Certificate Program

How to Earn Your SNA Certificate in School Nutrition

Earning Your Certificate in School Nutrition will:

  • Provide a career ladder you can use to advance in the field
  • Add credibility to your position and to your school’s program
  • Enhance your professional image with supervisors, parents, and administrators
  • Stay current on the latest issues and solutions related to your job

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earning your Level 1, New Level 2, or Level 3, or Level 4 SNA Certificate in School Nutrition shows your commitment to your profession and helps you stay current on the job. SNA’s Certificate Program is based on the standards of practice in SNA’s Keys to Excellence Program and, SNA’s Certificate Program aligns with USDA Professional Standards. 

3 Steps to Earning Your SNA Certificate in School Nutrition

The following provides an overview of the Certificate in School Nutrition requirements.

Please download the Program Guide for detailed requirements for all three certificate levels.

STEP 1: ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

  • First, determine if you have met all the academic experience and training requirements for the certificate level that you would like to apply for. The initial requirements and annual CEU requirements for each of the 4 levels are listed in the Program Guide. You must meet all requirements for a specific Certificate Level prior to sending your application to SNA.

  • Training must be in one of the four key areas and your specific training plan and topic areas should be determined by (or in conjunction with your) supervisor.

STEP 2: DOCUMENTATION & PAYMENT

  1. You may submit ALL proof of training documents along with the 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 copies or your training documents.
  • Submit materials to [email protected] or fax (703-824-3015). If you are paying by check or money order, it will need to be mailed.
  • You should ALWAYS keep a file of all training documentation in the event you are randomly selected for an audit. If audited, you will receive the form via mail.

STEP 3: CELEBRATE!

  • Upon approval of your application, SNA will send you a verification letter to confirm you earned your SNA Certificate in School Nutrition. Share your success and achievement with your friends, co-workers and the students you serve!

>>> Download the Certificate Program Application (pdf)
Certificate Program Submission Cover Sheet (doc)
Certificate in School Nutrition Program Guide (website)

 

Calculating CEUs

Renewals will now be based upon membership type, as follows:

  • 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) = 1 hour of training for Professional Standards
  • A 15-minute Continuing Education Unit (CEU) = 0.25 CEUs of training for Professional Standards.
  • CEUs CANNOT date back further than five (5) years from the date you apply.
  • Renewal CEUs must be completed during the certificate year.
  • CEUs MUST be a minimum of 15 minutes in length.
  • Learn More Here

Audit Information

  • SNA will check proof of CEUs via a random audit. Only those chosen for the audit will be required to send in documentation of CEUs earned. If you are selected for an audit, notification to send CEU documentation to SNA will be included in your annual renewal notice.
  • For more information about SNA's certificate program, please visit https://schoolnutrition.org/careers-training/certificate-credentialing/