’s MISSION: To advance good nutrition for all children.

• SNA’s primary activities 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 SNA has 52 state affiliates, hundreds of local chapters and over 55,000 members nationwide.chapters and over 55,000 members nationwide.

March 2009 July 2008

Trainers 238

SNS 1041 +23

Certified -947

Level 1 17846 -397

Level 2 2754 -377

Level 3 2844 -173

Stats Update

School Nutrition Association

CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAMPROGRAM

Requirements for candidates

Why 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.

• Climb a career ladder and advance in the field.

Annual Program

• SNA Certification has been an annual renewal program since September 1, 2008.

• New applicants follow the new requirements described in the Certification Guide.

• Certified individuals earn CEUs annually and pay an annual renewal fee.

Grandfathering

Those with a 3 year certification period will be enrolled in the new program at the time of their

certification expiration date once their certification isrenewed.

SNA will honor the existing expiration date for those with a three year certification period

who are scheduled to expire on or before September 1, 2011. They will follow the former

certification renewal guidelines and pay the annual fee.

Certification Levels

LEVEL 1 Certification



TRAINER Certification

Level 1 Requirements

LEVEL 1Academic

Experience *NONE

*High School Diploma/GED will be required in 2011 for new applicants at all levels.

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 Trainer10 Hour Sanitation & Safety Course

(i.e. ServSafe or SNA-approved equivalent course)Total Core

Hours 20 Hours

NOTE: Core Requirement courses & Key Area hours 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 © 2009 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.

www.schoolnutrition.org

Level 1 StatisticsSeptember 1, 2008 – April 15, 2009

1,676 2,77913,252

1,210

-2,000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

Nu

mb

er

Ce

rtif

ied

Level 1 Certification

Still Under Old Program

Renewed Into

Annual Program

New Applicants

Annual Program

Level 1 Types

Have Not Renewed

Nutrition CoreAlabama FL's Nutrition : Planning for Healthy Meals

Arkansas It’s Time for Nutrition

Delaware Healthy EDGE

Florida Nutrition – Planning for Healthy Meals and Dietary Guidelines 2005

Georgia Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)

Iowa School Foodservice Nutrition 101

Kentucky Healthy Meals: The Kentucky Obligation

Maine Healthy EDGE

Maryland Nutrition 101

Michigan Nutrition I

MinnesotaFundamentals I & II or Healthy Edge

Montana Healthy EDGE 2000

Nebraska NTENT

North Carolina Smart Options

North Dakota Practical Nutrition

OhioHealthy Challenge: Gaining Skills for a Better

Future

South CarolinaBuilding Healthy Habits Using the Dietary

Guidelines

South Dakota Healthy EDGE

Texas Nutrition 101

Virginia Virginia Nutrition Course

Washington Basic Nutrition

Wisconsin Healthy EDGE

Sanitation/Safety CoreAlabama FL's Sanitation and Safety

Alaska ServSafe

Arkansas Safety and Sanitation

California Food Safety for Child Nutrition Professionals

Delaware National Restaurant Association's ServSafe Curriculum

Florida Florida’s Sanitation and Safety

Georgia Orientation for Nutrition Employees (ONE)

Idaho Serving It Safe

Illinois Serving Safe Food

Kentucky Ken-Safe

Maine Serve Safe and More

MarylandFood and Nutrition Services New Employee Orientation

Michigan Sanitation and Safety

Minnesota ServSafe or Serving It Safe

MontanaMontana Serving It Safe and NRA's

ServSafe

Nebraska NTENT

Nevada Safe Food Handling

New York Sanitation Part I, II, III, IV and V

North Carolina Serve It Safe or ServSafe

North Dakota Foodservice Sanitation and Safety

Ohio ServSafe

South Dakota ServSafe

Texas Food Service Sanitation

Virginia Safety and Sanitation Course

Washington Washington’s Serve Safe

Wisconsin ServSafe


NOTE: Core Requirement courses & Key Area hours 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.

LEVEL 2Academic

Experience

High School Diploma/GED

Core Requirements


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

Requirements 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

Total Hours 90 Hours




49 5012,182

277

-500

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Nu

mb

er

Ce

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ied



Renewed Into

Annual ProgramNew

Applicants Annual

Program

Level 2 Types

Have Not Renewed


NOTE: There are two ways to earn Level 3. Use Table A for college courses only. College courses can be used for initial certification regardless of how many years ago they were taken.

