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AAA Food Handler

chicago food manager certification

Chicago Food Manager Certification: Local Requirements & Training

If you plan to supervise food operations in Chicago, understanding the city’s certification requirements is essential. The City of Chicago follows its own food code, separate from the rest of Illinois, and that means stricter expectations for food managers and business owners. This guide explains how to get your Chicago Food Manager Certification, what’s accepted by the city’s health department, and how AAA Food Handler can help those working in counties outside Chicago.

What Certification Do You Need to Work as a Food Manager in Chicago?

To legally operate as a food manager within the City of Chicago, at least one person in charge at every food establishment must hold a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification. This requirement is enforced by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) through its Food Protection Services division.

Here are the key requirements:

  • Certification must be issued by an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited provider.
  • The CFPM must be present on-site during all hours of operation.
  • Certification must remain current and may be verified during inspections.

Who Regulates Food Manager Certification in Chicago?

Chicago Food Safety Manager Certification

Food safety regulations within the city are overseen by:

Chicago Department of Public Health
Food Protection Services
2133 W. Lexington
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 746-8030
https://www.chicago.gov

Food businesses outside Chicago but still within Illinois (e.g., in Cook, DuPage, or Lake Counties) fall under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This means the same certification may be accepted across Illinois if it’s from an ANAB-accredited provider—but always check whether your specific county has additional rules.

Is AAA Food Handler’s Certification Accepted in Chicago?

Food Service Manager Certification Chicago

Yes. The AAA Food Handler Food Manager Certification is accepted in Chicago because it includes an exam that is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and meets the standards set by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

This means:

  • The certificate is valid throughout Illinois, including Chicago
  • It satisfies CFPM requirements for all health-inspected food facilities.
  • It can be presented during a CDPH inspection for compliance

The certification process is simple, fast, and affordable:

How to Get Chicago Food Manager Certification

Food Protection Manager Certification Chicago

To become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Chicago:

  • Select an ANAB-accredited provider like AAA Food Handler
  • Take the full online course and practice tests (optional but recommended)
  • Pass the accredited CFPM exam online
  • Receive your official certificate instantly after passing
  • Keep your certificate accessible for health inspections

The exam can be taken entirely online from home with remote monitoring and is available in both English and Spanish.

What Packages Are Available from AAA Food Handler?

AAA Food Handler offers four 100% online, self-paced packages for food professionals in Illinois:

You’ll meet all legal requirements for food safety training in Chicago—and help protect your customers and workplace from foodborne risks.

Diamond Package – $119.95 (Most Popular)

  • ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited exam
  • Includes $46 proctoring fee
  • Full training course with 10 sections
  • 160 sample questions
  • One free retest (when all training is completed)
  • Certificate issued immediately upon passing
  • English and Spanish options

Gold Package – $99.95

  • Full online Food Manager training course
  • One Food Protection Manager Certification exam attempt
  • No retest included
  • Best for food managers who want structured training with a single exam opportunity

Exam Only – $69.95

  • Ideal for experienced food managers
  • Includes ANAB-accredited exam
  • Certificate issued immediately

Training Only – $49.95

  • Includes all training materials and 10 review sections
  • No exam included
  • Training certificate issued upon completion

How Long Is the Food Manager Certification Valid in Chicago?

The AAA Food Handler certification is valid for up to 5 years in Illinois, including the City of Chicago. However, it’s recommended that you check with CDPH for specific renewal timelines or if your role changes.

Is the Food Manager Certification Valid for Healthcare or Dietary Settings?

Yes. The AAA Food Handler Food Protection Manager Certification meets federal healthcare food safety requirements outlined under CFR § 483.60. That means it’s valid for:

  • Hospital kitchens
  • Nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities
  • Assisted living and long-term care communities
  • Senior care food programs

It’s especially relevant for those pursuing Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credentials or working in regulated care settings.

Can One Certification Be Used Across Multiple Locations?

No. Illinois law requires that each food establishment have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager present during all hours of operation. If you work at multiple restaurants or facilities, each one must have its own CFPM on-site.

Can I Take the Food Manager Certification Entirely Online?

