Food Protection Manager

The My Food Service License Food Protection Manager (CFPM) courses and exams are designed to fit the demanding schedules of today’s foodservice professionals. With 24/7 online access, a self‑paced format, and on‑demand exams that require no scheduling, our program makes it easy to complete your training and earn your credential on your own time.

Food Protection Manager Course (CFPM) + Certification Exam with Online Proctor

Save time and money with our online training + nationally accredited exam bundle—no extra steps, no extra cost.

Train. Test. Certify.

Food Protection Manager Course (CFPM) + Certification Exam with Online Proctor

24/7 access, self‑paced lessons, and expert support—designed for busy foodservice professionals.

Training That Fits Your Life

Curso en línea de Gerente Certificado de Protección de Alimentos (CFPM) (español)

Videos, cuestionarios y prácticas diseñadas para que domines cada aspecto de la inocuidad alimentaria.

Tu Capacitación, a Tu Ritmo

Food Protection Manager Certification Exam (CFPM) with Online Proctor

Take the accredited Food Protection Manager exam 100% online, anytime, anywhere — with instant results.

Advance Your Career in Food Safety

For details on how the program works, what you’ll need, and what to expect, see our FAQ section below.

Food Protection Manager: Key Responsibilities

What is a Food Protection Manager?

A 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.

Training and Certification Information

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

Food Protection Manager certification is valid for about 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.

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.

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).

Exam Difficulty and Regulatory Requirements

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.