Virginia Food Safety – Get Certified Online

To become a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) in Virginia, you must pass an exam from an ANAB Accredited program. This proves you understand foodborne illness prevention and food safety regulations. The Virginia Food Code requires at least one certified manager to be present in every establishment.

Virginia follows FDA-based standards. At least one employee with authority to direct food preparation must hold Food Protection Manager Certification. This ensures that every food business has someone responsible for maintaining safe food handling and compliance.

Accredited programs are available online through providers recognized by the ANAB and aligned with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). These programs are nationally accepted and endorsed by the CDC and FDA.

The Food Protection Manager Certification is valid for up to five years. To maintain compliance, managers must retake and pass the accredited exam before their certification expires.

Yes. The exam can be taken through an online proctoring service. The AAA Food Handler’s ANAB Accredited Food Protection Manager Certification Exam is available fully online for your convenience.

The Person in Charge must be certified. This is usually the owner, general manager, executive chef, or kitchen manager. Many employers also require shift leaders to hold certification so that a certified individual is always present during business hours.

Certified managers oversee food handling practices, enforce food safety protocols, train employees, and ensure suppliers meet safety standards. In Virginia, their leadership helps prevent common risks like Norovirus and Salmonella, which have been linked to outbreaks in the past.

Yes. Certification demonstrates advanced food safety knowledge and can lead to higher-paying roles. In Virginia, food service managers earn an average of $65,800 per year, while chefs earn about $54,760. Certification gives you a competitive advantage in the foodservice industry.

Allergen training covers the nine major allergens—milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sesame. You’ll learn to prevent cross-contact, identify allergen risks, and respond quickly if a guest experiences a reaction.

Allergen training is recommended for anyone who prepares or serves food, including chefs, cooks, servers, and managers. It is especially valuable in restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and healthcare kitchens where customers may have serious allergies.

Yes. AAA Food Handler offers ANAB Accredited Food Allergen Training that is 100% online, mobile-friendly, and self-paced—so you can learn whenever it fits your schedule.

Most learners finish allergen training in about two hours. Certificates are generally valid for 2–3 years, though your employer or local health department may require earlier renewal.

Food allergies are one of the biggest risks in food service. Training helps protect customers from life-threatening reactions and builds trust with the public. By following allergen protocols, Virginia food workers can reduce risks, support compliance with the Virginia Food Code, and keep diners safe.