1. How the SNA Certificate Program Can Help You Meet Professional Standards!

2. USDA Professional Standards
Professional Standards are a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, and are designed to help advance the field of school nutrition by establishing minimum hiring and annual training standards.
The annual training standards help to ensure that all school nutrition personnel continue to develop their skills and expertise.
Since Professional Standards is based on SNA’s Key’s to Excellence, Standards of Practice, SNA’s Certificate Program easily fits within the Professional Standards requirements.

3. Required Annual Training
SFA directors
12 hours - beginning SY
SFA staff
6 hours - beginning SY
SFA managers
10 hours - beginning SY
Part-time staff working an average of less than 20 hrs/week
4 hours - SY
and beyond
The final rule clarifies that training needs are determined based on an individual’s job.
For clarification, if an individual performs several jobs, he/she has to meet the annual training standards for the higher position.

4. Key Learning Areas
4 Key Areas 1. Nutrition 2. Operations 3. Administration 4. Communications/Marketing
Did you know that the 4 Key Areas in USDA Professional Standards are based on the 4 Key Areas in SNA’s Keys to Excellence standards and best practices?
This is very important because it means that SNA’s programming is fundamentally aligned with Professional Standards.

5. Certificate Program Nearly 20,000 Certificate Holders
SNA has nearly 20,000 members with a SNA Certificate in School Nutrition.
The certificate program has been updated to make it easier for you to meet your renewal requirements for the certificate AND your annual professional standards hours of training.
Nearly 20,000 Certificate Holders

6. Alignment with Prof. Standards
Initial requirements for each level did not change (one minor exception at Level 3)
CEUs for renewals will be based on member type
Initial requirements for each level have not changed at all except for one minor addition for Level 3–
In other words, the over 20,000 SNA members with certificates continue to meet all requirements to earn a certificate.
However, what has changed is that CEUs for renewing a certificate are NOW based on membership type.

7. CEUs Aligned with Prof. Standards
1 SNA Continuing Education Unit (CEU) = 1 hour of training for Professionals Standards
The fundamental concept is that one CEU for the certificate program (and for the credentialing program) is one and the same as 1 hour of training for professional standards.

8. CEUs for renewal – Level 1
Membership Type
SNA CEU Requirements for Level 1
Professional Standards Required Annual Training Hours for SY
Directors
12 CEUs
12 Hours
Managers
10 CEUs
10 Hours
Staff/Employees
6 CEUs
6 Hours
State Agency Directors
15 CEUs
15 Hours
CEUs for renewing a certificate will be based on membership type.
For level 1, the current minimum requirement is 6 CEUs.
This will remain the same minimum CEU requirement for employee level members who will need to meet 6 hours of annual training for professional standards in SY
However, managers will now need to have 10 CEUs or 10 hours of training rather than 6 – again, this will match up with the SY annual training hours required for professional standards.
Directors will need to complete 12 annual hours of training for professional standards so they will need to complete 12 CEUs for renewal.
State agency directors need to complete 15 CEUs and 15 training hours.
Changes were effective July 1, 2015

9. CEUs for renewal– Level 2
Membership Type
SNA CEU Requirements for Level 2
Professional Standards Required Annual Training Hours for SY
Directors
12 CEUs
12 Hours
Managers
10 CEUs
10 Hours
Staff/Employees
6 Hours
State Agency Directors
15 CEUs
15 Hours
For Level 2, you will notice that CEUs are still based on membership type but everyone must meet a minimum of 10 CEUs.
This is because level 2 is a higher level and therefore requires more training hours to maintain this level.
This is down from the current minimum requirement of 12 CEUs.
Changes were effective July 1, 2015

10. CEUs for renewal – Level 3
Membership Type
SNA CEU Requirements for Level 3
Professional Standards Required Annual Training Hours for SY
Directors
12 CEUs
12 Hours
Managers
10 Hours
Staff/Employees
6 Hours
State Agency Directors
15 CEUs
15 Hours
For Level 3, you will notice that CEUs are still based on membership type but everyone must meet a minimum of 12 CEUs.
This is down from the current minimum requirement of 18 CEUs.
Changes were effective July 1, 2015

