Pennsylvania Food Safety Programs & Requirements

Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

The Certified Food Protection Manager Certification (CFPM) is required in Pennsylvania. This certification ensures that foodservice managers have the knowledge and skills to protect the public from foodborne illness and maintain compliance with state regulations.

At My Food Service License, our Certified Food Protection Manager Program is accredited by the ANSI-CFP National Accreditation Board (ANAB) in accordance with the 2021 Standard for Accreditation of Food Protection Manager Certification Programs. This recognition guarantees that our program meets the highest national standards.

Why Certification Matters

A Certified Food Protection Manager plays a critical role in every food establishment. From preventing cross-contamination to ensuring safe food handling, having a certified manager on staff is not only recommended—it’s required. Pennsylvania law mandates that at least one certified manager be present whenever food is prepared or served.

About Our Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Program

Who Needs a Food Protection Manager Certification in Pennsylvania?

1

To ensure safety and compliance, one certified employee must always be present whenever food is being prepared or served.

2

Establishments are encouraged to maintain at least three certified employees to ensure proper coverage and overlap.

Food Protection Manager Program Features

100% Online & Self-Paced Course – Access training anytime on computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Flexible Learning – Review any section as often as needed during your enrollment period.
Expert-Developed Content – Training materials are based on real job tasks identified by food safety experts.
On-Demand Exam – Take your ANAB-CFP Certification Exam without scheduling delays.

What You'll Learn

Prevent foodborne illness with proven safety practices
Master hygiene, handwashing, and cross‑contamination control
Apply time and temperature rules for safe food handling
Learn cleaning, sanitizing, and facility safety essentials
Understand regulatory compliance and inspection readiness

…and more to strengthen your role as a certified food safety leader

Build Trust. Stay Compliant. Protect Customers.

Whether you’re a Pennsylvania restaurant manager, owner, food truck operator, catering provider, or other food service professional, earning your Pennsylvania Food Protection Manager Certification (CFPM) through My Food Service License ensures compliance, builds customer trust, and strengthens your team’s food safety culture.

Take the next step in protecting your business, customers, and reputation.

ENROLL TODAY

Food Protection Managers

Advance your career with our Food Protection Manager (CFPM) course and exam bundle.

Spanish Speakers

Curso 100% en línea disponible en español. ¡Empieza hoy

Exam Only Option

Get certified today with a live proctored online exam — zero scheduling, total convenience.

Basic Food Handler Course

In Pennsylvania, a food handler is defined as anyone working in a food facility who prepares, stores, or serves food. To protect public health and comply with state regulations, most employees who do not hold a Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification are encouraged to complete an approved Food Handler Certificate course.

The Pennsylvania Food Handler Training Program provides the knowledge and confidence you need to serve food safely. The course is designed for entry-level food professionals and support staff—including servers, hosts, dishwashers, bussers, and cashiers—who play a vital role in preventing foodborne illness.

About the Food Handler Program

Who Needs a Food Handler Certificate in Pennsylvania?

1

Recommended: This training is for all food handlers in Pennsylvania. Many employers require training, and it is strongly encouraged to ensure food safety, compliance, and customer confidence.

2

Exemptions: Those with a valid Pennsylvania Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification.

Food Handler Course Features

100% Online & Self-Paced – Learn anytime on computer, tablet, or smartphone.
No Proctoring Required – Complete the exam at the end of the course with no scheduling needed.
All-Inclusive Fee – Covers the course, exam, and your official Food Handler Card.
Instant Certificate – Print your Food Handler Card immediately upon passing; valid for 3 years.
Bilingual Access – Available in both English and Spanish.

What You'll Learn

The Basic Food Handlers Course covers:

Safe food handling practices
Proper hygiene and handwashing
Preventing cross-contamination
Causes of foodborne illness and prevention strategies
State-specific food safety requirements

Why choose My Food Service License for food handlers?

This course provides general Food Handler training.

If your local health department requires an official Food Handler Card, you must complete the designated course for your jurisdiction. Please verify local requirements before purchasing to ensure you enroll in the correct program

Enroll today in the Pennsylvania Food Handler course to earn your certificate and take the first step toward a safer, compliant, and more successful food service career.

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Food Safety Programs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Food Protection Manager?

