Preparing for the SNS Exam

Those who meet the exam eligibility requirements should expect to spend three to four months preparing for this comprehensive exam. The SNS Credentialing Exam currently consists of 220 multiple choice questions, and candidates have four hours to complete it.

Download the SNS Credentialing Exam Handbook to view the requirements, fees and application form.

Purchase the 2023 Edition of the SNS Study Guide & School Food and Nutrition Service Management Book (optional).

Use the Resource List to prepare for the exam.

Resources

Please note:


  • Use of the SNS Credentialing Exam Handbook, SNS Study Guide and related book does not guarantee that you will pass the SNS Credentialing Exam.
  • The sample questions included in the SNS Handbook and Study Guide are for practice.
  • The sample questions are NOT part of the SNS exam.

SNS Study Tips

Has it been years since you took your last exam? Or maybe you just need to brush up on the latest study techniques? SNA has cultivated resources to help you get up to speed and ready to study!

SNS Credentialing Exam Prep Tips

Begin preparing for the exam as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute and cramming is discouraged.


Review the content/knowledge areas that are understood and used on a daily basis.


Plan in-depth study and preparation for those content/knowledge areas that are less familiar.


Notice the percentage weight and number of questions per content/knowledge area. Those areas with a high percentage of questions are a significant portion of the exam, and, therefore, require more time of study.

Review the Exam Resource List. Thorough reading, study, and understanding is necessary to achieve a passing score on the exam. Study efforts should cover the resources listed.


Form a study group with other exam candidates in the area. Interacting with other exam candidates and discussing the content outline of the exam can be helpful.


Contact a School Nutrition Specialist at the local chapter or at the State Affiliate for mentoring.

What’s Your Learning Style?

The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that everyone learns differently. Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferred way in which someone absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. Individual learning styles depend on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, as well as one’s prior experience—everyone is different. It is important to understand learning style differences, so that we can utilize the best strategies when preparing for an exam.

woman-using-laptop

SNS Study Guide

Special Offer

SNS Study Guide & School Food and Nutrition Service Management Bundle

SNA is offering a Members-only SNS Preparation Resources Bundle that includes:

  • School Nutrition Specialist Credentialing Exam Study Guide – 2019 Edition
  • School Food and Nutrition Service Management for the 21st Century – 6th Edition, authored by Dot Pannell-Martin & Julie A Boettger

SNA Members: $118

Non Members: $147

School Nutrition Specialist Credentialing Exam Study Guide – 2019 Edition

This study guide will help you prepare and assess your readiness for the School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credentialing exam. Individuals who earn the SNS credential demonstrate the knowledge and competencies necessary to manage school nutrition programs in today’s challenging climate.

Note: Using this study guide alone will not guarantee that you will pass the SNS exam. The guide will direct you to content and resources that will help you prepare.

SNA Members: $68

Non Members: $78

School Food and Nutrition Service Management for the 21st Century – 6th Edition

By Dot Pannell-Martin & Julie A Boettger

The newly updated 6th Edition of this comprehensive textbook is the go-to reference book for those working in the field of school nutrition. It includes chapters on current regulations, financial management, menu planning and nutrition, human resources, equipment and facilities planning, procurement, production management, food safety, technology and marketing. Each chapter opens with a story from a school nutrition practitioner describing how the subject applies to their career.

SNA Members: $68

Non Members: $78

To purchase the books by mail or fax, visit the SNA Bookstore to obtain a paper order form.