California FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

FAQs

Which food safety certification programs are approved in California?
ServSafe and Prometric are all ANSI-CFP accredited exams accepted in California.

How long is the Food Protection Manager certificate valid for?
5 years

Are there any extra requirements for food safety training to obtain the Food Manager Certification?
Taking and passing an approved food safety exam that is accredited will be sufficient. However, taking a food safety training course is recommended to help you prepare for the certification exam.

Do I have to register with Environmental Health Services after I successfully pass the certification exam?
You are not required by law to register with the local or state Environmental Health Services. Test providers, ServSafe and Prometric, will provide a certificate that is numbered to each individual who passes the certification exam. All health inspectors will view a valid certificate as being in compliance.

Do I need to have a certified food protection manager employed before I open my business?
The law states that a food facility has 60 days to make sure a certified food protection manager is employed when the business is just started, there was a change of ownership, or the previous certified food protection manager quits.

Which food establishments are excused?
Food establishments that are mobile, for example, hot dog carts, farmer’s markets, produce stands, and any market that deals with only packaged foods, are not required to have a certified food protection manager employed. Contact your local health department for more information or if you are unsure.

Does the food manager law apply to school districts and colleges?
School districts and colleges must fulfill the food manager requirements as well unless they are managed by a food safety certification program that trains them in food safety procedures.

My business has several permits from the health department for a restaurant, café, and delicatessen. Do I need a food manager certificate for each?
If all of the food establishments are owned by the same person or company, then only one certified food protection manager is mandatory for the operations. If the food establishments are owned by different people or companies or are at different locations, then each one must have its own certified food protection manager.

What training do you provide in California?

• Online Food Manager Training: A self-paced training that is online and incorporates different learning experiences such as graphics, audio, and cooperative learning exercises. This is a very effective learning program.
• Online Study Guide: A study guide (20+ pages) that covers the major FDA food theories. This study guide also encompasses the Top 10 Tips to Passing the Food Manager Exam and two practice tests. All of these are done online.
• Food Manager Exam: The test is conducted online via The Always Food Safe Company or in-person via Prometric. Both providers are ANSI accredited and recognized by state and county health departments.

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