General Questions About ServerApproved
What is ServerApproved?
ServerApproved is a Texas-based certification and compliance platform for food service and hospitality professionals. We offer Texas DSHS-approved Food Handler, TABC Seller-Server, and Food Manager certifications, plus group team training and compliance management software.
Who is ServerApproved built for?
It is built for individual employees who need certification, managers and owners who need their own credentials and team oversight, and businesses that need year-round team training and compliance tracking.
Is ServerApproved legitimate?
Yes. All certifications meet Texas DSHS requirements. Food Manager training prepares candidates for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam administered by the National Restaurant Association. TABC training meets Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission standards.
Where is ServerApproved available?
ServerApproved currently serves Texas statewide online. In-person Food Manager training is available in Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Virtual training is available anywhere in Texas.
How do I contact ServerApproved?
Book a free 15-minute consultation through the website or visit the Contact page.
Does ServerApproved have a mobile app?
All online certifications are mobile-friendly and work on phone, tablet, or desktop. Progress saves automatically so you can resume later on any device.
Texas Food Handler Certification - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Texas Food Handler Certification?
It is a state-required credential for employees who handle, prepare, or serve food in Texas, and must be renewed every 2 years.
Who needs a Food Handler Certification in Texas?
Any employee working with food, including servers, line cooks, prep cooks, bussers handling food, and others involved in preparation or service.
How long does the Texas Food Handler Certification take?
About 2 hours, fully online and self-paced.
How much does the Texas Food Handler Certification cost?
$15 through ServerApproved.
Do I get my certificate the same day?
- Food Handler: immediate upon course completion.
- TABC: same day, then uploaded to TABC portal in 24-48 hours.
- Food Manager (Virtual): same day after passing.
- Food Manager (In-Person): issued after in-person exam, processing varies.
How long is Food Handler Certification valid?
2 years from completion, with reminder notices before expiration.
What happens if my Food Handler Certification expires?
You are no longer legally certified to work with food in Texas until you renew by completing the course again.
Is it accepted by all Texas employers?
Yes. It meets Texas DSHS requirements and is accepted across Texas.
Can I take Food Handler on my phone?
Yes. No app download required.
Do part-time workers still need certification?
Yes. The rule applies to full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
What is the difference between Food Handler and Food Manager?
Food Handler is for general food employees. Food Manager is advanced and required for supervisors/managers, and at least one certified manager must be present during operating hours.
Is there a free retake if I do not pass?
The course is designed to be straightforward. For retake support questions, contact support and the team will assist.
TABC Seller-Server Certification - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TABC Seller-Server Certification?
A Texas-required certification for employees who sell or serve alcohol, covering responsible service and Texas alcohol law.
Who needs TABC Certification in Texas?
Anyone selling or serving alcohol, including bartenders, servers, and event staff. Most employers require it before first shift.
How long does TABC Certification take?
About 2 hours online at your own pace.
How much does TABC Certification cost?
$20 through ServerApproved.
When do I get my TABC certificate?
Same day upon completion. It is uploaded to the TABC portal in 24-48 hours for verification.
How long is TABC Certification valid?
2 years from completion, with renewal reminders sent in advance.
Can I get both Food Handler and TABC at the same time?
Yes. There is a bundle for $30 (save $5).
Is TABC required for all alcohol-serving staff in Texas?
Yes. Anyone in a role involving alcohol sales/service must hold valid TABC certification.
What does the TABC course cover?
Texas alcohol laws, responsible service, identifying minors and intoxication, refusing service, and handling difficult situations.
Does my TABC certification automatically show in the Texas system?
Yes. It is uploaded to the official TABC portal within 24-48 hours.
Texas Food Manager Certification - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas Food Manager Certification?
A state-required credential for managers and supervisors, covering advanced food safety principles. It is valid for 5 years.
Who needs Food Manager Certification in Texas?
At least one certified Food Manager must be employed at each food establishment and present during operating hours.
Is your program ServSafe?
The program prepares you for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam from the National Restaurant Association.
How long is the Food Manager program?
14-hour instructor-led training with exam prep and exam, delivered as a 2-day program.
Virtual vs in-person: what is the difference?
Same content, instructors, and exam. Virtual is live online and same-day certificate after passing. In-person is classroom-based and certificate timing depends on processing.
How much does Food Manager Certification cost?
Virtual: $150. In-person: $175. Both include full training and exam.
When do I receive my Food Manager certificate?
- Virtual: same day upon passing.
- In-Person: after exam completion, processing may vary.
