How to Become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Washington State?

For those seeking to advance their food safety knowledge and fulfill state requirements, becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager in Washington State is a smart career move. This certification not only elevates your professional credentials but is also a vital step toward ensuring public health and safety in food establishments across the state.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to earn your Food Protection Manager Certification, the types of programs you should consider, and why national accreditation matters. Whether you’re already working in food service or looking to take on a managerial role, this blog is your roadmap to certification success.

Who is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)?

A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is an individual who has demonstrated food safety knowledge by passing an exam from a program recognized by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)) and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). This certification is nationally recognized and often required by health departments across the U.S.

In Washington State, the Food Protection Manager Certification plays a critical role in ensuring food establishments are operated under the supervision of trained and qualified personnel.

How to Become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Washington State?

Here are the steps to becoming a certified food protection manager in Washington State:

1. Choose an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-Accredited Certification Program

Look for a nationally accredited food manager certification program that has been approved by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)) in partnership with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). These programs are designed to ensure that managers understand food safety principles.

AAA Food Handler offers a nationally recognized and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited Food Protection Manager Certification that is accepted in Arizona and across the U.S.

2. Study for the Exam

Whether you prefer online or in-person learning, there are plenty of study options available. Most ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited programs offer practice tests, review guides, and interactive learning tools to prepare you for the certification exam.

AAA Food Handler provides flexible, online training designed for busy professionals.

3. Pass the Certification Exam

The exam typically includes 80-90 multiple-choice questions covering areas like personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature control, and cleaning/sanitizing. A passing score is required to earn your Food Safety Certification and become a Certified Food Protection Manager.

4. Maintain Your Certification

In Washington State, the Certified Food Protection Manager credential is valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to retake the exam through a nationally accredited food manager certification program to renew your status.

AAA Food Handler provides instant access to your certificate once you pass the exam.

Is AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification Accepted in Washington State?

Yes, AAA Food Handler offers a Food Manager Certification program that is fully accepted in Washington State. Our course is nationally accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)) and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)—meeting all regulatory requirements.

Choose a program that fits your schedule, supports your goals, and is officially recognized—AAA Food Handler is that choice.

What’s the Difference Between a Food Handler and a Food Manager?

Another frequently asked question. A food handler is typically responsible for day-to-day food preparation tasks and must follow safe handling procedures. In contrast, a food manager oversees food safety protocols, ensures regulatory compliance, and trains staff.

In most cases, a food handler certification is faster and easier to obtain, while the Food Protection Manager Certification involves more in-depth training and a proctored exam. Many establishments in Washington require both certifications for full coverage and safety assurance.

Regulatory Contact Information

If you need more details about requirements or regulatory updates, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Food Safety Programs
PO Box 47824
Olympia, Washington 98504

They provide guidance on certification requirements, food safety laws, and local health codes.

Final Thoughts

Earning your Certified Food Protection Manager Washington State credential is more than just checking a box—it’s a professional investment. With food safety becoming more complex and heavily regulated, having a nationally accredited food manager certification from a program approved by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)) and Conference for Food Protection (CFP) ensures you’re both compliant and competent.

At AAA Food Handler, we have years of experience helping professionals like you succeed in the food safety industry. We encourage you to take that next step and become a certified food protection manager in Washington State—your team, your customers, and your career will thank you.

FOOD
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Food Handler Card - ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
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FOOD MANAGER

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FOOD
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Food Handler Card - ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Group 5702

Food Handler Reviews

4.9

star (2)
23,342 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 23,342 reviews)
Excellent92%
Very good6%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

Food-Handler Course

June 12, 2025

The course itself was easy to understand, and overall easily digestible with straightforward but detailed modules.

Kevin H.

good

June 12, 2025

the course is good and easy to learn

Arun P.

No Title

June 12, 2025

Rafael B.

food handler

June 12, 2025

good

Bhavesh

food handler

June 12, 2025

overall good

Bhavesh

No Title

June 12, 2025

Thomas M.

