AAA Food Handler

ILLINOIS
FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION

4.9
(9,542 reviews)

Health Department Approved, ANAB-CFP Accredited Certified Food Manager Exam

$99.95

Gold Package

$69.95

Exam Only

$49.95

Training Only

$99.95

Gold Package

$119.95

Diamond Package

$69.95

Exam Only

$49.95

Training Only

$99.95

Gold Package

$119.95

Diamond Package

$69.95

Exam Only

$49.95

Training Only

* 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.

Section Summary:
Flexible package options support individual learners and business needs across Illinois.

Orange County Food Manager Certification
Orange County Food Manager Certification

Illinois Food Manager Certification – Health Department Approved

We guarantee approval of the Certified Food Protection Manager Program by the health department.

Please click to view the nationally recognized ANSI accreditation for Food Protection Manager.

Illinois Food Manager Certification – Online & Statewide Approved

Organization Overview

AAA Food Handler is a nationally recognized provider of food safety education and Food Manager Certification programs serving food establishments across the United States. The program is designed to support regulatory compliance, food safety leadership, and operational oversight for managers and supervisory staff.

AAA Food Handler offers an ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification exam that aligns with the 2022 FDA Food Code and is accepted across all Illinois health jurisdictions.

Section Summary:
AAA Food Handler delivers nationally recognized, Accredited Food Manager Certification programs that support food safety compliance across Illinois.

Course / Training Overview

Illinois requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on-site during all hours of operation. Certification ensures food establishments meet the Illinois Food Code and helps prevent violations, closures, and foodborne illness outbreaks.

AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification program provides a structured approach for managers and supervisors to demonstrate food safety knowledge and meet inspection expectations across Illinois counties.

Summary:
Certification supports food safety competency and ensures managers meet inspection and compliance expectations in Illinois.

Illinois Food Safety Laws & Regulations (State Requirements Overview)

Food safety oversight in Illinois is managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and local health departments such as the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Illinois follows the 2022 edition of the FDA Food Code.

Key Requirements:

  • Certification Required: Yes, at least one CFPM must be present during all hours of operation.
  • Who Needs Certification: Supervisory or managerial staff with responsibility over food operations.
  • Certification Expiration: 5 years
  • Recertification: Retake the ANAB-CFP Accredited exam every 5 years. It requires 8 hours of training and exam.
  • Training Hours Required: 8 hours
  • HACCP: Required for certain specialized processes (e.g., reduced oxygen packaging, sushi rice, smoking/curing meats).
  • Bare Hand Contact: Not allowed with ready-to-eat foods without an approved variance.
  • Hot Holding Temperature: 135°F
  • Cold Holding Temperature: 41°F
  • Comminuted Meat Cooking Temperature: 155°F for 15 seconds

Regulatory Authority & Contact:

  • Illinois Department of Public Health
    525-535 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761
    Phone: 217-782-4977 | Email: dph.fssmc@illinois.gov Website: Food Safety
  • Chicago Department of Public Health — Food Protection Services
    2133 W. Lexington, Chicago, IL 60612
    Phone: 312-746-8030 | Email: food@cityofchicago.org Website: City of Chicago Food Safety

Summary:
Illinois requires at least one CFPM on-site at all times in food establishments and enforces strict hygiene, temperature, and HACCP requirements under the 2022 FDA Food Code.

Who Needs Food Manager Certification in Illinois

Certification applies to:

  • Restaurants, cafés, and catering companies
  • Hotels and hospitality kitchens
  • Food trucks and mobile vendors
  • Bars and bakeries
  • Institutional kitchens (schools, hospitals, care facilities)

Summary:
A CFPM must be present during all hours of operation to ensure safe food handling and regulatory compliance.

AAA Food Handler Acceptance & Accreditation

AAA Food Handler provides an ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification exam accepted statewide in Illinois.

Certification Highlights:

  • ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification exam
  • Fully online training and remote-proctored exam
  • Instant digital certificate upon passing
  • Printable and electronic certificate formats suitable for inspections and audits

Summary:
AAA Food Handler’s certification ensures inspection readiness and compliance for Illinois food establishments.

How to Become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Illinois

  1. Enroll in AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager training program.
  2. Complete the online training modules at your own pace.
  3. Pass the ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager exam (70% passing score).
  4. Download your digital certificate immediately upon passing.
  5. Renew certification every 5 years to maintain active credentials.

Summary:
Certification provides documented food safety knowledge and ensures compliance with Illinois food safety regulations.

Online Exam & Remote Proctoring in Illinois

Illinois allows remote-proctored Food Manager Certification exams. AAA Food Handler provides:

  • Live online proctor
  • ID verification and webcam monitoring
  • Secure exam environment
  • Instant certification delivery upon passing

Summary:
Remote-proctored online exams are fully accepted and widely used in Illinois.

Exam Details — Illinois Food Manager Certification

  • Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Passing Score: 70%
  • Languages: English & Spanish

Competency Areas:

  • Foodborne illness prevention
  • Time and temperature control
  • Personal hygiene
  • Cross-contamination prevention
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Allergen awareness
  • Regulatory compliance

Summary:
The exam evaluates managerial food safety competency aligned with Illinois inspection expectations.