Yes. All AAA Food Handler courses, practice tests, and final exams are 100% online and accessible from your desktop or mobile device. You can start and stop at your own pace, and your certificate will be issued immediately upon passing.

What’s the Difference Between a Food Handler and Food Manager in Chicago?

  • A Food Handler Certificate is required for employees who prepare, serve, or store food but are not in a supervisory role.
  • A Food Manager Certification is required for those who supervise food operations and are responsible for food safety compliance. This includes chefs, shift leads, and owners/operators.

Why Choose AAA Food Handler for Chicago Food Manager Certification?

  • ANAB-accredited exam accepted across Illinois
  • Compliant with Chicago Department of Public Health standards
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Group management tools for restaurant owners
  • Trusted by national chains like Marriott, Chick-fil-A, and Dunkin’
  • Instant certificate upon passing the exam

Get Certified and Stay Compliant in Chicago

Ready to meet the City of Chicago’s food safety requirements? Get your Food Protection Manager Certification with AAA Food Handler today—completely online, fast, and affordable.

Call: (714) 592-4100
Email: support@aaafoodhandler.com
 Visit AAAFoodHandler.com

Protect your business, your customers, and your reputation.

FOOD HANDLER

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4.9
(26,796 reviews)
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Starting at $6.95

FOOD MANAGER

Food Manager Certification
4.9
(8,249 reviews)
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ALCOHOL

Alcohol Server Training
4.8
(1,672 reviews)
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Starting at $7.95

ALLERGEN

Allergen Awareness Training
5.0
(95 reviews)
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Starting at $12.95

HARASSMENT

Sexual Harassment Prevention
5.0
(2 reviews)

Starting at $6.95

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OUR CLIENTS

Food Handler Reviews

4.9

Food Protection Training
26,796 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 26,796 reviews)
Excellent92%
Very good6%
Average2%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Easy Pass

October 24, 2025

This Food Handler Card course was very clear and straight to the point. The lessons cover everything you need to know about food safety, handwashing, temperature control, and preventing contamination. The videos and a little practice test prepared me for the test, and I passed without any trouble. I highly recommend this course for anyone who needs their food handler card. quick, informative, and user-friendly.

Natalie

Buen curso

October 24, 2025

El curso fue muy informativo y fácil de entender. Me gusto mucho y aprendi algo nuevo.

Aracely H.

No Title

October 24, 2025

Mehran A.

Home cook

October 24, 2025

This was much easier than the other one I have tried. I will be doing your program again. Thank you so much !

Tammy M.

Home Person

October 24, 2025

This always a much easier way than the last one I tried. Thank you so much! I will do this again!

Tammy M.

foodhandlers

October 24, 2025

easy to follow

aaron K.

food handlers training

October 24, 2025

easy to follow instuctions

aaron K.

Easy

October 24, 2025

Always easy I enjoyed

Tammy M.

No Title

October 24, 2025

Tammy M.

No Title

October 24, 2025

Ireatha T.

Food Handlers Test

October 24, 2025

I felt it was long but very informative.

Marilyn

Easy to follow and understand

October 24, 2025

This course was fast and easy to understand and follow.

Shellie

good, but too much user interaction

October 24, 2025

Good info, but too much user interaction to proceed on modules, instead of just sharing info with audio and visual cues. It makes the course feel a little bit longer than what servsafe have.

billy

No Title

October 24, 2025

Richard

Wonderful Course

October 24, 2025

Great material and valuble lessons

Shelia J.

Thank you so much!

October 24, 2025

It was really greatt! I hope to receive my certificate or card soon!!! My email is Nayeliiiramirez0@gmail.com

602-376-3753

Nayeli R.

Quick and Easy

October 24, 2025

Kyle H.

Very easy to understand

October 24, 2025

Videos were quick and very understandable

Janiah M.

Training

October 24, 2025

Quick and easy

D T.

Nice

October 24, 2025

it’s a good course

Zara

Food Manager Reviews

4.9

Food Protection Training
8,249 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 8,249 reviews)
Excellent93%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

CFPM Course

October 24, 2025

Excellent course with thorough explanations. Breaking up the topics with questions helped it feel more interactive.

