Take Your First Step Towards Achieving the SNS Credential DATE

Take Your First Step Towards Take Your First Step Towards Achieving the SNS CredentialAchieving the SNS Credential

Agenda

• Importance of the SNS Credential • Eligibility Requirements • About the Exam • Preparation Tools and Resources• About the Study Guide • Exam Tips & FAQs • Q & A

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.

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.

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

Why Earn the SNS?

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ARE ON THE WAY!

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

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!

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!

Are you eligible to take the exam? ACADEMIC

REQUIREMENTKEY AREA HOURS

REQUIREMENTWORK EXPERIENCE

REQUIREMENT

OPTION

60 College Credits or

Associate’s Degree

30 more College Credits in any of the four Key Areas

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 ProgramCollege/University/Technical/Culinary ProgramSNA State/National Association StaffState/Community AgencyTrainer/Consultant/Industry Staff

OPTION 2

Bachelor’s Degree or

Higher

None Same as Above

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)

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

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%)

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%

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%

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…

It can be stressful…

But it can also be enjoyable…

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

Read the References!

Main resources*

1.School Food & Nutrition Service Management for the 21st Century, 6th edition, Dorothy Pannell-Martin & Julie A. Boettger

2.SNA’s Keys to Excellence best practices indicators www.schoolnutrition.org/Keys

3.USDA resources listed www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

4.NFSMI resources www.NFSMI.org/SNSExam

* Full reference list available on the SNA website www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

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

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

SNS Study Guide & Book

MEMBERS ONLYOFFER!

$59 each or $109 for both

Non-Member Price: $69 each $6 S&H

Order Online www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

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

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.

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!

ProceduresComplete 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

Exam Fees

EXAM FEES

MEMBER NON-MEMBER

Exam Application

$ 210 $ 305

Annual Maintenance/

Renewal

$ 65 $ 160

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.

For Exam Dates

www.schoolnutrition.org/sns

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

Take Your First Step Towards Achieving the SNS Credential DATE

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