California
Food Manager Certification
Health Department Approved, ANAB-CFP Accredited Certified Food Manager Exam
- Food Manager Exam
- Includes $46 proctor fee
- Online Training Course
- 10 Review Sections
- 160 Sample Test Questions
- One Free Retest*
- Instant Certificate
- English or Spanish
$99.95
Gold Package
$69.95
Exam Only
$49.95
Training Only
$99.95
Gold Package
- Food Manager Exam
- Includes $46 proctor fee
- Online Training Course
- 10 Review Sections
- 160 Sample Test Questions
- One Free Retest*
- Instant Certificate
- English or Spanish
- Food Manager Exam
- Includes $46 proctor fee
- Online Training Course
- 10 Review Sections
- 160 Sample Test Questions
- One Free Retest*
- Instant Certificate
- English or Spanish
$69.95
Exam Only
- Food Manager Exam
- Includes $46 proctor fee
- Online Training Course
- 10 Review Sections
- 160 Sample Test Questions
- One Free Retest*
- Instant Certificate
- English or Spanish
$49.95
Training Only
- Food Manager Exam
- Includes $46 proctor fee
- Online Training Course
- 10 Review Sections
- 160 Sample Test Questions
- One Free Retest*
- Instant Certificate
- English or Spanish
Why AAA Food Handler
California Food Manager Certification — ANAB CFP-Accredited, State-Approved, and Accepted Across California
The California Food Manager Certification is a state-mandated credential for individuals overseeing food safety in restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, food trucks, and other establishments handling non-prepackaged, potentially hazardous foods. Required under California Health & Safety Code §113947, the California Retail Food Code (CalCode), and the FDA Food Code (2022), this certification ensures managers are trained in safe food handling, contamination prevention, allergen management, and temperature control.
AAA Food Handler provides a fully ANAB CFP-Accredited program, recognized across California and accepted by all health departments, designed for ease of use, flexibility, and compliance.
Summary: The California Food Manager Certification equips managers to ensure food safety, protect public health, and maintain legal compliance across all counties in California.
California Food Manager Certification Requirements
All food establishments must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. Requirements include:
- Completion of an ANAB CFP-accredited training course or state-approved equivalent
- Passing the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) exam
- Compliance with statewide and county-specific rules
- Maintaining certification and renewing every five years
Who Needs It: Restaurants, catering services, grocery stores, school cafeterias, hotels, assisted living facilities, food trucks, and other facilities handling potentially hazardous foods.
Summary: Certification ensures managers are trained to prevent foodborne illness and maintain regulatory compliance.
Food Manager vs Food Handler: Key Differences
| Aspect | California Food Manager Certification | California Food Handlers Card |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Managers overseeing operations | Food employees handling/preparing food |
| Requirement | Legally required for at least one manager per establishment | Required for most food handlers within 30 days of hire |
| Validity | 5 years | 3 years |
| Training | ANAB CFP-accredited, in-depth | ANAB-accredited, basic safety |
| Focus | Oversight, compliance, TCS, allergen management | Food safety practices, hygiene, basic TCS |
Summary: The manager certification emphasizes leadership, oversight, and legal accountability, while the food handler card focuses on individual safe food practices.
California-Specific Food Safety Laws You Must Follow
To comply with California law, managers must follow:
- California Retail Food Code (CalCode): Governs the handling, preparation, storage, hygiene, and food safety of retail food.
- California Health & Safety Code §113947: Requires each food establishment to have at least one CFPM.
- FDA Food Code (2022): Nationally recognized guidelines for safe food handling and operations.
- Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Rules: Safe cooking, holding, cooling, and reheating procedures.
- Local County Health Department Rules: Counties such as Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego may require additional steps.
Scenario Examples:
- A chef ensures chicken is cooked to 165°F, stored below 41°F, and avoids cross-contamination with raw vegetables.
- A school cafeteria manager ensures allergen separation while serving lunch to students.
- A catering supervisor monitors cooling procedures for hot foods during off-site events.
Summary: Compliance with state and county laws safeguards public health and maintains legal accountability.
How to Get Your California Food Manager Certification
- Choose an Accredited Provider
Select an ANAB CFP-accredited or state-approved training program, such as AAA Food Handler. - Register for the Program
Enroll online and gain immediate access to training modules. - Complete Training Modules (Optional but Recommended)
Topics: food safety principles, TCS rules, allergen management, contamination prevention, cleaning, and sanitation. - Take the Exam
- 75 questions, passing score 70%
- Online or proctored exam
- Free retest included with some packages
- Receive Certification
Digital certificate issued instantly; print or store for records. - Submit Certificate to Employer
The employer maintains a certificate for inspection by health authorities.
Summary: Following these steps ensures full compliance with California food safety laws.