Yusuf S.

Course

October 24, 2025

This is rich material

Abdelkarim B.

No Title

October 24, 2025

Jude

Very easy to understand

October 24, 2025

The training flowed and was easy to follow. Wish there was a 2x speed option for people who have been food safe certified before, but it’s been a while so that we can review more quickly.

Kristen

.

October 24, 2025

.

Jamie

Easy to manage

October 24, 2025

Hello, I did the food manager’s course and honestly it was super easy to understand and get through, hassle free.

Claudia B.

No Title

October 23, 2025

christopher

Food Handler Training

October 23, 2025

I appreciate the extra knowledge I have gained from taking this course. I would recommend it to anyone in the food service industry.

Lorie J.

Well enough.

October 23, 2025

Had a couple of strange spelling errors. Pretty average as far as online training.

Adrein V.

No Title

October 23, 2025

Billie

How to run a business healthy and good by training my employees the right way.

October 23, 2025

To train my employees the do’s from the don’t so my business can be the top

Tashana G.

Food Manager

October 23, 2025

I went through all the details and reviewed all the courses, and I’m really to do the practice of what I have learned.

Wilner P.

Pretty good

October 23, 2025

Liked the course- annoyed that there was a three second pause before I could move onto the next section

Kelsey

Food manager courses

October 22, 2025

Very good information glad I have the opportunity to take this class.

Cassandra J.

Texas Food Manager Training and Exam Coarse

October 22, 2025

It is a great coarse very detailed with realistic scenarios and video.

Laura G.

No Title

October 22, 2025

Luis G.

Food protection manager

October 22, 2025

Thanks to your course, my knowledge has expanded.

Hanna T.

MUY informativo

October 22, 2025

muy bueno y claro gracias.

ramses G.

Good review and help

October 21, 2025

I like it it’s an easy and most detailed information

Diana

Food Manager

October 21, 2025

A food manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a food establishment. To stay aware of what is happening, they must be actively engaged, observant, and organized. One of the most effective strategies is simply being present. Walking the floor, observing food preparation, and monitoring customer service gives the manager a firsthand view of daily operations. This visibility helps identify problems early, such as safety violations, poor hygiene, or inefficiencies in the kitchen.

Maria G.

Alcohol Training Reviews

4.8

Food Protection Training
1,672 reviews
4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 1,672 reviews)
Excellent89%
Very good6%
Average3%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Training

October 24, 2025

Very easy to study and very easy to review and very easy to do the training and the test helps me a lot

Nithin

Great content

October 24, 2025

You learn how to check ID’s and how to protect yourself by following the law. It also goes in depth of what to watch out for when serving people to prevent alcohol poisoning or drunk driving.

Connor

No Title

October 24, 2025

Nithin

At times easy to understand, semi difficult to complete

October 23, 2025

The course with the slideshows was nice, however the speed of the video or slideshow vs the speech was at times difficult to follow

Richard A.

No Title

October 23, 2025

Teeta R.

Good instructions but tests are not in order

October 22, 2025

Easy and quick review

Arun K.

Interesting and concise

October 22, 2025

The information presented was clear, informative and helpful.

Angela

Easy to follow instructions

October 22, 2025

Easy to follow instructions and good examples

William G.

No Title

October 21, 2025

Marisol

RBS training review

October 20, 2025

Relatively straightforward

Karen B.

No Title

October 19, 2025

Michael H.

Most Informative

October 18, 2025

Absolutely enjoyed the course of training, very positive and helpful for my journey of becoming an excellent bartender

Kenya L.

No Title

October 18, 2025

Erik

Great course!

October 18, 2025

I really liked the course!

Holly S.

No Title

October 17, 2025

William P.

Rbs

October 17, 2025

Great stuff. To the point.

Angela L.

Very Informative and easy to understand

October 17, 2025

The material was easy to read, informative, and allows you to repeat until you are clear on all questions.

Deborah B.

Easy breezy

October 17, 2025

Awesome , easy to understand

Lee

Awesome

October 17, 2025

Lessons are easy to understand and the quizzes after each module are based on common sense so all you have to do is pay attention and there’s no way you can’t pass it’s great it’s awesome course

Dorcas

Informative

October 17, 2025

Eugene B.