LEVEL 3 – TABLE AAcademic Experience College Credit Hours

College Course Requirement

Key Area 1 - Operations 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

Level 3 RequirementsLEVEL 3 – TABLE B

Academic Experience

High School Diploma/GED and/or Some College Credit

Core Requirements


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 Requirements

35 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations35 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




139 501 2,172216

-500

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Nu

mb

er

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ied



Renewed Into

Annual Program

New Applicants

Annual Program

Level 3 Types

Have Not Renewed



Call Statistics• On average, SNA receives around 1,200 calls per

month.

• Out of the 1,200 calls about 530 pertain to certification. That’s about 44% of the total calls received monthly.

• SNA received calls from certified members & non-members, prospects, State Presidents, State Association Execs, Certification Chairs & Processors.

• PLEASE NOTE! This does not include email and FAX communiques

College Credit Conversion Table

1 College Credit =

15 Key Area Hours

2 College Credit =

30 Key Area Hours

3 College Credit =

45 Key Area Hours

Key Areas

Key Area 1 - Operations

Key Area 2 - Nutrition

Key Area 3 - Administration

Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing

Key Area RequirementCourses:

• 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.

Initial Application Fee

CertificationLevel

Member Fee Non-Member Fee

Level 1 $ 10 $ 55

Level 2 $ 12 $ 65

Level 3 $ 25 $ 175

Certification Renewal• Renew annually and pay an annual renewal fee.

• Three months prior to their certification expiration date, SNA will mail a letter and renewal application.

• Individuals are only required to submit CEU documentation if they are audited by SNA.

CertificationLevel

Member Annual

Renewal Fee

Non-Member Annual

Renewal FeeCEUs

Level 1 $ 5 $ 50 6 CEUs

Level 2 $ 6 $ 60 12 CEUs

Level 3 $ 8 $ 160 18 CEUs

CEU Guidelines

• Individuals maintain their own documentation.

• Used for Certification Renewal only.

• Must be completed and earned within the certification renewal period.

• Should be job-related.

• CEUs for SNA-sponsored events will be maintained in the SNA database.



SNU Website



SNU Courses

Course Name Key Area For InitialCertification & Moving Levels?

Hours For Certification

Renewal?

CEUs Price

HACCP for Managers 1 – OperationsSANITATION/SAFETY

CORE COURSE

Yes 10 Yes 10 $ 200.00

Food Safety for Food Handlers

1 – Operations Yes 2 Yes 2 $ 30.00

Food Manager Certification Preparation


HACCP for Operators 1 – Operations Yes 5 Yes 5 $ 80.00

Sexual Harassment for Managers

*3 – Administration *Only if taken with Bundle 3, 4 and/or 5

1 Yes 1 $ 15.00



SNU CoursesBundle Course Name Key Area For Initial

Certification & Moving Levels?

Hours For Renewal?

CEUs Price

1 Basic First AidFire SafetyHand Safety


2 Behavior Based SafetyHazard CommunicationEmergency Response

*1 – Operations *Only if taken with Bundle 1

1 Yes 1 $ 18.00

3 Absences from the WorkplaceDrug Free WorkplaceHiring and Lawful Termination

*3 – Administration *Only if taken with Bundle 4

and/or 5

1 Yes 1 $ 18.00

4 Discrimination Free WorkplaceEthicsDisability in the Workplace


and/or 5

1 Yes 1 $ 18.00

5 Employee ConcernsSexual Harassment for EmployeesViolence in the Workplace


and/or 4

1 Yes 1 $ 20.00

*NOTE: The number of hours earned for initial certification or moving up levels will vary on the courses that you bundle to receive Key Area Hours (For example, to earn Key Area Hours for Bundle 2, you MUST also complete Bundle 1 to earn 3 Hours in Key Area 1 – Operations. If you complete Bundle 3 and Sexual Harassment for Managers, you will earn 2 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration)

CEU Documentation for Audits

SNA will notify individuals who are selected for an audit of the CEUs they need to submit.

• Certificates of Completion

• Copies of Rosters

• College/University Transcripts

• Program Agendas • Program Books/Brochures

• Registration Confirmation Letters

• Badges

• Payment Receipts

Changing Certification Levels

• Move from one Level to another by attaining the additional academic and Key Area requirements for the new level.