County-Specific Rules for California
- Orange County: ANAB CFP-Accredited accepted; local verification recommended.
- Riverside County: Local registration required; follow Environmental Health guidelines.
- San Bernardino County: Complete county-specific CFPM process.
- San Diego County: Comply with local food handler program rules.
Summary: County verification ensures certification meets local health department requirements.
Top Mistakes Managers Make and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring TCS guidelines → Always monitor cooking, holding, and cooling temperatures.
- Inadequate allergen management → Separate preparation areas and utensils.
- Failure to document training → Keep updated digital or printed records.
- Assigning managerial duties to uncertified staff → Ensure at least one CFPM is always on-site.
Summary: Awareness of common errors helps managers maintain safety and compliance.
Renewal & Record-Keeping Guidance
- Renewal: Retake and pass the exam every 5 years—training is optional but recommended.
- Record-Keeping: Store digital or printed certificates; submit to employers for county verification.
Summary: Proper renewal and record-keeping ensure uninterrupted compliance.
AAA Food Handler Program Highlights
- Fully ANAB CFP-accredited and California-approved
- Online, mobile-friendly, interactive training
- Available in English and Spanish
- Track employee progress for groups
- Real-world scenario training
Summary: AAA Food Handler provides authoritative, flexible certification for managers across California.
* Diamond Package – In order to qualify for the Free Retest, you must complete the ENTIRE online training and sample tests BEFORE taking the initial Food Manager exam. The 1 free retest must be taken within 6 months of not passing the first time.
Our Clients
Benefits Of Training
Prevent
Education is the best tool to prevent, minimize, or eliminate foodborne illnesses and food hazards.
Awareness
Eliminate
Training helps reduce or eliminate food safety hazards before they become major issues.
Minimize
Productivity
Reducing food safety complaints will create a happier workplace and in turn increase productivity.
Workplace Satisfaction
Serving safe food will increase productivity will in turn increase workplace satisfaction.
Why Choose Us
- Satisfaction Guarantee
- Online Interactive Course
- Meets and Exceeds State Guidelines
- Price Match Guarantee
- Owners and Managers: Manage, Track and Record Employee Progress
Getting Food Manager Certification Is Quick And Hassle-Free
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their certification with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is a trained individual responsible for overseeing food safety and ensuring compliance with health regulations in food establishments. To become certified, you must pass an ANAB-CFP accredited exam or state-approved exam that tests your knowledge of food safety, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance.
California requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment. This includes:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Grocery stores and food retailers
- School cafeterias and institutional kitchens
- Catering businesses and food trucks
- Hotels, assisted living facilities, and event venues
If you oversee food preparation, storage, or handling, you may be required to obtain certification. Check with your local health department for specific requirements.
- Food Manager Certification: Earned by passing a state-approved or ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection accredited exam. This certification is required by law in California.
- Food Manager Training: A course designed to prepare you for the certification exam. While not mandatory, training can help you pass the exam and strengthen your understanding of food safety regulations.
To obtain certification, follow these steps:
- Choose an accredited exam provider – Ensure the program is ANAB-CFP accredited program or state-approved.
- Select an exam format – Exams can be taken online with a proctor or at an approved testing center.
- Register and complete the exam – You will need a valid photo ID to take the test.
- Receive your certification – Once you pass, you can download and print your certificate.
A California Food Manager Certification is valid for five years. Some local health departments may have additional renewal requirements, so check with your jurisdiction for specific regulations.
Before your certification expires, you must:
- Retake and pass the certification exam – The renewal process requires re-examination.
- Purchase a new exam – Training is optional but recommended to prepare for the test.
- Print and keep your new certificate – Provide proof of certification to your employer or local health department.
Yes, California accepts food manager certification from multiple accredited providers, including:
- AAA Food Handler (AAAFoodHandler.com)
- ServSafe (National Restaurant Association)
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)
- Learn2Serve (360training.com)
- StateFoodSafety and other ANAB-accredited programs
- If you purchase a training course, depending on the organization, you typically have one year of access to study materials.
- You must schedule and complete your certification exam within one year of purchase.
- You’ll need to complete an approved course in nutrition and foodservice management and pass the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam.
- AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Program meets the requirements for Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement to Comply with CFR § 483.60 Food and Nutrition Services.
California follows the FDA Food Code (2022), which mandates that food establishments have a Certified Food Protection Manager to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. For the latest guidelines, check with:
- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Your local county health department
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Under California Health & Safety Code §113947, every food facility that prepares, handles, or serves non-prepackaged, potentially hazardous food must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This requirement ensures public safety and compliance with local health department regulations. The certification must be obtained by passing an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited exam—such as the one provided by AAA Food Handler. While formal training is not legally required, it is strongly recommended to improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt.