Yes. Most food establishments in Ohio must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff. The certification must be earned by passing a Food Protection Manager Certification exam accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and developed in accordance with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

Only certifications from a program that includes an exam accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and aligned with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) are recognized in Ohio. AAA Food Handler’s program meets these standards and is accepted nationwide.

Yes. Both the training and the Food Protection Manager Certification exam are 100% online. The training is self-paced, and the exam is proctored remotely using a webcam and microphone.

The course includes training on essential food safety concepts such as hygiene practices, time and temperature control, preventing cross-contamination, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, allergen management, and compliance with Ohio’s food code. It prepares you for the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited exam.

Your Food Protection Manager Certification remains valid for five years from the date of passing the exam. Renewal is required to remain in compliance with Ohio’s food safety regulations.

Suppose you choose the Diamond Package and complete all training modules and practice exams. In that case, you are eligible for one free retake of the Food Protection Manager Certification exam within six months of your first attempt. Additional retakes may be purchased separately.

Once you pass the online, proctored exam accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), your certificate will be available for immediate download through your AAA Food Handler account dashboard.

Yes. The Food Protection Manager Certification meets food safety requirements in healthcare and long-term care kitchens, as outlined in CFR § 483.60. It is also a helpful step for those working toward becoming a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).

Yes. AAA Food Handler offers group registration tools that allow business owners and managers to enroll multiple employees, assign courses, track progress, and download certificates—all from one centralized dashboard.

Exams accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) meet nationally recognized food safety standards established in partnership with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). Ohio health departments accept these certifications to ensure consistent, compliant training across foodservice operations.

The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) evaluates certification exams to confirm they align with rigorous food safety standards. These exams are developed with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) and trusted by public health authorities throughout Ohio and the United States.

The Manager Certification in Food Protection is a comprehensive training program that equips managers with advanced knowledge of proper food safety practices for their facilities. The Ohio Department of Health has overseen this program since 1973.

As of March 1, 2017, all risk level III and IV food service operations and retail food establishments must have at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibilities — and the authority to oversee food preparation and service — who has earned the Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection.

For official guidelines and compliance requirements related to Food Protection Manager Certification, contact:

Ohio Department of Health
BEHRP Food Safety Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

To qualify for the free retest with the Ohio Level 2 Food Manager Certification Diamond Package, you must complete the entire online training and all sample tests before attempting the initial Food Manager Certification exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you are eligible for one free retest, which must be taken within six months of the original exam date. Any additional retests will be available for a fee of $69.95.