11. Changes were effective July 1, 2015
Audit Information
Random audit process
You do not need to submit proof of documentation when renewing
Only if you are randomly selected for an audit
CEUs must be within your certificate period
Level 1: 6 CEUs for renewal
Level 2: 10 CEUs for renewal
Level 3: 12 CEUs for renewal
We will continue our random audit process.
For SNA’s certificate and credentialing programs, you DO NOT need to submit proof of your annual training or CEUs for renewal unless you are audited.
Level 1 – 6 CEUs
Level CEUs
Level CEUs
Changes were effective July 1, 2015

12. Changes were effective July 1, 2015
CEU Documentation
Tracking Grids (if you do anything, do this!)
Certificates of completion
Copies of rosters
College/Univ. transcripts
Program agendas
Registration confirmation letters
SNA MyAccount record
On screen you can see the types of CEU documentation required.
These have not changed. However, we highly encourage you to complete a tracking grid as this will be very helpful for tracking professional standards training.
USDA is encouraging people towards tracking training but also suggests people keep other proof in a file to show they have attended the training.
So very similar to what you have always done for SNA’s certificate and credentialing programs – but we now suggest keeping a tracking grid too.
Changes were effective July 1, 2015

13. Updated SNA Certificate Guide!
The certificate guide has been recently updated and is available for you to download
It’s available at the web address you see on screen www. schoolnutrition.org/certificate
Also available for download are the separate application form and the certificate program cover sheet, which is required for levels 2 and 3
Page 3: New Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet
Page 7: Calculating CEUs and Training Hours

14. FAQs
Are there a certain amount of hours required in each Key Learning Area, or can we split these training topics up at our discretion?
The most important consideration is what is relevant to your job. If it’s in one key area only, it’s fine.
Let’s go through some of the common FAQs being asked:
If you are the person giving the training, do you get any training hours for that?
Yes, you get the time spent on the training if it is a minimum of on hour. For example, if you provide a two hour training course, you earn 2 CEUs or 2 training hours. Training hours only count for the first time you give that course.

15. FAQs If it is very short training like 15 or 30 minutes, can it count?
NEW!! 15 minutes or more can count for USDA Professional Standards. For SNA programming, the Certificate & Credentialing Governing Council will allow bundling two 30-minute trainings on the same topic to count as one CEU.
NEW! Updated CEU Requirements
1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) = 1 hour of training for Professional Standards
CEUs must be a minimum of one hour in length.
Two 30-minute trainings within the same subtopic code, within the same year will be accepted as one CEU.
Four 15-minute trainings within the same subtopic code, within the same year will be accepted as one CEU.
Subtopic codes can be found in the USDA Professional Standards Learning Objectives, or the SNA Professional Standards Training Guidelines.
15 and 30 minutes on the same topic can now be bundled to create one hour of training and count as one CEU.

16. Examples Calculating CEUs EXAMPLE, 30 minute trainings
Training Title Examples
Length
Key Area
Key Topic
Subtopic
Menu Planning: What You Need to Know
30 min
(1000) Nutrition
(1100) Menu Planning
(1120) Plan cycle menus that meet all rules. Consider cost, equipment, foods available, storage, staffing, student tastes, and promotional events.
Serving Healthy Meals
Total training time
1 hour
Accepted as 1 hour of training
In the examples you will notice that the bundled training must be within the same subtopic area.
Calculating CEUs EXAMPLE, 15 minute trainings
Training Title Examples
Length
Key Area
Key Topic
Subtopic
Introduction to Menu Planning
15 min
(1000) Nutrition
(1100) Menu Planning
(1120) Plan cycle menus that meet all rules. Consider cost, equipment, foods available, storage, staffing, student tastes, and promotional events.
Maximizing Meals
Meal Components, what works
Steps to Successful Menu Planning
Total training time
1 hour
Accepted as 1 hour of training

