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.
Illinois Food Manager Certification – Health Department Approved
The Winnebago County Food Manager Certification by the AAA Food Handler program offers ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited online training and exams, accessible anytime for professionals in the Winnebago County food industry. This ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification fulfills health department requirements to obtain the Certified Food Protection Manager for food safety and is available in English and Spanish.
AAA Food Handler is a nationally recognized provider of food safety training and Food Manager Certification programs designed to meet state and local regulatory requirements across the United States. The organization supports restaurants, food service operators, and multi-location businesses with compliant, online-first certification solutions used across hospitality, healthcare, and institutional food operations.
AAA Food Handler delivers ANAB–CFP accredited Food Manager Certification exams that meet Illinois state requirements and are accepted by local health authorities, including Winnebago County.
Section Summary:
AAA Food Handler provides nationally recognized, regulation-aligned Food Manager Certification programs accepted throughout Illinois.
Food establishments operating in Winnebago County, Illinois are required to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present during all hours of operation. Illinois law mandates that this individual hold a valid Food Manager Certification obtained by passing an ANAB-CFP Accredited exam.
AAA Food Handler offers an Illinois-compliant Food Manager Certification pathway that fulfills both state and county enforcement expectations.
Section Summary:
The certification meets Illinois and Winnebago County CFPM requirements with nationally recognized exam accreditation.
Illinois Food Manager Certification requirements are governed by the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625) and enforced by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Key Regulatory Requirements
Regulatory Overview Table
Illinois Department of Public Health
525–535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone: 217-782-4977
Email: dph.fssmc@illinois.gov
Website: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety.html
Chicago Department of Public Health (Reference Only)
Food Protection Services
2133 W. Lexington
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Phone: 312-746-8030
Email: food@cityofchicago.org
Food Manager Certification is required for:
Local Enforcement Notes
Section Summary:
Winnebago County enforces Illinois CFPM requirements requiring certified oversight at all food establishments.
Important Clarification:
The exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Certification is issued upon passing the accredited exam.
Step-by-Step Process
Renewal Requirements
Section Summary:
The certification process is structured, compliant, and aligned with Illinois food safety law.



















Our ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager training is designed for individuals across all cities in Winnebago County, Illinois. It offers flexible and accessible training that meets Illinois Health Department standards. The course is 100% online and available 24/7, allowing you to start, stop, and resume training at your convenience.
Education is the best tool to prevent, minimize, or eliminate food-borne illnesses and food hazards.
Improve critical thinking and decision-making to avoid or prevent sticky situations in food safety.
Gain knowledge to minimize or eliminate foodborne illness risks, ensuring a safer dining experience for all.
Recognize and mitigate the risks of improper food safety procedures in your food establishment.
Reducing food safety complaints will foster a happier workplace, increasing productivity and reducing disruptions.
Safe food handling practices promote a positive work environment, improving overall satisfaction and morale.
Our online food manager training program is available to food managers throughout Winnebago County and is recognized in cities including:
Section Summary:
AAA Food Handler delivers compliant, inspector-accepted Food Manager Certification for Illinois food establishments.
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
Yes. Illinois law requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager at each food establishment, including those operating in Winnebago County.
Food Manager Certification in Illinois is valid for five years from the date of exam completion.
Yes. The CFPM must be present at the food establishment during all hours of operation.
Failure to maintain a CFPM may result in inspection violations, corrective actions, or enforcement measures by local health authorities.
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
i liked the review questions at the end of the modules
As a small business owner there is difficult to find enough free time during the day, fortunately this course gives me the opportunity to take the training course in my pace.
Very informative and a lot to absorb
Training was clear and easy to understand. On thing, I could not pause the session to take notes. I had to rewatch the session to be able to pause.
The training was presented well and easy to understand.
One thing, I was not able to pause training until I completed the session. In order to pause and take notes I had to watched the entire session rewatch.
Highly recommend to take this course if you are in the food industry. This is very educational and not a bad idea for all staff to watch. You can watch the modules at your own pace and easy to understand.
This was a very user friendly course.
Thank you allowing me to take this course very informative
Concise and easy to grasp training.
This course was very informative. It was easy to follow and I learned a great deal. The questions at the end of each section were helpful.
very easy to follow and comprehend. layout of modules is very well organized.
Very detail and help you step by step understand about food safety
Great training
good and benefitable lesson thank you
Overall good. Some things were repeated like how high to store items off of the floor. Then I felt some things were left out entirely. Like required dishwasher temperature that use chemical sanitizer and how long hot food can be held.