Get your Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential with instructor-led training and the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam completed in a single session. In-person classes across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama – plus online training and certification available nationwide.
The Food Manager certification is the industry-standard credential for kitchen leaders, managers, chefs, and anyone in a supervisory food service role. It’s often referred to as ServSafe® Manager, Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), or the “manager safe serve test” – it’s all the same training, exam, and credential.
It’s a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates a leader’s ability to manage food safety practices in a food service environment.
FDA Food CodeMost states require at least one CFPM on-site during operating hours. The requirement typically applies to:
Not sure if your role requires certification?
Check your state’s requirementsThe CDC estimates 48 million foodborne illness cases annually in the United States. A Certified Food Manager is your frontline defense against health violations, costly shutdowns, and brand-damaging incidents. Certification helps you:
Complete Food Safety Manager Training (required in some states, recommended in all) and pass an ANAB-CFP accredited certification exam. Serve It Up Safe offers four flexible paths – in-person classes, two online training courses, or self-study materials – all paired with the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam.
Food manager certification requirements vary by state – and sometimes by city or county. Click your state to see what’s required and find the right training option.
Four ways to earn your Certified Food Protection Manager credential. Our training prepares you for the exam – then you sit for the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam, either in person or online with a live proctor.
For experienced operators who just need to sit for the exam. Comprehensive study materials – you prepare on your own timeline, then take the exam online.
Our most popular option. 4-hour instructor-led training immediately followed by the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam – training and testing completed in a single session.
Need to certify a group of managers? We bring the training to you – same instructor-led course and in-person ServSafe® Food Manager Exam, hosted at your location on your schedule.
Not sure which option is right for you? Contact us or call (813) 781-8884– we’ll help you choose.
*Some states require training from an ANAB-accredited provider. The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam is ANAB-CFP accredited. Check with your local health department to confirm your state’s specific training approval requirements.All Serve It Up Safe Food Manager training paths lead to the same exam – the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam, the most widely recognized ANAB-CFP accredited food manager exam in the industry.
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam tests your knowledge across the full scope of food safety management. Key topic areas include:
Want to test your knowledge? Try our free 157-question Food Manager practice exam before exam day.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, retake options are available. The retest fee is $70 for in-person exams and $99 for remotely proctored exams. Email info@serveitupsafe.comto schedule your retest. Retests must be completed by the person who was originally registered and are not transferable. Want to skip the worry? Ask about our Pass or Retest Guarantee at checkout.
For the remotely proctored exam, you’ll need a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone. The exam is proctored live by ProctorU – the proctoring fee is included in your registration cost. Schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance to avoid a rush scheduling fee from ProctorU.
The Food Manager certification is the industry-standard credential for food service supervisors, but it goes by a lot of names. Whether you’ve heard it called the “manager safe serve test,” “ServSafe manager certification,” “CFPM,” or “food protection manager exam” – they’re all referring to the same credential. You complete food manager training, pass an ANAB-CFP accredited exam (like the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam), and earn a certification that’s valid for five years and accepted nationwide.
We offer more in-person Food Manager classes across Florida than just about any other provider – with monthly classes in 15+ metro areas. Here’s what Florida operators need to know about getting their managers certified.
Under Florida Statute 509.039 and DBPR Administrative Code 61C-4.023, every public food service establishment licensed by the DBPR must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on-site during all operating hours when four or more employees are on duty. New managers must obtain certification within 30 days of employment. The certification must come from an ANSI-CFP accredited provider – such as ServSafe®. In Florida, CFPM certification is valid for 5 years. Formal training is recommended but not mandated by the state – you can go straight to the exam if you’re confident, though we strongly recommend our training course for the best chance of passing on your first attempt.
4-hour instructor-led training followed by the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam – completed in one session.
We bring the training and the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam to your location. 8-person minimum – unused seats become credits for future public Food Manager classes.
4-hour online training course with quizzes, then take the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam from your own computer.
We hold Food Manager classes in the following metro areas – most locations have monthly classes.
Already a certified manager? Make sure your entire team is covered. Food Handler training is required for all Florida food service employees within 60 days of hire – we offer in-person and online options starting at $7/person. Establishments that serve alcohol should also consider Responsible Vendor training for added legal protection
Food manager certification requirements exist in nearly every state – though the specifics vary. Whether you’re in New York, Texas, California, Illinois, or anywhere in between, Serve It Up Safe offers online training paired with the ANAB-CFP accredited ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam – accepted wherever CFPM certification is required.
