* 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. All other retests will be $69.95.
Ohio Food Manager Certification – Health Department Approved
The Cuyahoga County Food Manager Certification, offered through AAA Food Handler, provides a nationally accredited food manager certification through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). With accessible online coursework and exam scheduling, this ANAB-accredited Food Protection Manager Certification complies fully with Ohio Department of Health regulations and Cuyahoga County Board of Health requirements for earning the Food Manager Certification
Training and exams are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring inclusivity for foodservice professionals across Cleveland, Parma, Lakewood, and the broader Cuyahoga County area.



















AAA Food Handler’s ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited program delivers flexible, on-demand learning designed to meet Ohio Food Code standards as well as Cuyahoga County-specific public health expectations. Participants can log in, study, pause, and return at their convenience—allowing general managers, chefs, and supervisors to earn their certification without disrupting day-to-day food operations.
Build the knowledge to anticipate and block foodborne illness risks before they reach your guests or compromise your establishment
Strengthen your ability to spot hazards early and make sound decisions in the fast-paced demands of professional kitchens.
Adopt proven practices to eliminate unsafe food handling behaviors, protecting both your staff and your brand’s reputation.
Take proactive measures to control risks, cut down on violations, and maintain a secure, fully compliant foodservice environment.
Fewer compliance setbacks and interruptions mean smoother service, faster turnaround, and higher output from your team.
Embedding consistent food safety standards fosters employee confidence, morale, and long-term workplace stability.
Whether it’s a food truck near Downtown Cleveland, a family restaurant in Parma, or a school cafeteria in Lakewood, AAA Food Handler makes it simple and efficient for your team to earn and maintain Food Protection Manager Certification.
Our program is:
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
Know Before You Train
Cuyahoga Food Manager Certification equips managers and supervisors with the knowledge to protect customers from foodborne illness, meet health code standards, and pass county inspections with confidence. This program satisfies Ohio’s Level 2 food safety requirement while aligning directly with Cuyahoga County Board of Health expectations.
Step 1: Register for Training + Exam
Step 2: Complete Training + Exam
Step 3: Get Certified
If you are a manager, supervisor, or person responsible for food operations, you’ll need the Level 2 Manager Certification in Food Protection, recognized across Ohio and required in Cuyahoga County.
For entry-level staff or shift leaders, the Person-in-Charge (PIC) Certification may be enough, depending on your risk level and operation type. AAA Food Handler can guide you toward the right program for your role.
Cuyahoga County follows the Ohio Administrative Code 3701-21-25, requiring two distinct certifications:
Both certifications must be earned through an Ohio-approved training provider and, for Level 2, a proctored ANAB-accredited exam. AAA Food Handler meets all of these requirements.
Absolutely. Our training is fully online, flexible, and mobile-friendly. You’ll complete coursework at your own pace and finish the proctored exam through a secure online platform—no need to travel to a classroom.
Yes. Our program is ANAB-accredited, Ohio Department of Health-approved, and recognized by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. You’ll earn the exact certification required to work legally as a food manager in the county.
Yes. AAA Food Handler provides an online proctoring service so you can test from your own location. This exam meets ANSI-CFP accreditation standards, the gold standard for food safety, and is officially accepted by local and state regulators.
Most managers complete training and the exam in 8–16 hours, often spread over 1–2 days. The exam itself is 90 minutes. Our program is designed for busy food professionals—giving you maximum flexibility without delaying compliance.
In most establishments, the owner, general manager, executive chef, or department lead holds the Level 2 Manager Certification. Every shift must also have a PIC-certified supervisor on duty. Some employers may request all shift leads carry the Manager Certification for added coverage, even if the law only requires one.
Food managers in Cuyahoga County are frontline guardians of public health. Their role includes:
Strong food safety leadership not only keeps guests safe but also strengthens customer trust and protects your business reputation.
Foodborne illness is a real risk in Ohio. In fact, outbreaks tied to restaurants, schools, and catered events have been documented throughout the state. The ANSI-CFP Food Protection Manager exam ensures managers are trained to the highest national standards, recognized by the CDC and FDA.
By requiring this certification, Cuyahoga County ensures managers are fully equipped to prevent costly violations and protect community health.
Here’s your direct path with AAA Food Handler:
Submit documentation to the Ohio Department of Health for Level 2 approval.
For full details, the Ohio Department of Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health provide comprehensive guidelines. However, AAA Food Handler simplifies the process—giving you everything you need in one place to train, test, and stay compliant.
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
This was just a longer version of the standard food handlers course. Feels more bureaucratic than useful.
Would like take away notes and to be able to rewind and replay without starting over. Excellent presentation and useful thank you
Every course was easy to understand and to remember! Everything was fantastic.
Great and fun to learn!
This course has been extremely informative about how to properly handle food when cooking cooling and storing. Not handling food properly could cause illness and even death. It is always safe to follow proper procedures and guideline when preparing food. Where you dine is equally as important as to where your purchase food for cooking. For our own safety and the safety of our loved ones it is important that we do everything possible to stay safe from any foodborne illnesses. Those of us that prepare food for others must be aware of all dangers that could take place by not washing our hands effectively. There is so must to learn about keeping everyone safe in the food industry, this course is an important leap forward in doing just that. There should be no corners cut when preparing food.
Course was easy to maneuver through. English was presented clear and understandable. I like the fact you can pause and pick up later where you left off without trying to find out where you left off at. It starts automatically.
Great
I found this food manager course to very informative. I learned a great deal of information regarding handling and managing food.
The modules were very clear, broken into appropriate sections and easy to follow.
I thought the course was easy to follow along with and well presented. The follow up questions within the modules were helpful as well.
I enjoyed learning again all information. I was happy to know that there are new things out that can affect what I do at my job. The teachings were very helpful.
Very informative and easy to follow
Information is kept straightforward and simple to remember
Information communicated concisely! Website a tad glitchy but nothing that inhibited continuing the training. Glad to have some clear answers to a few looming questions. Thanks to Maria!
I like the way AAA kept the course simple and easy to understand. Giving the details of food safety in a logical easy to remember way.