• Submit an application form, certificates of completion for Key Area hours and/or college transcript and payment for the level they are applying for.

• Downgrade from one level to the next by submitting the certification renewal form and appropriate fee.

Trainer Certification Requirements

TRAINER CERTIFICATIONProfessional

Experience Two or more years of experience teaching adults

within the past five yearsTwo letters of recommendation from your current

employer, former employer, or customers indicating your experience as a trainer

Credentials/Academic Experience

Level 3 Certification, SNS, RD, Bachelors, Masters or PhD in 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 Trainer10 Hour Trainer Certification Workshop or Adult Education

Training College Course (Minimum 1 College Credit) If you have a college degree in Education, the 10 Hour Trainer Certification Workshop requirement is waived.

Total Course Hours 20 Hours



Trainer StatisticsAugust 1, 2008 – April 15, 2009

58

181

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

Nu

mb

er

Cert

ifie

d

1

Trainers

SNA Certified Trainers

Grandfathered Healthy Edge

Trainers

New Trainer Applicants (Paid Fee &

Waived)

Trainer Certification Renewal

Certified Trainers have to maintain their certification by renewing every 3 years and paying an annual maintenance fee. Three months prior to the Trainer Certification expiration date, SNA will mail them a letter and renewal application.

Member Annual Fee

Non-Member Annual Fee

Documentation

$ 50 $ 145Must have taught at least 1 class within 3 years to

be eligible to renew.

Grandfathering

Their Trainer Certification expiration date is July 31, 2011.

All former Healthy EDGE Trainers have been grandfathered into the new Trainer

Certification Program.

Master Trainer Seminar

• Developed by NFSMI.

• Pre-Conference Session at ANC in Las Vegas, NV.

• Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• Pre/Post Study.

• Meets 10 Hour Trainer Certification Workshop requirement (10 Hours in Key Area 3 Administration.)

• Cost: $125 Pre-registration Required.

ANC Education Sessions

• Offered at ANC in Las Vegas, NV.

• Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

• From 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Things to Note

• No grace period for certification renewal.

• Non SNA members must pay the non-member rate for certification.

• Applicants have 30 calendar days to submit missing documentation. After 30 days they must re-apply and pay the initial fee again.


PROGRAM APPROVALPROGRAM APPROVAL

Guidelines for SNA State Affiliates

Program Types Core Requirement Courses

Required for initial certification for all three Levels Can also be used for certification renewal

Key Area Requirement CoursesRequirement for Level 2 & Level 3 initial certificationCan also be used for certification renewal

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Only to be used for Certification RenewalNot for initial certification

Core Requirements

• ALL Core Courses must be approved by SNA.

• Complete the Core Course Approval Form.

• Must be at least 10 hours of active instructional time (does not include breaks, registration, meals, or warm ups.)

• Can be broken up into modules.

• Approval is good for 5 years from the date of approval.

Core Requirements

• SNA will track approved core courses.

• SNA will notify course sponsors when their course is up for re-validation (every 5 years).

• Providers must supply a certificate of completion to course participants.

• For initial certification, Core Courses cannot date back further than 5 years from the application date.

Key Area Courses• SNA State Affiliates are able to approve in-state Key Area

Courses.

• State Education Agencies may approve their own courses for Key Area hours.

• 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.

Key Area 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.

Authorized Providers for Key Area Courses

• School Nutrition Association (SNA)

• School Nutrition Foundation (SNF)

• SNA State Affiliates

• State Education Agencies (State DOE)

• US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI)

• American Dietetics Association (ADA)

• Dietary Managers Association (DMA)

Continuing Education Units - CEUs

• SNA State Affiliates do not have to approve their 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.

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.


SNS CREDENTIALING SNS CREDENTIALING PROGRAMPROGRAM

Requirements for candidates

Credentialing Overview

SNA’s School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credentialing Program was

established in 1997.

• The SNS Credentialing Exam tests candidates on the knowledge and skills required to perform specific job activities related to school nutrition.

• Individuals who meet all prerequisites and pass the exam earn the designation - School Nutrition Specialist (SNS).

• Knapp & Associates, Inc. oversees the electronic grading of the exam.