Informative but lacking

June 12, 2025

I found this course to be very informative as I have not been in the food industry before. However some of the questions asked were not covered in the course and there was one specific questions that was so grammatically incorrect it was confusing to understand what it was asking.

Justin

No Title

June 12, 2025

Maggie M.

Timing

June 12, 2025

Went well , however; tablet was having issues

Ercelle F.

Easily Understandable

June 12, 2025

Good course and user friendly

Brooks

No Title

June 12, 2025

Sibylle

One simple word...

June 12, 2025

Great

Arthur

It was knowledgeable

June 12, 2025

Charrie

No Title

June 12, 2025

Alyssa P.

No Title

June 12, 2025

Jesus S.

Understood

June 12, 2025

Great!

Charles

No Title

June 12, 2025

Charles

No Title

June 12, 2025

Charles

Very informative

June 12, 2025

The course was informative and easy to follow.

Orlena P.

No Title

June 12, 2025

aditi
Group 5702
4.9
(23,342 reviews)
4.9
(23,342 reviews)

Food Handler Reviews

4.9

star (2)
23,342 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 23,342 reviews)
Excellent92%
Very good6%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

Food-Handler Course

June 12, 2025

The course itself was easy to understand, and overall easily digestible with straightforward but detailed modules.

Kevin H.

good

June 12, 2025

the course is good and easy to learn

Arun P.

No Title

June 12, 2025

Rafael B.

food handler

June 12, 2025

good

Bhavesh

food handler

June 12, 2025

overall good

Bhavesh

No Title

June 12, 2025

Thomas M.

Informative but lacking

June 12, 2025

I found this course to be very informative as I have not been in the food industry before. However some of the questions asked were not covered in the course and there was one specific questions that was so grammatically incorrect it was confusing to understand what it was asking.

Justin

No Title

June 12, 2025

Maggie M.

Timing

June 12, 2025

Went well , however; tablet was having issues

Ercelle F.

Easily Understandable

June 12, 2025

Good course and user friendly

Brooks

No Title

June 12, 2025

Sibylle

One simple word...

June 12, 2025

Great

Arthur

It was knowledgeable

June 12, 2025

Charrie

No Title

June 12, 2025

Alyssa P.

No Title

June 12, 2025

Jesus S.

Understood

June 12, 2025

Great!

Charles

No Title

June 12, 2025

Charles

No Title

June 12, 2025

Charles

Very informative

June 12, 2025

The course was informative and easy to follow.

Orlena P.

No Title

June 12, 2025

aditi
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Starting at $6.95

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FOOD MANAGER

[aaa_custom_review_form page="home" category="food-manager"]
4.9
(8,647 reviews)
Group 5704

Food Manager Reviews

4.9

star (2)
8,647 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 8,647 reviews)
Excellent94%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

No Title

June 12, 2025

Hanh N.

Very simple and understandable

June 12, 2025

Highly recommended!!

Carmeling D.

Beneficial Information

June 12, 2025

I learned a lot. Very detailed information given.

Seyed M.

Great course

June 12, 2025

Carlos J.

Well written and organized

June 12, 2025

This was a well written course. It flowed well.

Jonathan B.

Great site

June 12, 2025

Ramanjit S.

n/a

June 12, 2025

n/a

brianna V.

What a great informative course

June 12, 2025

The course is very thorough and informative. I can go with my own pace with helps me to understand the informations better. Highly recommended

Huyen N.

No Title

June 12, 2025

Favia

Easy and Informative

June 12, 2025

Watch each section and answer a few questions and then there is your final test. You will definitely learn a lot.

Stephanie W.

Excellent course

June 12, 2025

I highly recommend this course to anyone needing to get their food handler manager certification. This was an easy to follow course and you can always replay to completely understand the information. Very satisfied, thank you.

