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Take Your First Step Towards Achieving the SNS Credential

Learn about the importance of the SNS credential, eligibility requirements, exam details, preparation tools and resources, tips and FAQs, and more.

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Take Your First Step Towards Achieving the SNS Credential

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

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. Why Earn the SNS? PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ARE ON THE WAY!

  7. 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. 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. 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?

  11. 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. 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. 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. Exam Content & Knowledge Areas Key Area I: Operations 40% Facilities, Technology and Equipment Management –5 % Food Production and Operations Management – 15 % Procurement and Inventory Management – 5.5 % Food Security, Sanitation and Safety – 14.5 % Menu and Nutrition Management – 17 % Key Area II: Nutrition, Nutrition Education & Physical Activity 17%

  15. Exam Content & Knowledge Areas Key Area III: Administration 36% Program Management and Accountability 10% Human Resource Management – 10 % Financial Management 16 % Marketing and Communications – 7 % Key Area IV: Marketing & Communications 7%

  16. 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. It can be stressful…

  18. But it can also be enjoyable…

  19. 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. Read the References! Main resources* • School Food & Nutrition Service Management for the 21st Century, 6th edition, Dorothy Pannell-Martin & Julie A. Boettger • SNA’s Keys to Excellence best practices indicators www.schoolnutrition.org/Keys • USDA resources listed www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS • NFSMI resources www.NFSMI.org/SNSExam * Full reference list available on the SNA website www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

  21. 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. 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 ONLYOFFER! $59 each or $109 for both Non-Member Price: $69 each $6 S&H Order Online www.schoolnutrition.org/SNS

  24. 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. 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. 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. 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

  28. Exam Fees

  29. 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. For Exam Dates www.schoolnutrition.org/sns

  31. QUESTIONS?

  32. THANK YOU!

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