Food Allergen Reviews

5.0

Food Protection Training
95 reviews
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 95 reviews)
Excellent97%
Very good3%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Easy and Informative

October 22, 2025

Great course! Only takes a few hours to complete

Cortney Y.

Good

October 22, 2025

I thought it was needed but also not for the cottage license. But I think the information is really good to know regardless.

Courtney

5 stars

October 20, 2025

Justin

Excellent Training Material & Delivery

October 15, 2025

The training is detailed, easy to grasp and understand too.

Lucy H.

Loved this course!

October 10, 2025

I feel like it covered everything about allergen info.

Naisy A.

Helpful

October 3, 2025

Training was clear, helpful, and efficiently used the time

Hannah

No Title

October 1, 2025

Ahmad

Fun

September 28, 2025

Informative self corrective training

ALOT O.

Easy to follow

September 27, 2025

The course was easy to follow. It also had plenty of interaction through out the exam which made it good to observe the information. The price was really affordable as well. 10/10

Dominga B.

Food Alergens

September 26, 2025

boring, but very informative and needed. painlesss couse to take, good job.

Richard W.

No Title

September 23, 2025

it was really informative.

erick

Thank you

September 20, 2025

I feel good to finally get my allergen certificate. Thank you.

Johnny H.

Love it

September 19, 2025

It was not a boring training with practical situations and interesting questions

Nina

na

September 16, 2025

na

rita

good

September 14, 2025

good

karina

Thorough and Complete

September 13, 2025

Learned new content about allergens and feel more prepared and cross-trained to inform my colleagues.

Briana

No Title

September 10, 2025

jonathan W.

Learning new stuff

September 9, 2025

User friendly

Duane H.

Allergen training course

September 8, 2025

This course was very informative upon going through and learning cross contamination and preventives for when a allergens come into someone’s food to help save them from a life or death situation. It helped provide correct knowledge of food allergens in a work environment to be aware of.

Erik T.

Easy

September 7, 2025

This was easy.

Thomas J.

Harassment Training Review

4.9

Food Protection Training
2 reviews
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
Excellent100%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

enjoyed and fast

March 27, 2025

Joyce H.

Good and thorough

March 27, 2025

learned a lot

Marilyn P.

Food Manager Reviews

4.9

Food Protection Training
8,249 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 8,249 reviews)
Excellent93%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

No Title

November 9, 2025

Alex

No Title

November 9, 2025

Ashlin M.

First experience it was ok. Got stuck sometimes but tolerable. Weird have to review before exam.

November 8, 2025

Dunno if i will pass first so can’t really give it a complete review.

Polly

Good teaching

November 8, 2025

Good way of explaining everything in the videos.

Emiliano

Easy and Interactive

November 8, 2025

I have taken many food handler classes, but this was by far the best, most interactive, engaging, and easy one!

A

Food Handlers

November 8, 2025

The course was very informative

Gwen

60% of Americans don't wash their hands

November 8, 2025

very informative

snyder

No Title

November 8, 2025

Kenneth

No Title

November 8, 2025

It was cool

steph

Thank you!

November 8, 2025

This is the beginning of a new adventure to me! I don’t mind if I have to learn something new because I know not all the people is doing what they have to do to make their dreams come true.

Thank you!

David S.

Educational

November 8, 2025

Very informative and easy to follow.

Kevin

No Title

November 8, 2025

Andrew

Long but manageable

November 8, 2025

Will do it again in 3 years

Varonique

No Title

November 8, 2025

Dasia D.

Great course!

November 8, 2025

I enjoyed the course!

John B.

No Title

November 8, 2025

Miriam

AAA Food Handler Course

November 8, 2025

Very detailed, easy to understand and follow.

Joyce

ca food handler

November 8, 2025

It was a cheap and fast easy process to understand ways and rules of food handling safely.

Tammy

Great

November 8, 2025

Great exam !

Precious E.