Vanesa

Great information for food managers

June 12, 2025

Well structured, easy to follow.

Work at your own pace.

All subjects covered clearly.

Alan H.

Great Training

June 12, 2025

great training before taking practice exams and final test

koji K.

Course was engaging

June 12, 2025

The course was engaging and kept me interested.

Molly K.

Very Informative

June 12, 2025

Very Informative and straight forward.

Leigh A.

Buen programa

June 12, 2025

Facil de comprender

Martha

Muy buen programa para aprender

June 12, 2025

Martha

Great Course to take

June 12, 2025

Was informative and easy self guided

Sarah

length

June 11, 2025

it felt a bit long but very thorough.

Suzanne J.

Easy to Follow

June 11, 2025

The online food handling course was clear, informative, and easy to follow. It covered all the essential topics with practical examples, making it easy to understand even for beginners. I appreciated the flexibility to complete it at my own pace. Highly recommended for anyone needing certification or a refresher!

Teresa H.
Group 5704
4.9
(8,647 reviews)

Food Manager Reviews

4.9

star (2)
8,647 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 8,647 reviews)
Excellent94%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

No Title

June 12, 2025

Hanh N.

Very simple and understandable

June 12, 2025

Highly recommended!!

Carmeling D.

Beneficial Information

June 12, 2025

I learned a lot. Very detailed information given.

Seyed M.

Great course

June 12, 2025

Carlos J.

Well written and organized

June 12, 2025

This was a well written course. It flowed well.

Jonathan B.

Great site

June 12, 2025

Ramanjit S.

n/a

June 12, 2025

n/a

brianna V.

What a great informative course

June 12, 2025

The course is very thorough and informative. I can go with my own pace with helps me to understand the informations better. Highly recommended

Huyen N.

No Title

June 12, 2025

Favia

Easy and Informative

June 12, 2025

Watch each section and answer a few questions and then there is your final test. You will definitely learn a lot.

Stephanie W.

Excellent course

June 12, 2025

I highly recommend this course to anyone needing to get their food handler manager certification. This was an easy to follow course and you can always replay to completely understand the information. Very satisfied, thank you.

Vanesa

Great information for food managers

June 12, 2025

Well structured, easy to follow.

Work at your own pace.

All subjects covered clearly.

Alan H.

Great Training

June 12, 2025

great training before taking practice exams and final test

koji K.

Course was engaging

June 12, 2025

The course was engaging and kept me interested.

Molly K.

Very Informative

June 12, 2025

Very Informative and straight forward.

Leigh A.

Buen programa

June 12, 2025

Facil de comprender

Martha

Muy buen programa para aprender

June 12, 2025

Martha

Great Course to take

June 12, 2025

Was informative and easy self guided

Sarah

length

June 11, 2025

it felt a bit long but very thorough.

Suzanne J.

Easy to Follow

June 11, 2025

The online food handling course was clear, informative, and easy to follow. It covered all the essential topics with practical examples, making it easy to understand even for beginners. I appreciated the flexibility to complete it at my own pace. Highly recommended for anyone needing certification or a refresher!

Teresa H.
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Starting at $49.95

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ALCOHOL TRAINING

Alcohol training post card
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Group 5705

Alcohol Training Reviews

4.8

star (2)
1,744 reviews
4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 1,744 reviews)
Excellent89%
Very good6%
Average3%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Great Course!

June 12, 2025

Simple and quick process

Valerie M.

Informative Refresher

June 12, 2025

This course really gave me more confidence with my knowledge and helped me to gain a better understanding with topics that are a bit tricky.

Porscha T.

Thorough and Easy to navigate

June 12, 2025

Overall great way to get a course done. The on screen prompt was well read and paced well.

April R.

Responsible Beverage Service

June 12, 2025

This course was informative.

Joshua V.

very good

June 12, 2025

james

No Title

June 12, 2025

Iris A.

simple to follow

June 12, 2025

great

susan

good

June 12, 2025

good

tina

Clear and concise education

June 11, 2025

I’d recommend this training course to any one wanting the certificate. The price is certainly right!