A Food Protection Manager oversees food handling and preparation in kitchens and foodservice establishments to ensure all food served is safe for consumption. They are responsible for maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations, implementing food safety protocols, and training staff. By upholding strict standards for hygiene, sanitation, and safety procedures, Food Protection Managers play a vital role in preventing foodborne illnesses.

What are the Responsibilities of a Food Protection Manager?

Food Protection Managers are essential to maintaining safe and hygienic foodservice operations. They oversee employee practices to ensure proper food handling and sanitation, conduct regular inspections of equipment and facilities, and ensure compliance with local health regulations and industry best practices. Their duties also include developing and enforcing food safety policies, managing recalls, and providing staff training on safety protocols. In addition, Food Protection Managers are responsible for reporting, documentation, and audit preparation related to food safety incidents.

Food Handler vs. Food Manager: What Sets Them Apart?

A Food Handler is any employee involved in the preparation, serving, or storage of food, with a primary responsibility to follow the safety practices set by management. A Food Protection Manager holds a leadership role—overseeing food safety practices across the entire establishment, ensuring staff are properly trained, and verifying that all food safety regulations are consistently followed. In most establishments, support staff such as servers, hosts, dishwashers, and bussers typically serve as Food Handlers, while managers, chefs, cooks, and owners take on the responsibilities of Food Protection Managers.

How Long Is A Food Protection Manager Certification (CFPM) Valid?

Food Protection Manager certification is valid for three to five years, depending on local rules and the certifying body. After that, managers must renew—usually by retaking the course or exam—to stay current with food safety standards.

Can Food Manager Certification Be Completed Online?

Yes. My Food Service License is the gold standard in online training and certification. Our program is designed to fit the busy schedules of food service professionals. Our program is 100% online, On-demand, and accessible 24/7, with no scheduling required ever. All exams are proctored online, through our online proctoring service.

How Quickly Can You Become a Certified Food Protection Manager?

The time required to earn a Food Protection Manager certification can vary based on how you prepare for the exam. If you choose to complete a course and exam—which is the recommended path—our course takes about 8 hours, though the exact duration depends on your pace. Certification is awarded only after passing the Food Protection Manager exam. The exam itself allows up to 2 hours for completion, and once passed, certification is issued the same day.

Is My Food Service License's Food Manager Certification Recognized Nationally?

Yes! My Food Service License’s Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and meets nationally recognized standards. This accreditation guarantees our program complies with industry regulations and is widely accepted by health departments nationwide.

I’ve Heard This Certification Called by Other Names—What Is The Official Title?

This certification is often referred to by many names—such as Food Safety Manager, Food Manager, CFPM, Food Sanitation Manager, Food Service License, Food Handler Manager, or FSSMC—but the official title is Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).

Which Languages Are Offered for Training?

Courses are available in both English and Spanish, giving learners the flexibility to complete training in the language that best fits their needs. Our program combines convenience, flexibility, and credibility in one seamless experience.

How Difficult Is the Food Protection Manager Exam?

The Food Protection Manager exam’s difficulty largely depends on your preparation. Its purpose is to confirm the minimum level of competency required to serve as a Food Protection Manager. The exam evaluates knowledge of food safety regulations, safe food handling, sanitation practices, and related topics. With thorough study, most candidates find the exam manageable, but solid preparation is essential for passing on the first attempt.

Are All Food Protection Manager Exam Forms The Same?

All exam forms are created to be equivalent. Each version of the My Food Service License Food Protection Manager Certification Exam is designed to maintain the same level of difficulty and cover the same content areas. Every form undergoes a thorough review process to ensure fairness and consistency, so whichever version you take, your knowledge is assessed equally.

Where Can I Get Guidance on Food Manager Training Regulations?

In most states, at least one manager in a food service or preparation facility must complete food safety training or certification. In some areas, state-level requirements may not exist, but local counties or cities enforce their own rules.

You can use our state information pages to review the requirements in your area. While we work hard to keep our information current, it’s ultimately your responsibility to confirm the latest requirements with your local jurisdiction.

Where Can I Learn More About Food Manager Training Requirements?

Regulatory requirements for food handler and manager training may differ by jurisdiction. For the most accurate and current information, consult the public health website for your state, county, or municipality.

Disclaimer: We strive to keep all program details and requirements as accurate and current as possible. However, regulations may vary by location. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, please confirm requirements directly with your local state or jurisdiction.