17. New REQUIRED Cover Sheet for Levels 2 & 3
NEW - Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet for Levels 2 and 3
You now have two options when submitting required paperwork.
1. You may submit proof of ALL training documents along with the new cover sheet OR
2. Your manager may review your training and then sign the cover sheet providing confirmation.
If your supervisor signs the cover sheet you DO NOT need to send all of the supporting documentation!
You should ALWAYS keep a file of all training documentation in the event you are randomly selected for an audit.
Step 2
We have added a new- REQUIRED- document for Level 2 and Level 3 submissions. The Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet
The cover sheet helps submitters to organize their submission and should help to guide them through the submission process
Additionally, there are now two options when submitting the required paperwork for Levels 2 and 3
Option 1 requires the submission of ALL training document and the new cover sheet
Option 2 requires the review and sign-off of the submission by the supervisor.
This means that the supervisor is confirming that the submitter has all of the required documentation.
If the supervisor signs the cover sheet submitters DO NOT need to provide all the supporting documentation!
You should ALWAYS keep a file of all training documentation in the event you are randomly selected for an audit.

18. New REQUIRED Cover Sheet for Levels 2 & 3
These are excerpts from Page 1 of the required Cover Sheet
Page 1 requires the completion of some basic information –
The two submission options are clearly outlined for the submitter to note which option works best for them.
You will notice that there is a section for Supervisor Attestation, along with supervisor contact information and supervisor signature.
This option allows the submitter to have their supervisor review the submission documentation and confirm that the requirements have been met.
When choosing this option, option 2, submitters do not need to submit all of the training documentation.
REMEMBER you should ALWAYS keep a file of all training documentation in the event you are randomly selected for an audit.

19. New REQUIRED Cover Sheet for Levels 2 & 3
Page 2 requires the submitter to confirm what they are submitting
Including a summary of the number of training hours being submitted in each Key Area

20. New REQUIRED Cover Sheet for Levels 2 & 3
The last two pages of the Cover Sheet are for listing all the acquired training
As noted on the previous slide, the total number of hours are summarized on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet

21. Get your SNA Certificate in School Nutrition in 3 easy steps!

22. Level 1 Certificate
Step 1
Complete an 8 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course and an 8 Hour Food Safety & Sanitation Core Course
Step 2
Send SNA your Completed Application, Cover Sheet and Payment and Certificates of Completion
Step 3
Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 1 Certificate in School Nutrition!
Let’s now look at what you need to qualify for each certificate level.
Level 1
Step 1
Complete an 8 hour Core Course in Nutrition Education
Complete an 8 hour Core Course in Food Safety & Sanitation
Step 2
Complete the Certificate Application
Complete the Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet
Send SNA
The completed application, cover sheet, certificates of completion and payment
Step 3
CELEBRATE!
SNA will send you a letter confirming that you have earned a Level 1 Certificate in School Nutrition
All documents can be downloaded at
*Note: You do NOT need a copy of your high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)*
Note: You do NOT need to provide a copy of your high school diploma or GED

23. Level 2 Certificate Step 1 COMPLETE THE CORE REQUIREMENTS
8 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course OR
1 College Credit in Nutrition AND
8 Hour Food Safety & Sanitation Core Course
COMPLETE THE KEY AREA REQUIREMENTS
15 Hours in Key Area 1 – Nutrition
20 Hours in Key Area 2 – Operations
20 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration
15 Hours in Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
To qualify for a Level 2 Certificate
Complete the Core Requirements and the Key Area Requirements
8 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course OR
1 College Credit in Nutrition AND
8 Hour Food Safety & Sanitation Core Course
COMPLETE THE KEY AREA REQUIREMENTS
15 Hours in Key Area 1 – Nutrition
20 Hours in Key Area 2 – Operations
20 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration
15 Hours in Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing

24. Level 2 Certificate (cont…)
Step 2
Send SNA your Completed Application
Completed Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet
Option 1: Submit all training documentation, with a completed cover sheet
Option 2: Submit supervisor signed cover sheet, training documentation not required
High School Diploma OR
High School Transcripts OR GED OR
College/University Degree OR
College Transcripts
Payment
Complete & submit to SNA the Certificate Program Application Form
The completed, New, Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet (for Levels 2 & 3)
Option 1: Submit all training documentation, with a completed cover sheet
Option 2: Submit supervisor signed cover sheet, training documentation not required
High School Diploma OR
High School Transcripts OR GED OR
College/University Degree OR
College Transcripts
Payment
*Note: You MUST submit a copy of your high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)*
Note: You do MUST submit a copy of your high school diploma or GED

25. Level 2 Certificate (cont…)
Step 3
Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 2 Certificate in School Nutrition!
Step 3 - Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 2 Certificate in School Nutrition!