Margaret C.

No Title

June 11, 2025

Joshua S.

Way too lengthy, thought it would never end

June 11, 2025

Dev

Informative course

June 10, 2025

This course was easy to moderate as far as content and delivery. I’m glad I took this class also because it was very affordable.

Pam T.

Great Videos

June 10, 2025

As someone who can have a hard time reading, I very much appreciate that the entirety of this training was videos. They went into just enough detail to get you the information and didn’t force you to sit through unnecessary information. Great training program would defiantly recommend

Bailey

gr8

June 10, 2025

gr8

ewan

RBS Training Review

June 10, 2025

The RBS Training was very impactful. there was a plethora of information.

The training was informative and thorough , offering a strong reiteration of key information. The course effectively reinforced laws, polices. and best practices by presenting questions in multiple formats, ensuring comprehension and retention.

Cheyvonne M.

No Title

June 9, 2025

Barbara

No Title

June 9, 2025

Ok

Layzonial B.

No Title

June 9, 2025

Ofelia A.

Excellent course

June 9, 2025

The course was genuinely very helpful.

Umesh N.

nice work

June 9, 2025

easy to use, and did what i needed it to do

jake
Group 5705
4.8
(1,744 reviews)

Alcohol Training Reviews

4.8

star (2)
1,744 reviews
4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 1,744 reviews)
Excellent89%
Very good6%
Average3%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Great Course!

June 12, 2025

Simple and quick process

Valerie M.

Informative Refresher

June 12, 2025

This course really gave me more confidence with my knowledge and helped me to gain a better understanding with topics that are a bit tricky.

Porscha T.

Thorough and Easy to navigate

June 12, 2025

Overall great way to get a course done. The on screen prompt was well read and paced well.

April R.

Responsible Beverage Service

June 12, 2025

This course was informative.

Joshua V.

very good

June 12, 2025

james

No Title

June 12, 2025

Iris A.

simple to follow

June 12, 2025

great

susan

good

June 12, 2025

good

tina

Clear and concise education

June 11, 2025

I’d recommend this training course to any one wanting the certificate. The price is certainly right!

Margaret C.

No Title

June 11, 2025

Joshua S.

Way too lengthy, thought it would never end

June 11, 2025

Dev

Informative course

June 10, 2025

This course was easy to moderate as far as content and delivery. I’m glad I took this class also because it was very affordable.

Pam T.

Great Videos

June 10, 2025

As someone who can have a hard time reading, I very much appreciate that the entirety of this training was videos. They went into just enough detail to get you the information and didn’t force you to sit through unnecessary information. Great training program would defiantly recommend

Bailey

gr8

June 10, 2025

gr8

ewan

RBS Training Review

June 10, 2025

The RBS Training was very impactful. there was a plethora of information.

The training was informative and thorough , offering a strong reiteration of key information. The course effectively reinforced laws, polices. and best practices by presenting questions in multiple formats, ensuring comprehension and retention.

Cheyvonne M.

No Title

June 9, 2025

Barbara

No Title

June 9, 2025

Ok

Layzonial B.

No Title

June 9, 2025

Ofelia A.

Excellent course

June 9, 2025

The course was genuinely very helpful.

Umesh N.

nice work

June 9, 2025

easy to use, and did what i needed it to do

jake
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ALLERGEN TRAINING

Food Allergen Training
Group 5705

Alcohol Training Reviews

4.8

star (2)
1,744 reviews
4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 1,744 reviews)
Excellent89%
Very good6%
Average3%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Great Course!

June 12, 2025

Simple and quick process

Valerie M.

Informative Refresher

June 12, 2025

This course really gave me more confidence with my knowledge and helped me to gain a better understanding with topics that are a bit tricky.

Porscha T.