Great

November 8, 2025

It was not a fast process but also not difficult

Amanda

Alcohol Training Reviews

4.8

Food Protection Training
1,672 reviews
4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 1,672 reviews)
Excellent89%
Very good6%
Average3%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Training

October 24, 2025

Very easy to study and very easy to review and very easy to do the training and the test helps me a lot

Nithin

Great content

October 24, 2025

You learn how to check ID’s and how to protect yourself by following the law. It also goes in depth of what to watch out for when serving people to prevent alcohol poisoning or drunk driving.

Connor

No Title

October 24, 2025

Nithin

At times easy to understand, semi difficult to complete

October 23, 2025

The course with the slideshows was nice, however the speed of the video or slideshow vs the speech was at times difficult to follow

Richard A.

No Title

October 23, 2025

Teeta R.

Good instructions but tests are not in order

October 22, 2025

Easy and quick review

Arun K.

Interesting and concise

October 22, 2025

The information presented was clear, informative and helpful.

Angela

Easy to follow instructions

October 22, 2025

Easy to follow instructions and good examples

William G.

No Title

October 21, 2025

Marisol

RBS training review

October 20, 2025

Relatively straightforward

Karen B.

No Title

October 19, 2025

Michael H.

Most Informative

October 18, 2025

Absolutely enjoyed the course of training, very positive and helpful for my journey of becoming an excellent bartender

Kenya L.

No Title

October 18, 2025

Erik

Great course!

October 18, 2025

I really liked the course!

Holly S.

No Title

October 17, 2025

William P.

Rbs

October 17, 2025

Great stuff. To the point.

Angela L.

Very Informative and easy to understand

October 17, 2025

The material was easy to read, informative, and allows you to repeat until you are clear on all questions.

Deborah B.

Easy breezy

October 17, 2025

Awesome , easy to understand

Lee

Awesome

October 17, 2025

Lessons are easy to understand and the quizzes after each module are based on common sense so all you have to do is pay attention and there’s no way you can’t pass it’s great it’s awesome course

Dorcas

Informative

October 17, 2025

Eugene B.

Food Allergen Reviews

5.0

Food Protection Training
95 reviews
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 95 reviews)
Excellent97%
Very good3%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Easy and Informative

October 22, 2025

Great course! Only takes a few hours to complete

Cortney Y.

Good

October 22, 2025

I thought it was needed but also not for the cottage license. But I think the information is really good to know regardless.

Courtney

5 stars

October 20, 2025

Justin

Excellent Training Material & Delivery

October 15, 2025

The training is detailed, easy to grasp and understand too.

Lucy H.

Loved this course!

October 10, 2025

I feel like it covered everything about allergen info.

Naisy A.

Helpful

October 3, 2025

Training was clear, helpful, and efficiently used the time

Hannah

No Title

October 1, 2025

Ahmad

Fun

September 28, 2025

Informative self corrective training

ALOT O.

Easy to follow

September 27, 2025

The course was easy to follow. It also had plenty of interaction through out the exam which made it good to observe the information. The price was really affordable as well. 10/10

Dominga B.

Food Alergens

September 26, 2025

boring, but very informative and needed. painlesss couse to take, good job.

Richard W.

No Title

September 23, 2025

it was really informative.

erick

Thank you

September 20, 2025

I feel good to finally get my allergen certificate. Thank you.

Johnny H.

Love it

September 19, 2025

It was not a boring training with practical situations and interesting questions

Nina

na

September 16, 2025

na

rita

good

September 14, 2025

good

karina

Thorough and Complete

September 13, 2025

Learned new content about allergens and feel more prepared and cross-trained to inform my colleagues.

Briana

No Title

September 10, 2025

jonathan W.

Learning new stuff

September 9, 2025

User friendly

Duane H.

Allergen training course

September 8, 2025

This course was very informative upon going through and learning cross contamination and preventives for when a allergens come into someone’s food to help save them from a life or death situation. It helped provide correct knowledge of food allergens in a work environment to be aware of.

Erik T.

Easy

September 7, 2025

This was easy.

Thomas J.

Harassment Training Review

4.9

Food Protection Training
2 reviews
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
Excellent100%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

enjoyed and fast

March 27, 2025

Joyce H.

Good and thorough

March 27, 2025

learned a lot

Marilyn P.