Food Manager Certification

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Food Manager Certification

Why Always Food Safe

  • Nationally Accredited 5-Year Manager Certification
  • Instant Exam Results
  • Fun & Engaging Video Training with FREE Exam Retake
  • Take Exam Immediately - No Scheduling
  • Complimentary Dashboard for Businesses

State Regulation

Always Food Safe’s Food Manager Certification is a mandatory requirement for any food manager working in the foodservice industry.

Take our ANAB-accredited certification today. This certification is approved US-wide and is valid for 5 years.

Take our 100% online, video-based training & exam with a remote proctor to stay in compliance.

Additional Information

Learn more about our training programs and exam process.

What is a food manager certification?

A food manager is responsible for keeping customers safe by overseeing the safe storage, preparation, and service of food in the workplace. They must pass a test demonstrating their knowledge of food safety practices, and then they are certified to manage food safety practices in the kitchen.

Who needs this certification?

It is a legal requirement across the USA to have at least one staff member Food Manager trained and on duty at any time in your business. This training gives managers the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to oversee the safe storage, preparation, and service of food in the workplace.

Is Always Food Safe's certification the same as other food safety manager exams?

Yes! The Always Food Safe Company, Food Protection Manager exam is equivalent to the Food Protection Manager certification programs from ServSafe (National Restaurant Association).

Our exam is ANAB accredited, meaning that it meets the required national standards for Food Protection Manager Certification Programs.

Are the different food manager exam forms the same as each other?

All exam forms are what we call equivalent. Each form of the Always Food Safe Company, Food Protection Manager Certification Exam is equivalent in difficulty and content to other exam forms. The forms were constructed by a highly respected psychometrician with an advanced degree in measurement and testing, and in addition, we call on the expert help of many experienced Food Protection Managers, (Subject Matter Experts). Each exam form goes through many processes to ensure that it is equivalent. That way you can be assured that whichever exam form you receive, it will test your knowledge equally and fairly.

How long is the food manager certification good for?

The certificate is valid for up to five years from the date of the exam.

1. 1 FREE Exam Retake - We are the only company to offer you two exam attempts for the price of 1.

2. 100% Online Video Training (Complete Around Your Lifestyle) - We are the only company in the industry to offer video-based training, and it can be completed wherever, and whenever you have time.

3. Remotely Proctored Exam - There is no need to take your exam in a classroom, due to our virtual proctors. You can complete the whole certification from your home.

4. Certificate Valid for 5 Years - Once you complete and pass your exam you will receive a certificate that will be valid for 5 years.

5. Training & Exam Available in English & Spanish

Complimentary Manager Dashboard offered to Growing Businesses

When you become an Always Food Safe customer you are granted access to your very own Management Account.

Stay on top of your food safety compliance requirements with our COMPLIMENTARY and user-friendly dashboard. Easily track training completion, monitor expiration dates on certification, and access multiple employees and locations (if applicable) all in one place.

To use online proctoring, you will need:

  • A laptop or desktop computer with a microphone and webcam (integrated or external)
  • A current, government-issued photo ID
  • A private room to take the exam in. This could be a room in your house, office, or public space so long as people will not be walking in and out.

Equipment Requirements

Operating System

  • Windows 10 and higher
  • MacOSX 10.14 and higher
  • ChromeOS

Browser

  • Google Chrome version 120+

Internet Speed

  • 1.5 Mbps download, 750 Kbps upload

This course is designed to give you an in-depth look at food safety with topics such as temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, and preventing contamination.

Chapter Overview

  1. Introduction - What are your responsibilities as a Food Protection Manager?
  2. Contamination - Learn more about contamination as well as common allergens.
  3. Importance of the Food Handler - How does personal hygiene and work attire affect food safety?
  4. Time & Temperature Control - What do you need to know about time and temperature control?
  5. Purchasing to Store Room - How to safely deliver and store food.
  6. Preparation - How to properly thaw, prepare, and cook the food.
  7. Service - Food safety on the service end.
  8. Cleaning & Sanitizing - Steps to properly clean and sanitize your kitchen.
  9. Food Safety Management - Develop a food safety management system.
  10. Facilities and Pest Management - How to properly handle facilities, garbage, and utilities, plus dealing with unwanted pests.

What Is a Food Manager Certification and Why Is It Required?

A Food Manager Certification proves that a person in charge of a kitchen understands how to prevent foodborne illness and follow required food safety laws. It confirms that a manager knows how to handle sanitation, temperature control, cross-contamination, and employee hygiene in real working conditions.

Many states and local health departments require at least a certified Food Protection Manager on-site to operate legally.

Who Needs a Food Protection Manager Certification?

A Food Protection Manager Certification applies to anyone responsible for supervising food preparation, storage, and service in a regulated food operation. Health departments typically require a certified food protection manager for restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, food trucks, and catering businesses.

FAQs About Food Manager Certification

Is a Food Manager Certification the same as a food handler card?

No. A Food Manager Certification applies to supervisory roles and covers higher-level food safety responsibilities, while food handler cards focus on basic handling practices for entry-level employees.

Can I take a Food Protection Manager Certification exam online?

Absolutely. The exam is 100% online through Always Food Safe.

How many certified Food Protection Managers does a business need?

Some jurisdictions require at least one certified Food Protection Manager per location, while others require coverage per shift or during all hours of operation.

What if I fail the Food Manager Certification exam?

You will have one free retake through Always Food Safe. However, if you fail a second time, you will have to go through the registration process again.

Get Your Food Manager Certification Online Through Always Food Safe

Earn your Food Manager Certification through a fully online, accredited program that meets state and local requirements. Complete the exam on your schedule, receive immediate results, and secure certification that supports compliance for your operation. Start the process today with Always Food Safe and keep your kitchen in compliance with food safety regulations.