Food Manager Certification

Section 228.33. Certified Food Protection Manager & Food Handler Requirements.

  1. At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. Pf
  2. The original food manager certificate shall be posted in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to consumers.
  3. Except in a temporary food establishment, at least one certified food protection manager must be employed by each food establishment. Pf
  4. Except in a temporary food establishment and the certified food manager, all food employees shall successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 60 days of employment. Pf
  5. The food establishment shall maintain in premises a certificate of completion of the food handler training course for each food employee. The requirement to complete a food handler training course shall be effective September 1, 2016.

Obtaining a Food Manager Certification

The food manager certification is obtained by passing a Department of State Health Services (DSHS) approved certified food manager certification examination. The food examination may be taken at any licensed training program, test site, online exam, or national exam provider. Certification is valid for five years.

County health departments, public health districts, and city health departments must accept certificates issued for passing any DSHS approved examination as meeting the training and testing requirements of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 438.

A fee may be charged by a local health jurisdiction for a certificate issued to a certified food manager that has obtained an official certificate. This was authorized under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 438.046.

Classroom Training

The Certified Food Manager (CFM) Training Programs offer traditional classroom (14 hours) training to managers who are new to the food industry and have need of quality training. A DSHS approved written "Paper-and-Pencil" examination is given in English and Spanish at the completion of the training. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that is valid in Texas. This link will provide a list of certification training programs.

Testing Sites

Test Sites provide the food manager's examination to those who have sufficient background in the food industry to take the exam. A DSHS approved written "Paper-and-Pencil" exam is given in English and Spanish at these sites. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that is valid in Texas. Some Test Sites may also offer training. This link will provide a list of test sites.

Online Training

The Online Exam provides the food manager's examination to those who have sufficient background in the food industry to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that is valid in Texas. Some online providers may also offer training.

Exam Providers

  • 360training.com_Inc/Learn2Serve.com
  • Texas_Restaurant_Association_-_FoodGuard
  • Grayson_County_Health_Department/_FoodManagerClasses.com

National Exam Providers

The national examinations have been approved by the Conference for Food Protection. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that has national recognition. Some National Providers may also offer training.

  • 360training.com_Inc/Learn2Serve.com
    Phone: 888-360-8764
  • National_Registry_of_Food_Safety_Professionals
    Phone: 800-446-0257
  • National_Restaurant_Association_(ServSafe)
    Phone: 800-765-2122
  • Prometric
    Phone: 800-624-2736

Obtaining Test Results

Candidates who have taken a food manager examination should obtain examination results from the accredited program or licensed test site where the examination was administered.

Re-Certification Programs

Recertification is obtained by passing a Department of State Health Services (DSHS) approved certified food manager examination. The examination may be taken at any licensed recertification training program, test site, online exam, or national exam provider. Certification is valid for five years. Certificates are not eligible for renewal. You must re-test in order to obtain a current CFM Certificate.

There are currently no accredited recertification programs at this time - please see contact information for the certification programs, online providers, test sites, and national exam providers.

Food Manager Certificates

An official Certified Food Manager Certificate is issued to each candidate upon passing the examination. This certificate must be posted in an area that is conspicuous to the consumers.

  • The official National Certified Food Manager Certificate issued by each licensed national program varies in size and issuance process. Candidates should check with the examination provider for specific information.
  • The official Online Certified Food Manager Certificate issued by each licensed online provider vary in size and issuance process. Candidates should check with the examination provider for specific information.