Texas Department of State Health Services Approved
AAA Food Handler’s Houston Food Safety Certification prepares managers and supervisors to earn a Food Protection Manager Certification by passing a nationally accredited food manager certification exam through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). The exam adheres to the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards and is recognized nationwide. This meets Texas and the City of Houston requirements for having a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff during operations. Training is offered online in English and Spanish, and once you pass the ANAB-accredited exam, you hold a Food Protection Certification accepted across Texas.



















In Houston City, every permitted food business is expected to have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) who passed an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited exam aligned with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards. Choosing a nationally accredited food manager certification through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) helps managers enforce healthy practices, lower risk, and stay compliant with Texas Food Establishment Rules and City of Houston requirements.
Keep foodborne diseases out of Houston City kitchens.
Ensure safe choices in fast-paced food service roles.
Eliminate unhealthy food habits from daily routines.
Lower the risk of expensive penalties at health inspections in Houston.
Safe routines keep shifts running smoothly and reduce customer issues.
A well-protected kitchen lifts team morale and keeps diners returning.
| For Managers | For Businesses | For Customers |
|---|---|---|
| Boost leadership and strengthen decision-making capacity. | Meet Houston City inspection requirements with ease | Provide safer dining experiences across the city of Houston |
| Feel confident as a Certified Food Protection Manager | Cut violations, fines, and shutdown risks | Earn greater trust in local restaurants and cafés |
| Build clear skills to train and guide your team | Protect your brand in Houston’s food industry | Ensure that meals are cooked following the highest standards |
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
It is a Food Protection Manager Certification earned by passing an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited exam that follows Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards. Passing the exam qualifies you as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and shows you have the knowledge to prevent foodborne illness.
Yes. Under Texas Food Establishment Rules, every permitted food business must have at least one CFPM with the authority to oversee food preparation and service. Houston follows these state rules.
Texas recognizes two pathways:
Study with our online materials (English and Spanish), then pass the ANAB-accredited Food Protection Manager exam. When you pass, you receive a Food Protection Certification for managers that meets Texas and Houston requirements. (Food handler staff complete a separate food handler certificate.)
The original Food Protection Manager Certification must be posted where customers can see it. Temporary food establishments are generally exempt from the CFPM requirement. If you already hold a qualifying certification, the Houston Health Department may ask you to confirm reciprocity for local records.
Yes. Eligible candidates can take the Food Protection Manager Certification exam online or at approved test locations. The exam typically allows up to 90 minutes to complete. The exam is accredited through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and follows Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards.
In Texas, food manager certification is typically valid for up to five years. Check your certificate for the exact expiration date and renew before it lapses.
A CFPM may be titled operations manager, executive chef, assistant manager, or service manager—the role is the same: lead food safety and compliance every day. Core responsibilities include:
In short, the CFPM runs the systems that keep food safe, teams trained, and the business ready for inspection.
Food managers can improve safety by training staff, verifying their skills, and ensuring that every food handler holds a food handler certificate. Use Active Managerial Control/HACCP with clear time-temperature steps and keep simple logs. Prevent cross-contamination by separating raw and ready-to-eat foods and sanitizing tools and surfaces. Manage allergens with ingredient checks, clear labels, and dedicated prep when needed. Enforce employee health rules by excluding or restricting sick workers. Keep regular cleaning schedules, test sanitizer strength, manage pests, and store chemicals safely. Maintain inspection-ready records, follow Texas Food Establishment Rules and City of Houston requirements, and renew your Food Protection Manager Certification on time to support your Houston Food Protection Certification.
Regulatory Contact:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Certified Food Manager Program
The Exchange Building
8407 Wall Street
Austin, Texas 78754
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
It was a very informative course.
The slides were quick, easy to understand, and straight to the point! well done.
The course was easy to navigate through and very thorough.
very informative and thorough
Everything was broken down in a way you can easily understand.
Thorough, easy to follow, and detailed course.
l loved taking this course it has enriched my knowledge
It was very informative.
The courses were very helpful.
Very informative
the only thing that I would recommend in the future is easier progress tracking. I would reccomend this course do to the national recognition that it has.
Information was clearly presented
Great material and explanations. Easy to understand.
This was a very well laid out and produced course. I appreciated the way it was organized. It kept me engaged throughout.
Was not as complicated as expected. I learned what was need and am now ready to take the test.
Straightforward and fun