Our recommended online option for states where formal training hours are not mandated. A focused 4-hour course covering the key concepts you need to pass the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam, with built-in quizzes to reinforce learning along the way.
The Food Manager certification is the industry-standard credential for food service supervisors, but it goes by a lot of names. Whether you’ve heard it called the “manager safe serve test,” “ServSafe manager certification,” “CFPM,” or “food protection manager exam” – they’re all referring to the same credential. You complete food manager training, pass an ANAB-CFP accredited exam (like the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam), and earn a certification that’s valid for five years and accepted nationwide.
Not sure if you need a Food Manager certification or a Food Handler certificate? Here’s a quick comparison. Many operations need both – managers need CFPM certification, while every employee who handles food typically needs a food handler card.
| Feature | Food Manager Certification | Food Handler Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Certification for supervisors/managers | Certificate for all food service employees |
| Who Needs It | Owners, managers, chefs, PICs, shift leads | Servers, cooks, dishwashers, bussers, prep staff |
| Exam Type | ANAB-CFP accredited certification exam | Course assessment / quiz |
| Training Length | 4–8 hours (varies) | 1–2.5 hours |
| Validity | 5 years | 3 years (FL) – varies by state |
| Cost (SIUS) | $129–$179 | Starting at $7 |
| Difficulty | Moderate – 70% passing score | Introductory-level |
| Required By | Most states (1+ CFPM per establishment) | Many states (all food employees) |
Need both? We offer Food Handler training starting at $7/person. Once your managers are certified, train your entire team with one provider. Contact us about group pricing.
There are a lot of food manager training providers out there. Here’s why 15,000+ managers and operators across the country trust Serve It Up Safe.
Our in-person classes combine training and the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam in a single 4-hour session. Walk in, train, test, and leave certified – no need to come back another day.
Our instructors focus on the concepts that matter most for the exam. The result: students consistently pass on their first attempt at rates well above the national average.
Whether you test in person (computer-based) or online (via ProctorU), you’ll know whether you passed right away. No waiting days or weeks – instant feedback, instant certification.
Monthly in-person classes across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama – with online options available nationwide. We’re expanding across the Southeast, with more locations coming.
$129–$179 depending on your training path. Proctoring fees included. Study materials included. No surprise charges at checkout. What you see is what you pay.
Certifying a group of managers? We’ll come to you. $179/person with an 8-person minimum and discounts for larger groups – same instructor-led experience and exam, at your location.
Hear from managers and operators who’ve earned their certification through Serve It Up Safe.
I was nervous about the exam, but the instructor made everything click. The class moved fast, covered exactly what I needed, and I passed on my first try. In and out in half a day.Sarah M., Restaurant Manager, Tampa, FL
We certified 9 team members at our hotel in one private session. Serve It Up Safe came to us, worked around our schedule, and every single person passed. Very easy to work with and great training.Michael T., F&B Director, Orlando, FL
More efficient and affordable than the previous online provider we were using, and I got my results before I left the building. No fluff, just the material you actually need for the exam. Best Food Manager class I’ve taken.James R., Executive Chef, Jacksonville, FL
Have questions about getting certified? We’ve answered the most common ones below. Don’t see yours? Call us at (813) 781-8884.
A CFPM is someone who has passed an ANAB-CFP accredited food safety certification exam – such as the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam. The credential proves you have the knowledge to identify food safety hazards, implement control measures, and manage food safety practices in a food service operation. It’s the standard credential required by most state and local health departments for supervisory food service roles.
It depends on your state. In most states – including Florida, Texas, and Georgia – training is recommended but not legally required. You can go straight to the exam if you’re confident. However, states like Illinois, California, and Massachusetts require a minimum of 8 hours of training before you’re eligible to sit for the exam. Our self-study option ($129) gives you study materials and exam access without a formal course, our 4-hour online course ($149) is the best option for most online learners, and our 8-hour course ($179) is designed to fulfill the training-hour requirements for states that require it. Check our state requirements page to see what applies to you.
With our in-person option, you can be certified in a single day. The class is about 4 hours, followed immediately by the exam (most people finish in about 45 minutes), and you get your pass/fail result instantly. For online options, the 4-hour or 8-hour course can be completed at your own pace within your 90-day access window – most people finish in 1–3 days. The self-study route depends on how much prep you need. Once you pass the exam, your certification is effective immediately.
