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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. 

Select your state and product above.

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 haveat 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.

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.

For a kitchen, this certification establishes accountability and helps ensure daily food safety decisions meet regulatory requirements.

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.

This means that owners, managers, or shift leads often hold this credential to meet inspection requirements and oversee staff practices.

Operations with multiple locations may require certified managers at each site to remain compliant.

What You Learn in a Food Safety Manager Certification Course

The training focuses on practical skills that support daily decision-making in food service operations, including:

  • Causes of foodborne illness and how to prevent them
  • Proper time and temperature control for cooking, cleaning, and holding food
  • Methods for preventing cross-contamination and allergen exposure
  • Cleaning, sanitizing, and facility maintenance requirements
  • Employee health policies and safe food handling practices
  • Inspection readiness and corrective action procedures

How the Food Manager Certification Exam Works

The Food Manager Certification exam occurs as a proctored assessment. You’ll start by registering for the exam through our online portal and completing identity verification processes before testing begins.

The actual exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering core food safety principles that you must complete within a set time limit – usually up to two hours.

If you pass the exam, you’ll earn your certification through Always Food Safe. However, if you do not pass on the first try, you get a free retake.

Food Manager Certificate Validity, Renewal, and State Regulations

Always Food Safe is an ANAB-accredited organization, so your Food Manager Certificate will be valid nationwide. However, approval ultimately depends on the state and local health departments.

Your Food Manager Certification remains valid for five years; after that, you must retake the exam to renew.

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?
How many certified Food Protection Managers does a business need?
Does a Food Safety Manager Certification transfer if I move to another state?
What if I fail the Food Manager Certification exam?

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.

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NEED TO TRAIN YOUR TEAM?

Purchase our online Food Manager Training for multiple employees by purchasing in bulk.

You can call our team at 720.791.2050 to discuss your certification needs in more detail or email us at sales@alwaysfoodsafe.com.

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