* 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 Food Manager Certification Columbus from AAA Food Handler provides an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)–accredited Food Protection Manager credential through convenient online training and a proctored exam. This certification meets Ohio Administrative Code requirements and is recognized by Columbus Public Health, ensuring every food establishment has at least one certified manager on duty. Training and exams are 100% online, available in English and Spanish, making it simple for managers to stay inspection-ready and maintain compliance.



















In Columbus City, Ohio, local health authorities require every food service operation to have at least one manager certified as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) through an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)–accredited program. This certification demonstrates that management understands and can enforce critical food safety procedures, helping to prevent foodborne illness, reduce health risks, and ensure the establishment consistently meets Columbus Public Health regulations and Ohio food safety standards.
In Columbus, earning a Food Manager Certification qualifies you as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)—a requirement under the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code and overseen by Columbus Public Health. This respected credential shows you have the knowledge to guide your team in safe food handling, prevent foodborne illness, and stay inspection-ready at all times.
Lower the risk of foodborne illness in Columbus kitchens by following the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code and Columbus Public Health requirements.
Stay informed on local health regulations and make smart choices in Columbus’s fast-moving food service industry.
Spot and correct unsafe food handling practices to meet Columbus Public Health inspection standards.
Reduce the chance of violations and costly fines by staying in full compliance with Columbus Public Health food safety requirements.
Improve kitchen efficiency and service quality by implementing strong food safety practices that keep operations running smoothly and inspection-ready.
Create a safer, healthier work environment where staff feel confident and customers trust your commitment to food safety.
| For Managers | For Businesses | For Customers |
|---|---|---|
Guide your kitchen team with confidence and make sound food safety decisions every day. | Be fully prepared for routine inspections conducted by Columbus Public Health. | Enjoy meals knowing that every dish is prepared and served following Ohio’s strict food safety standards. |
| Strengthen your expertise as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) recognized under the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code. | Cut the risk of expensive health code violations and potential temporary closures. | Feel confident that Columbus restaurants are dedicated to protecting the community’s health. |
| Provide supervisors and staff with thorough, up-to-date training in best food safety practices. | Showcase your commitment to clean, safe operations to stand out in Columbus’s competitive food scene. | Trust establishments that consistently demonstrate their dedication to food quality and safety. |
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
An Ohio Food Manager Certification—also called a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential—shows that you have the skills to prevent foodborne illness and manage a safe kitchen.
In Columbus, the Ohio Food Code (ODH Rule 3701-21-25) requires:
To earn the Manager Certification through the AAA Food Handler:
Yes. AAA Food Handler offers an online proctored exam, allowing you to take the test from anywhere in Columbus.
Once earned, the ANAB-accredited CFPM certification is valid for five years, the standard renewal period recognized by the Ohio Department of Health and Columbus Public Health.
Ohio law requires at least one employee with supervisory or managerial authority—such as an owner, head chef, kitchen manager, or shift supervisor—to hold the Manager Certification in Food Protection for risk level III & IV facilities.
Large or late-night operations often certify multiple managers to ensure that a Certified Food Protection Manager is on duty at all times.
Certified Food Managers:
Their leadership protects customers, avoids costly violations, and keeps operations inspection-ready.
AAA Food Handler gives Columbus food managers a trusted, fast, and fully compliant way to earn—and maintain—their food safety credentials.
Regulatory Contact:
Ohio Department of Health
BEHRP Food Safety Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
Its my first experience with courses in USA. Rather interesting, educational and easy for understanding
Straight forward and informative. Helpful having review questions at the end of each section to ensure you understood the material.
The food manager course was quick, easy to understand and useful.
Simply describe the training as an excellent learning experience.
Thorough training
Well helped guide through every steps and quiz on every section help to brainstorm everything just learn.
This is a very easy way to get your managers certification. You can do this a your own pace.
The videos were very informative, lomg enough and very clear.
Sure, it wasn’t the best training of my life, but it wasn’t bad.
after tacking the classes, you realize how much you really did not know and all the hidden dangers in a kitchen . learning how care and safely serve people gives me more confidence in success everything has been easy and well explained.
Very easy training sessions that walk you through each module, and the tests in the middle are very helpful to prepare for the exam.
My overall review to the course is I like how they gave us mini quizzes while watching the video because I’m more of a hands-on learner so practicing my brain in between videos helped me. There was a lot to learn but I do feel like they put too much in module two of the module directory.
It is a great training and covered everything.