OUR CLIENTS

BENEFITS OF TRAINING

plates

PREVENT

Foodborne illnesses through improved oversight

apples

Support

Compliance with Illinois food safety regulations

diet-1

Reduce

Inspection violations and corrective actions

trophies

Improve

Staff hygiene and operational efficiency

dinner

Maintain

Audit-ready documentation

waiter

Strengthen

Food safety culture and accountability

Section Summary:
Certification strengthens food safety management and inspection readiness across Illinois establishments.

WHY CHOOSE US

California Food Manager Certification

Summary:
AAA Food Handler provides Accredited certification, flexible online learning, and management tools that support compliance, oversight, and operational efficiency across Illinois.

Food Handler

Getting Food Manager Certification Is Quick and Hassle-Free

Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Yes. AAA Food Handler’s ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification is fully accepted across Illinois and meets all state and local requirements for Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPMs).

You must pass an exam accredited by the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)—such as the one offered by AAA Food Handler. 

Food Managers oversee overall food safety across the operation, while Food Handlers are trained to perform safe practices specific to their role.

You’ll need to complete an approved course in nutrition and foodservice management and pass the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam.

AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Program meets the requirements for Certified Food Service Manager Requirement to Comply with CFR § 483.60 Food and Nutrition Services.

 

Illinois Food Manager Certification is typically valid for 5 years. Always confirm with your local health department for any updates.

Yes! The full certification process—including training and a proctored exam—can be completed online through an ANSI/ANAB-accredited provider.

It covers a lot of material but is manageable with study and practice exams.

Illinois accepts any Food Protection Manager Certification accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)—including AAA Food Handler.

Under the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625), all food service establishments in Illinois must have at least one certified food manager on-site at all times. Failing to comply with this requirement can result in penalties.

As of January 1, 2018, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) no longer requires individuals to apply for the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC)except in the city of Chicago, where local regulations still apply.

We recommend checking with your local health department for any additional or location-specific certification and training requirements.

 Yes. Illinois requires at least one CFPM on-site during all hours of operation.

 Take a structured online course (optional but recommended) and pass an ANAB-accredited exam provided by AAA Food Handler.

  • Food Handlers: Entry-level staff trained in basic safety.
  • Food Managers: Supervisors responsible for inspections, training, and regulatory compliance.

 Yes, remotely proctored ANAB-accredited Food Manager exams are fully accepted.

Yes. AAA Food Handler’s ANAB-accredited Food Manager Certification is fully accepted across Illinois and meets all state and local requirements for Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPMs).

 Certification is valid for 5 years, after which the exam must be retaken.

  • Food Manager Certificate
  • Employee training records
  • Illness/exclusion logs
  • Allergen procedures

Get Your Illinois Food Manager Certification Today — Fully Online, ANAB-CFP Accredited, and Accepted Statewide.

Food Manager Reviews

4.9

AAA Food Handler
9,542 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 9,542 reviews)
Excellent93%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

Short to the point

March 6, 2026

Videos and explanations are easy to understand and follow.

Romina

No Title

March 6, 2026

Brenda G.

No Title

March 6, 2026

Mai V.

very good informative

March 6, 2026

I like it very helpful

ravinder K.

No Title

March 6, 2026

liz

Not to dull

March 6, 2026

It wasn’t dreadful. A lot seemed repetitive.

Paige

Fair price

March 6, 2026

The slides were at a good pace, and very informative while being concise. I do like how it’s straight to the point but often gives examples in order to enhance better understanding. The fact that you get a course, exam, and re-test for around 120 usd is a good deal.

Eric C.

No Title

March 6, 2026

good course

Bonnie J.

The teaching was phenomenal

March 6, 2026

I love this course and I will encourage everyone out there to take the course. It will help your daily living and improve your work etiquette

Rose A.

No Title

March 5, 2026

Fun and easy to follow

Denise W.

Godd study

March 5, 2026

Everything was very informative! I have a need appreciation for TCS foods!

Sharryl H.

Good stuff

March 5, 2026

Everything was very informative! I have a need appreciation for TCS foods! I am looking forward to implementing this in my business as well my home daily.

Sharryl

I wouldn't choose any other Food Manager Course but AAA Food Handler

March 5, 2026

Easy to learn and very informative.

Chris D.

Great job ladies i appreciate your work

March 5, 2026

Easy to work with, longer than expected but extremely useful

Oshaine M.

100% Satisfied!

March 5, 2026

A great course with all the info needed to become a competent CFPM. I didn’t get board and the presentation format kept me interested.

Hunter

No Title

March 5, 2026

Bethanie O.

The training course is very informative and fun to learn

March 5, 2026

I learned a lot from this training course, it’s helpful not only for work, but also for handling food safely in my daily life. It was also fun to learn.

Annie W.

Simple and effective

March 5, 2026

Step by step, taking notes and having checkpoints

Crisly P.

Great course!

March 5, 2026

Yeah, this was informative and I feel prepared. Thanks AAA!

Adam B.

No Title

March 5, 2026

Meera K.