26. Level 3 Certificate – Option A
Step 1
COMPLETE THE COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
8 Hour Core Course Food Safety & Sanitation
3 College Credits in Key Area 1 – Nutrition
3 College Credits in Key Area 2 – Operations
3 College Credits in Key Area 3 – Administration AND Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
Step 2
Send SNA your Completed Application, Completed Cover Sheet, Payment, and College Transcripts
Option 1: Send all proof of training documentation
Option 2: Cover sheet signed by supervisor, do not need to send proof of training documentation
There are two options to achieve Level 3.
Option A – Step 1:
Complete the Core Course and College Credit requirements
8 Hour Food Safety and Sanitation Core Course
3 College Credits in Key Area 1 – Nutrition
3 College Credits in Key Area 2 – Operations
3 College Credits in Key Area 3 – Administration AND/OR
3 College Credits in Key Area 4 – Communications & Marketing
Step 2 - Send SNA
Completed Application
Completed Cover Sheet
Option 1 – Send all proof of training documentation
Option 2 – Send cover sheet signed by supervisor
Do not need to send all proof of training documentation

27. Level 3 Certificate – Option A
Step 3
Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 3 Certificate in School Nutrition!
Step 3 - Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 2 Certificate in School Nutrition!
Notes: You do MUST submit a copy of your college transcript. Unofficial college transcripts will be accepted.

28. Level 3 Certificate – Option B
Step 1
COMPLETE THE CORE REQUIREMENTS
8 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course
8 Hour Food Safety & Sanitation Core Course
COMPLETE THE KEY AREA REQUIREMENTS
35 Hours in Key Area 1 – Nutrition
35 Hours in Key Area 2 – Operations
45 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration AND Key Area 4 – Communications/Marketing
15 Hours General Electives (any of the four key areas)
The second option, Option B, to achieve Level 3
Option B – Step 1:
Complete the Core Course and Key Area requirements
8 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course
8 Hour Food Safety and Sanitation Core Course
35 Hours in Key Area 1 – Nutrition
35 Hours in Key Area 2 – Operations
45 Hours in Key Area 3 – Administration AND/OR
15 Hours in Key Area 4 – Communications & Marketing
15 Hours in General Electives – Any of the four Key Areas
Tip: Use the listing of courses by key area as a guide at

29. Level 3 Certificate – Option B
Step 2
Send SNA your Completed Application, Completed Cover Sheet, Payment, and Option 1: Certificates of Completion Option 2: Signed Cover Sheet
AND Copy of your College Transcripts
Step 3
Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 3 Certificate in School Nutrition!
Step 2 - Send SNA
Completed Application
Completed Cover Sheet
Option 1 – Send all proof of training documentation
Option 2 – Send cover sheet signed by supervisor
Do not need to send all proof of training documentation
AND Copy of your College Transcripts
Step 3 - Celebrate! SNA will send you a letter confirming you have earned your Level 2 Certificate in School Nutrition!
Notes: You do MUST submit a copy of college transcript.
Unofficial college transcripts will be accepted.

30. Download the Program Guide & Forms www.schoolnutrition.org/certificate
Get Started Today!
Download the Program Guide & Forms

31. Important FYIs
Core and initial requirement courses cannot date back further than five years of the date you apply.
College courses can be used regardless of how many years ago they were completed.

32. Contact SNA’s Certificate & Credentialing Staff
QUESTIONS?
Contact SNA’s Certificate & Credentialing Staff
Phone: (800) Web: