How To Get Your Food Manager Certification in New Jersey?

If you work in the food industry in New Jersey, earning your food manager certification in New Jersey is more than just a smart move—it’s often a regulatory requirement. Whether you manage a restaurant, run a catering business, or oversee a school cafeteria, proper food safety knowledge is essential to protect your customers and your business.

Let’s walk through the certification requirements, what the process involves, and the most important points every food manager in New Jersey should know.

Who Needs Food Manager Certification in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, many food establishments are required to have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This includes restaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, and even some mobile food vendors. The role of a CFPM is to ensure that food safety procedures are implemented and followed daily.

So, do all restaurants in New Jersey need a certified food manager on-site?
Yes—most full-service food establishments must have a certified food protection manager available during business hours or ensure that food safety protocols are consistently enforced by trained staff.

Can I Get My Food Manager Certification Online in New Jersey?

Yes, you can earn your food manager certification entirely online in New Jersey, as long as the training and exam are offered by an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB))-accredited provider and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). This online option is ideal for professionals with busy schedules, as it offers flexibility and convenience without sacrificing compliance.

Be sure to choose a reputable training program that offers:

  • Remote proctored exams
  • Immediate access to your certificate upon passing
  • Study materials aligned with the CFP exam topics

What Topics Are Covered on the Food Manager Exam?

The food manager certification in New Jersey exam typically includes topics such as:

  • Safe food handling and preparation
  • Time/temperature controls
  • Personal hygiene and handwashing
  • Prevention of cross-contamination
  • Pest management
  • Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
  • Foodborne illnesses and prevention

These topics are based on standards approved by the Conference for Food Protection (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-CFP).

How Long Is the Certification Valid?

Once you pass the certification exam, your credential as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is valid for five years in New Jersey. After that, you must retake and pass the exam to renew your certification and remain compliant with state food safety laws.

Even though you’re not required to take a refresher course before recertification, doing so is highly recommended to stay up to date with evolving regulations, foodborne illness trends, and best practices.

Is Food Safety Training Required Before the Exam?

New Jersey does not mandate formal training before taking the certification exam, but it is strongly recommended, especially if you’re new to food service management or unfamiliar with the latest food safety standards.

A well-structured course can help you understand and retain key concepts such as:

  • Safe food handling procedures
  • Personal hygiene and sanitation
  • Allergen awareness and labeling
  • Cross-contamination prevention
  • Time and temperature controls

Many certification programs bundle the training and exam together, offering better value and ensuring you’re well-prepared to pass on the first try.

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in New Jersey

The process to earn your food manager certification in New Jersey includes:

1. Choose an Approved Program
Your training and exam must come from a nationally accredited food manager certification provider. Look for programs recognized by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)) and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

2. Take the Exam
You must pass a certification exam that evaluates your understanding of foodborne illness prevention, hygiene, time and temperature control, allergens, and cleaning practices. Many programs offer this exam online for convenience.

3. Receive Your Certification
Once you pass, you’ll receive documentation showing that you’re a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). Keep this certificate on file—it’s subject to inspection by local health authorities.

Regulatory Contact Information

If you have further questions about food safety regulations or certification requirements in New Jersey, contact:

New Jersey Department of Health
Public Health and Food Protection Program
PO Box 369
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Final Thoughts

Earning your food manager certification in New Jersey is more than just meeting a requirement—it’s a commitment to public health, customer trust, and professional excellence. Choose an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)) Accredited program, follow the correct procedures, and stay ahead of any regulatory updates to ensure long-term success in your food service career.

FOOD
HANDLER

Food Handler Card - ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
4.9
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FOOD MANAGER

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FOOD
HANDLER

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

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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

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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

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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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