Why Become An SNS?

• Professional commitment and credibility

• Job advancement

• Personal accomplishment

• Enhanced integrity of all school nutrition professionals

Over 1000 Child Nutrition Professionals have earned the

SNS credential!

Eligibility RequirementsSNS CREDENTIAL

Academic Experience

Associate’s Degree or education equivalent (60 college credits)

Work Experience

1 year work experience or related involvement in school nutrition within the past 5 years.

Types of employment:

School nutrition at the school, district, state or federal level Community nutrition programs (i.e., child care, Headstart) College/university staff/faculty, teaching and/or research in school nutrition SNA State Affiliate or SNA Headquarter staff Trainers, consultants, industry staff providing services to the school nutrition market

Eligibility Requirements

SNS CREDENTIAL

Key Area Requirement

Additional 30 college credits in any of the four Key Areas: (Operations, Nutrition, Administration

or Communications/Marketing.) OR

Supervisor/Director-level work experience in child nutritionprograms may be substituted for the 30 college credits.

(NOTE: 1 year of work experience equals 10 college credits, therefore, 3 years of additional work experience may substitute the additional 30 college credit requirement.)

Credentialing Internship Program

• Dallas Independent School District, Dallas, TX & Texas Woman’s University

• Masters Degree program

• Minimum 900 operating hours of on the job training within 12 months.

• Who can be an SNS Internship Host?

State Education Authorities

Local Education Authorities

Institutions Of Higher Learning

Child Nutrition Industry Partners

Federal, State, County or Local Agencies

Credentialing Internship Program

For more information or if you would like to be considered as a host contact:

Danny D. Seymour SNA Dean of Education

Email: [email protected]

Credentialing Application

• The Credentialing Exam Handbook contains the exam application forms and requirements.

• Candidates must:

Submit a copy of college transcript

Submit the application (page 11), work verification form (page 13), appropriate fee and SNA will verify that all eligibility requirements are met.

Credentialing Fees

NOTE: Individuals who don’t meet the eligibility requirements or cancel the exam will have the processing fee of $25 deducted from their refund. Those who do not reschedule or are “no-shows” on exam day will not receive a refund for the exam fee. Individuals who fail the exam will have to re-apply and pay the exam fee again.

CREDENTIALING FEES

MEMBER NON-MEMBER

Exam Application Fee

$ 150 $ 245

Annual Maintenance Fee

$ 35 $ 130

Preparing For The Exam

• Credentialing Handbook

• SNS Study Guide

May be purchased for $40 through the SNA Emporium toll Free at 800-728-0728.

Exam Content Outline The 8 core competencies/content areas covered in

the SNS Credentialing Exam are: (note specified percentage weights for each area)

• Nutrition & Menu Planning – 20%• Food Production – 15%• Marketing of Nutrition Programs – 10%• Safety and Sanitation – 15%

•Facilities Management – 5%• Personnel Management – 10%• Financial Management – 20%• Operations/General Management – 5%

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, they 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.

Credentialing Exam Dates

EXAM DATE

EXAM LOCATION

REGISTRATION START DATE

REGISTRATION END DATE

6/9/2009 Gatlinburg, TN 4/19/2009 5/19/2009

6/11/2009 Houston, TX 4/11/2009 5/21/2009

6/16/2009 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 4/16/2009 5/26/2009

6/29/2009 Las Vegas, NV 4/1/2009 6/6/2009

7/20/09 Wisconsin Dells, WI 5/20/09 6/29/09

8/4/2009 Seven Springs, PA 6/4/2009 7/14/09

Contacting SNA

School Nutrition AssociationSchool Nutrition Association700 S. Washington Street Suite 700 S. Washington Street Suite

300300Alexandria, VA 22314Alexandria, VA 22314

Shantal Hall Certification & Credentialing Manager

Preferred Method of Contact is via Email at: [email protected]

Fax: (703) 739-3915 Phone: (800) 877-8822

Website: www.schoolnutrition.org

Thank You

QUESTIONS QUESTIONS

Anchoring the SNA Ship Through Certification and Credentialing Sandra Ford, SNS Danny Seymour, SNS April 24, 2008.

Documents

initial certification

certification levels

certification guide

nutrition employees

michigan nutrition

good nutrition

school nutrition initiatives

certification expiration