What if I fail the Food Manager exam?
One free retake within 30 days is available. A $35 exam retake fee applies for the exam itself.
How long is Food Manager Certification valid?
5 years from the date you pass the exam.
Do I still need Food Manager if I already have Food Handler?
Yes. They are separate credentials for different job responsibilities.
Is Food Manager Certification available in Houston?
Yes. In-person training is available in Houston and other major cities; virtual is available statewide.
Business Team Training & Enterprise Packages - Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer group training for restaurant teams?
Yes. Instructor-led training is available for teams of all sizes, virtually or in person.
How quickly can group training be scheduled?
Most sessions can be scheduled in 24-72 hours depending on availability.
What is included in one-time team training?
Food Handler for staff, Food Manager with exam prep, TABC where applicable, instructor-led delivery, and same-day certificates where applicable.
What are one-time training prices?
Small teams (up to 7): $750-$900. Mid-size (8-15): $1,200-$1,800. Large (15-30): $2,500-$4,000. Enterprise (30+ or multi-location): custom pricing.
What is the Enterprise Per-Location Compliance Package?
A full compliance engagement including Food Manager, Food Handler, and TABC where needed, plus setup and onboarding. Non-alcohol package: $4,000-$6,000/location. Full package with alcohol: $5,500-$8,500/location.
One-time training vs Enterprise package?
One-time training is best for smaller groups needing immediate certification. Enterprise is a full per-location engagement with deeper setup, onboarding, and coverage.
Can I combine one-time training with a SaaS plan?
Yes. Many businesses start with one-time training, then add SaaS for ongoing renewal tracking.
Do you serve multi-location groups?
Yes. Growth and Enterprise plans support multi-location dashboards and custom enterprise packages.
Compliance Management Software - Frequently Asked Questions
What is ServerApproved compliance software?
A SaaS platform to track certifications, automate renewal alerts, store certificates, and generate audit-ready reports.
How does the software work?
Add employees to the dashboard, track statuses in real time, receive alerts at 90/60/30 days before expiration, and export records instantly.
What plans are available?
Starter: up to 25 employees, $149/mo or $1,500/yr. Growth: 25-100 employees, $249/mo or $2,800/yr. Enterprise: 100+ employees, starts at $399/mo or $4,500/yr with custom options.
What is included in every plan?
Real-time tracking, 90/60/30-day alerts, digital certificate storage, audit-ready reports, and mobile access for managers.
What extra features do Growth and Enterprise include?
Growth adds multi-location visibility, bulk user management, advanced reporting, and API access. Enterprise adds dedicated account management, custom workflows, white-label options, and priority support.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. A 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Do I need a contract?
Monthly plans are flexible and cancellable anytime. Annual plans require a one-year commitment and offer savings.
How much can I save with annual billing?
Starter saves $288/year and Growth saves $188/year versus monthly billing. Enterprise annual discounts are custom.
Does the software integrate with payroll/HR systems?
Growth and Enterprise include API access and support integrations like ADP, Paychex, Gusto, Toast, Square, and HubSpot. Custom integrations are available for Enterprise.
Can I manage multiple locations from one account?
Yes. Growth and Enterprise include multi-location dashboard visibility.
What reports does the software generate?
Starter includes basic completion/expiration reports in PDF/CSV. Growth adds filtering and location views. Enterprise adds white-label reporting, API access, and full audit documentation.
Can I export employee certification data?
Yes. All plans include CSV/PDF exports; Growth and Enterprise include API access.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Data remains accessible for 30 days after cancellation so you can export records before account closure.
Billing, Pricing & Refunds - Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certifications cost?
Food Handler: $15. TABC: $20. Food Handler + TABC bundle: $30. Food Manager: $150 virtual / $175 in-person.
How much does team training cost?
One-time team training starts at $750 for teams up to 7 employees. Larger teams are priced by size and format.
Do you offer certification refunds?
Food Handler and TABC include a 90-day money-back guarantee if the course is not completed. Food Manager refunds are available if unsatisfied after day one; after day one, eligibility depends on completion/exam progress.
Do you offer SaaS refunds?
Yes. SaaS plans include a 30-day refund window after your first paid charge.
Are annual billing discounts available?
Yes. Starter saves $288/year. Growth saves $188/year. Enterprise discounts are custom.
Can I switch plans anytime?
Yes. Upgrades/downgrades are available anytime with prorated billing.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards. Enterprise customers can request invoice billing.
Is billing information secure?
Yes. Payment processing uses secure encrypted systems, and ServerApproved does not store credit card details.