Professional Standards
Professional Standards require a
- minimum amount of annual training hours, or continuing education, for School Nutrition Program Directors, Managers, and Staff, and
- minimum hiring standards for School Nutrition Program Directors.
Training hours should be obtained each school year: July 1 – June 30.
| Job Type | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Program Directors | 12 hours |
| Program Managers and Vended Site Managers (onsite meal service) | 10 hours |
| Program Staff and Vended Site Staff (20+ hours/week) | 6 hours |
| Program Staff and Vended Site Staff (less than 20 hours/week) | 4 hours |
Who is Required to Complete Professional Standards
- Food Service Directors, Food Service Managers, and Program Staff
- Individuals involved in managing school food service operations, individuals involved in the preparation and service of school meals, including cooks and cashiers, and office staff who are regularly involved in other program operations, such as eligibility determinations, and meal counting and claiming.
Who is NOT Required to Complete Professional Standards
- Individuals who provide support to but are not specifically involved in the operation of the School Nutrition Program, such as custodians, volunteers, as well as temporary or substitute teachers and paraeducators.
- Office Assistants who are only involved in supporting School Nutrition Programs intermittently, like processing free and reduced-price meal applications during the Fall, are not required to meet the training standards.
- However, these individuals should still complete annual Civil Rights training, along with any other training opportunities that support their specific responsibilities within the School Nutrition Program.
Minimum Education Standards based on Student Enrollment
| < 2,499 Students Enrolled | 2,500 – 9,999 Students Enrolled | 10,000+ Students Enrolled |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in specific areas | ||
| OR Bachelor’s degree in any academic major, and State-recognized certificate for School Nutrition Directors | ||
| OR Bachelor’s degree in any academic major,
and at least 1 year of relevant food service experience |
OR Bachelor’s degree in any academic major,
and at least 2 years of relevant School Nutrition Programs experience |
OR Bachelor’s degree in any academic major,
and at least 5 years of experience managing School Nutrition Programs |
| OR Associate’s degree or equivalent educational experience,
with academic major in specific areas, and at least 1 year of relevant food service experience |
OR Associate’s degree or equivalent educational experience,
with academic major in specific areas, and at least 2 years of relevant School Nutrition Programs experience |
|
| OR High school diploma (or GED) and 3 years of relevant food service experience | ||
Minimum Prior Training Standards
> 8 hours of food safety training, earned within the previous 5 years or 30 calendar days of start date.
For more information, view the USDA’s Professional Standards for School Nutrition Program Professionals
Earn Hours
Look for the graduation cap icon near training for a continuing education certificate!
Track Hours
For more information, view the USDA’s Professional Standards for School Nutrition Program Professionals and NDE’s Frequently Asked Questions