Thorough and Easy to navigate

June 12, 2025

Overall great way to get a course done. The on screen prompt was well read and paced well.

April R.

Responsible Beverage Service

June 12, 2025

This course was informative.

Joshua V.

very good

June 12, 2025

james

No Title

June 12, 2025

Iris A.

simple to follow

June 12, 2025

great

susan

good

June 12, 2025

good

tina

Clear and concise education

June 11, 2025

I’d recommend this training course to any one wanting the certificate. The price is certainly right!

Margaret C.

No Title

June 11, 2025

Joshua S.

Way too lengthy, thought it would never end

June 11, 2025

Dev

Informative course

June 10, 2025

This course was easy to moderate as far as content and delivery. I’m glad I took this class also because it was very affordable.

Pam T.

Great Videos

June 10, 2025

As someone who can have a hard time reading, I very much appreciate that the entirety of this training was videos. They went into just enough detail to get you the information and didn’t force you to sit through unnecessary information. Great training program would defiantly recommend

Bailey

gr8

June 10, 2025

gr8

ewan

RBS Training Review

June 10, 2025

The RBS Training was very impactful. there was a plethora of information.

The training was informative and thorough , offering a strong reiteration of key information. The course effectively reinforced laws, polices. and best practices by presenting questions in multiple formats, ensuring comprehension and retention.

Cheyvonne M.

No Title

June 9, 2025

Barbara

No Title

June 9, 2025

Ok

Layzonial B.

No Title

June 9, 2025

Ofelia A.

Excellent course

June 9, 2025

The course was genuinely very helpful.

Umesh N.

nice work

June 9, 2025

easy to use, and did what i needed it to do

jake
Group 5705
5.0
(70 reviews)

Allergen Training Review

4.9

star (2)
70 reviews
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 70 reviews)
Excellent97%
Very good3%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

great learning tool

June 11, 2025

this course was well put together and helped me retain what i have learned. the guide for the test at the end helped. learn some new things as well that i will let my team know about.

Gabriel P.

Great Review for people working in the Food Industry

June 11, 2025

It started with good statistics of how poor communication & food service can create an emergency for someone with food allergens.

Anne C.

Easy to understand, confident training

June 10, 2025

This module was communicated very well. I felt confident in the material at the end and passed the exam easily.

Carrie G.

food allergies

June 5, 2025

it was good

jess

Efficient and Informative: AAA Food Handler Training Experience

May 30, 2025

I recently completed the training and test with AAA Food Handler and found the experience smooth and professional. The course material was clear, up-to-date, and easy to follow, even for first-timers. The training covered essential food safety practices, and the test was straightforward, reflecting what was taught. I appreciated the quick certification process and would definitely recommend AAA Food Handler to anyone in the food service industry.

Prashanthi K.

No Title

May 27, 2025

Garrett Z.

Easy to understand!

May 19, 2025

This is my second time taking this exam. Very easy to understand. I enjoyed the refresher.

Odalys U.

allergen course

May 19, 2025

very informative

Donna W.

No Title

May 18, 2025

i highly recommend these courses to be taken for either knowledge or advance your career! worth every penny and easy to use.

susana

No Title

May 15, 2025

Harley Q.

Great and fun learning experience

May 12, 2025

Great and fun learning experience! Easy to learn and loved the different segments.

Kelly K.

food allergy

May 11, 2025

i really like this course class its helpful in the kitchen

francisco J.

In Depth & Informitive

May 6, 2025

worth gaining the knowledge on how to remain safe and hold regard to public health

Chad C.

Great

May 2, 2025

Very informative. Thank you

Mark

No Title

April 30, 2025

vanessa

Great

April 30, 2025

Thanks

Joseph D.

No Title

April 28, 2025

Michael V.

Learned a lot

April 27, 2025

very good and intuitive course!

Marisa

awesome test

April 27, 2025

its a very good course, clear and very direct studying.

Camila P.

No Title

April 26, 2025

Turell W.
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