Your ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the exam. Some local jurisdictions may have shorter validity periods, so check with your local health department. When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to retake the exam – there’s no “renewal course” shortcut. Our self-study option ($129) is popular with renewal candidates who already have the foundational knowledge.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, retake options are available. The retest fee is $70 for in-person exams and $99 for online proctored exams. Email info@serveitupsafe.com to schedule your retest. Retests must be completed by the originally registered person and are not transferable. Don’t want to worry about it? Ask about our Pass or Retest Guarantee when you register – it covers the retest fee if you don’t pass on your first attempt.
Yes. The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam is ANAB-CFP accredited and is accepted in every state and jurisdiction that requires food manager certification. It’s the most widely recognized food manager exam in the industry. A few cities (like Chicago) require an additional local certificate on top of the ANAB-CFP certification – our 8-hour online course meets the training-hour requirement for those jurisdictions. Check our state requirements guide if you’re unsure about your specific area.
This varies by state. In Florida, at least one CFPM must be on-site during operating hours when four or more employees are on duty. In states like North Carolina and Georgia, you need one per shift. Colorado now requires a CFPM on-site during all operating hours. Multi-shift operations may need two or three certified managers. We offer group pricing for private on-site training – request a quote at /private-training-request/.
Our 4-hour course is a focused review of key exam concepts – available both in-person and online. It’s the most popular option in states like Florida where formal training hours aren’t mandated. Our 8-hour course is a comprehensive, in-depth program covering the entire FDA Food Code, including extensive allergen awareness training. It’s designed to fulfill the training-hour requirements in states like Illinois, California, and Massachusetts. Both paths lead to the same ServSafe® Food Manager Exam and 5-year certification. *Check with your local health department to confirm your state’s specific training approval requirements.
Yes. All of our online prices include everything – training materials, course access, the ServSafe® Food Manager Exam, and the live proctoring session through ProctorU. No hidden fees. The one thing to be aware of: schedule your online exam at least 72 hours in advance to avoid ProctorU’s rush scheduling fee.
Florida gives new managers 30 days from their date of employment to obtain CFPM certification. Don’t wait – classes fill up, and the sooner you’re certified, the sooner your establishment is fully compliant. View upcoming classes and reserve your seat in advance at /food-manager/schedule/.
Yes – and it’s common. The certified food manager is often the person responsible for ensuring all employees complete their food handler training and maintain current certificates. We offer both Food Manager certification and Food Handler training, so you can cover your whole team with one provider.
In some states, yes. California, Illinois, and Massachusetts require food managers to complete allergen awareness training in addition to CFPM certification. Our 8-hour online course ($179) includes extensive food allergen awareness content designed to address these state requirements. Note that this is different from our standalone Allergen Awareness Training program. *Some states require training from an ANAB-accredited provider specifically – check with your local health department to confirm your state’s training approval requirements.
You have 90 days of access to your online course from the date of purchase. That gives you plenty of time to complete the training at your own pace, review material as many times as you’d like, and schedule your ServSafe® Food Manager Exam when you’re ready. Access to the course expires after 90 days regardless of completion status, so don’t wait too long to get started.
For the remotely proctored exam, you’ll need a computer or laptop (not a tablet or phone) with a working webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. The exam is proctored live through ProctorU – a proctor will monitor your session via your webcam to ensure exam integrity. Make sure you’re in a quiet, well-lit space with no other people present. Schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance to avoid the rush scheduling fee.
Food Manager certification is one piece of the compliance puzzle. Serve It Up Safe offers the full suite of hospitality training programs your operation needs.
Required for all food service employees in many states. In-person and online options.
Starting at $7/personRecommended for any Florida establishment that serves alcohol. Provides legal protections for your business and staff.
In-person and online options availableRequired for all Florida public lodging establishments under FL Statute 509.096.
Annual training for all employeesManaging training for a team? Ask about TrainBase – our compliance training management platform for operators. → gettrainbase.com
¿Necesita su certificación de Gerente de Alimentos? Serve It Up Safe ofrece clases presenciales en toda la Florida con el examen ServSafe® disponible en español. Nuestros instructores lo preparan para aprobar el examen en una sola sesión – entrenamiento y examen completados el mismo día.
El examen ServSafe® Food Protection Manager está disponible en español, chino simplificado e inglés. La certificación es válida por 5 años y es aceptada en todos los estados.
Clases presenciales: $159/persona | En línea: desde $129/persona
¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo a info@serveitupsafe.com
Classes fill up – reserve your seat today and earn your Food Manager certification in a single session. Questions? Call (813) 781-8884.
Last updated: May 2026 | Information on this page reflects current FDA Food Code and state-level requirements as of the date shown. Requirements change – always verify with your local health department.