1. Take Your First Step Towards Achieving the SNS Credential DATE

2. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Agenda Importance of the SNS Credential Eligibility Requirements About the Exam Preparation Tools and Resources About the Study Guide Exam Tips & FAQs Q & A

3. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org A School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) SNS = a professional who successfully passed the School Nutrition Specialist exam, by demonstrating the knowledge and competencies necessary to manage school nutrition programs.

4. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org About the SNS Exam based on job analysis conducted by NFSMI, 2009. Expert panel of school nutrition professionals identified knowledge areas for the SNS exam Exam is reviewed regularly and updated as needed Next exam date July 12, 2015, Salt Lake City.

5. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Governing Council The Certificate & Credentialing Governing Council governs the program and all policies and standards related to the SNS Credential An autonomous arm of SNA. Not involved in development of any preparatory resource. No preparatory resource endorsed by the Governing Council

6. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Why Earn the SNS? PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ARE ON THE WAY!

7. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Why Earn the SNS? Formalizes your professional achievement Enhances your professional image Expands your career opportunities Elevates pride in your profession Establishes a foundation for professional standards Demonstrates your commitment to your profession

8. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org In addition, for State Agencies Helps you better understand school nutrition operations Enables others to identify you as an accomplished leader in school nutrition Helps you do a better job!

9. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org And, for Industry Enhances your professional image and credibility with operators Demonstrates your commitment and your company’s commitment to the school nutrition segment and profession Helps you do a better job!

10. Are you eligible to take the exam? ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT KEY AREA HOURS REQUIREMENT WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT OPTION1OPTION1 60 College Credits or Associate’s Degree 30 more College Credits in any of the four Key Areas OR Work experience in coordinating, managing or supervising various aspects of child nutrition programs (1 year of work experience equals 10 college credits. ) One year work experience related to school nutrition within the past 5 years in any of the following settings:  School Nutrition Program  Community Nutrition Program  College/University/Technical/Culinary Program  SNA State/National Association Staff  State/Community Agency  Trainer/Consultant/Industry Staff OPTION 2OPTION 2 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher NoneSame as Above

11. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org About the Exam 200 Questions 4 Hours to complete Takes 3-4 months to study Can take exam more than once (but must pay exam fee each time)

12. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org The 4 Key Areas Covered Based on SNA’s Four Key Areas in SNA’s Keys to Excellence Aligned with USDA’s 4 Key Areas for Professional Standards Aligned with competency areas identified in NFSMI job analysis

13. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org The 4 Key Areas - Key Area 1: Operations (40%) -Key Area 2: Nutrition, Nutrition Education& Physical Activity (17%) -Key Area 3: Administration (36%) -Key Area 4: Marketing & Communications (7%)

14. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Exam Content & Knowledge Areas 1.Facilities, Technology and Equipment Management –5 % 2.Food Production and Operations Management – 15 % 3.Procurement and Inventory Management – 5.5 % 4.Food Security, Sanitation and Safety – 14.5 % 5.Menu and Nutrition Management – 17 % Key Area I: Operations 40% Key Area II: Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity 17%

15. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Exam Content & Knowledge Areas 6.Program Management and Accountability 10% 7.Human Resource Management – 10 % 8.Financial Management 16 % 9. Marketing and Communications – 7 % Key Area III: Administration 36% Key Area IV: Marketing & Communications 7%

16. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org When was the last time you took an exam? I am often in exam mode. Less than 3 years ago. Hmmm, maybe 10 to 15 years ago? LOL! Let’s just say it’s been ages…

17. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org It can be stressful…

18. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org But it can also be enjoyable…

19. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Tips for Prepping for the Exam  Use the SNS Credentialing Exam Handbook  Use the references (about 35 references total)  Form a study group or contact your chapter or SNA state affiliate to connect with others www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

20. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Read the References! Main resources* 1.School Food & Nutrition Service Management for the 21 st Century, 6 th edition, Dorothy Pannell-Martin & Julie A. Boettger 2.SNA’s Keys to Excellence best practices indicators www.schoolnutrition.org/Keys www.schoolnutrition.org/Keys 3.USDA resources listed www.schoolnutrition.org/SNSwww.schoolnutrition.org/SNS 4.NFSMI resources www.NFSMI.org/SNSExamwww.NFSMI.org/SNSExam * Full reference list available on the SNA website www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

21. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Enhance Your Study  Attend state and national conferences  Attend school nutrition webinars  Take more courses, especially the NFSMI courses listed in the references  Attend training provided by your state agency or department of education  Read the SNA magazine  Catch up on regulations  Fill out your Keys to Excellence profile and assess your program

22. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Purpose of the Study Guide Help you prepare for the SNS Guide your study of the material covered on the exam Take short pre-test to identify your strengths and areas to work on Test yourself with longer post-test Multiple choice questions + exam sheet DOES NOT CONTAIN QUESTIONS ON THE EXAM

23. SNS Study Guide & Book MEMBERS ONLY OFFER! $59 each or $109 for both Non-Member Price: $69 each $6 S&H Order Online www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

24. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Study Tips Start preparing ASAP. Look closely at the exam content areas – those with higher percentages make up an important part of the exam Know your strengths and work on the areas you need to improve Form a study group

25. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Exam Tips A calculator is permitted but brush up on math skills (solving math problems) if needed Answer every question: – The exam is multiple choice but your are not penalized extra for wrong answers. One in four is correct! Don’t skim the question. Read carefully. Answer the easiest questions first. Then go back to the harder ones.

26. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org The Day of the Exam Bring a calculator Bring two sharpened #2 pencils Get a good night’s sleep the night before Go ahead and write in your exam booklet Be there half an hour early to get checked in Don’t panic!

27. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Procedures Complete the Exam Application  The SNS Credentialing Exam Handbook contains the exam application form, requirements and list of resources to use to prepare for the exam.  You must:  Submit a copy of your transcript  Submit the application and appropriate fee www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

28. Exam Fees EXAM FEES MEMBERNON- MEMBER Exam Application $ 210$ 305 Annual Maintenance/ Renewal $ 65$ 160

29. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Getting the Exam Results  Results: in 6 to 8 weeks after exam  Pass: (score of 78.5% or higher) use the SNS designation after your name, receive an SNS Certificate and can order the SNS Pin.  Didn’t Pass: receive a letter and Diagnostic Report showing the areas of weakness in the exam.

30. Copyright © 2015 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org For Exam Dates www.schoolnutrition.org/sns

31. QUESTIONS?

32. THANK YOU!