AAA Food Handler

VIRGINIA
FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION

4.9
(8,954 reviews)

$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.

Managing certification for multiple employees can be simplified with the right tools. Watch our short video on how to manage group food safety training with AAA Food Handler: https://www.youtube.com/@AAAFOODHANDLER

Group dashboards allow employers to track progress, download certificates, and manage renewals in one place.

Additional Notes

  • Courses and exams expire 1 year from purchase
  • Exam passing score: 70%
  • Exam duration: up to 2 hours
  • Training can be started, paused, and resumed as needed
  • Certification is valid for 5 years in Virginia
  • Free retest applies only to the Diamond Package when all training and review materials are completed before the first exam attempt

Section Summary

These packages allow Virginia foodservice professionals and employers to select the level of training and certification needed to meet CFPM requirements and inspection expectations.

Orange County Food Manager Certification
Orange County Food Manager Certification

Virginia 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 ANAB-CFP Accreditation for Food Protection Manager.

Virginia Food Manager Certification| ANAB-CFP Accredited Online

Organization Overview

AAA Food Handler is a nationally recognized provider of food safety training and certification programs serving foodservice professionals across the United States. Our programs are used by restaurants, hospitality groups, healthcare facilities, institutional kitchens, and multi-unit food operations to support food safety compliance and inspection readiness.

AAA Food Handler offers ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification programs designed to align with state food safety regulations and provide managers with practical, inspection-relevant knowledge.

Course / Training Overview

Virginia Food Manager Certification through AAA Food Handler provides comprehensive training and an accredited exam covering food safety principles, hazard prevention, and regulatory compliance. Virginia state regulations require food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) with supervisory authority.

AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification is accepted throughout Virginia and is commonly used by food establishments to meet CFPM requirements enforced by the Virginia Department of Health.

Course Features

  • ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Protection Manager exam
  • Fully online training and exam access
  • Remote proctoring available
  • English and Spanish language options
  • Instant digital certificate upon passing
  • Certification recognized statewide

Summary Section 

This course provides Virginia food managers with accredited training and certification needed to meet CFPM requirements and demonstrate food safety knowledge during inspections.

Regulatory Overview & State Requirements

Food safety regulations in Virginia are enforced at the state level. Oversight is provided by the Virginia Department of Health – Food and Environmental Services, which conducts inspections, enforces food regulations, and oversees CFPM compliance statewide.

Virginia incorporates by reference the 2017 edition of the FDA Model Food Code and requires one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment. The designated Person in Charge must hold CFPM certification.

Key Virginia Food Safety Rules

  • Certification Required: Yes
  • Who Must Be Certified: One Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment
  • Person in Charge Requirement: Must be a CFPM
  • Certification Validity: 5 years
  • Recertification: Required through examination
  • Training Hours: Not specified by state regulation
  • HACCP: Required for specialized processes (e.g., reduced oxygen packaging, acidified rice, variances)
  • 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: 155°F for 15 seconds

Virginia food regulations are based on nationally recognized food safety standards. These requirements are outlined in the Virginia Administrative Code – Food Regulations. Inspectors use these regulations to assess compliance during routine and follow-up inspections.

Regulatory Authority Contact

Virginia Department of Health
Food and Environmental Services
109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-864-7454
Email: FoodSafety@vdh.virginia.gov

Summary Section 

Virginia law mandates CFPM certification to ensure knowledgeable food safety oversight and compliance with the state-adopted FDA Food Code.

Who Needs Certification

Virginia regulations require one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment, typically holding supervisory or managerial authority.

While certification is required for at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment, not all foodservice employees hold managerial responsibilities. Foodservice employees without supervisory duties may instead be required to complete a Virginia Food Handler Card course, which covers essential food safety principles for entry-level roles. Employers should confirm which role-specific certification applies to each position within their operation.

Foodservice Operations Required to Maintain a CFPM

  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Catering services
  • Hotels and lodging facilities
  • Schools and universities
  • Healthcare and senior living facilities
  • Commissary kitchens
  • Mobile food units and food trucks

Exemptions & Local Variations:
No additional statewide exemptions are specified, though local enforcement practices may vary.

Summary Section 

Food Manager Certification is required across Virginia foodservice operations to meet CFPM staffing rules and support inspection compliance.

AAA Food Handler Acceptance & Accreditation

AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification is issued through an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and Conference of Food Protection (CFP) accredited program that aligns with nationally recognized food protection standards.

Certification Details

  • ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Protection Manager program
  • Accepted by state and local health authorities
  • Digital and printable certificates available
  • Suitable for on-site and remote inspection and Conference of Food Protection (CFP) 

Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the Virginia Department of Health or local regulatory authority.

Summary Section 

AAA Food Handler provides an accredited Food Manager Certification that meets Virginia’s CFPM acceptance and inspection requirements.

How to Become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Virginia

Becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager in Virginia involves completing accredited training and passing a proctored exam.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Enroll in the AAA Food Handler Food Manager training program

2. Complete the online training modules

To ensure a smooth testing experience, candidates should review exam requirements in advance. All participants must follow the training and exam participation rules outlined in the Participant Guidelines. These guidelines explain system requirements, identity verification, and exam conduct policies.

3. Take the ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager exam

4. Achieve a passing score of 70%

5. Download your Food Protection Manager certificate immediately

Renewal Requirement:
Certification must be renewed every 5 years through examination, as required by Virginia regulations.

Certification provides the documentation and knowledge required to meet Virginia’s CFPM requirements. For a deeper explanation of requirements, preparation tips, and inspection expectations, read our guide on getting certified as a Food Protection Manager in Virginia. This guide is especially helpful for first-time managers and multi-unit operators.

Summary Section 

This process ensures Virginia food establishments meet CFPM certification mandates and maintain compliance with inspection standards.

OUR CLIENTS

BENEFITS OF TRAINING

plates

PREVENTION

Reduces food safety risks by ensuring a trained manager oversees critical control points.

apples

COMPLIANCE

Helps establishments meet Virginia’s CFPM staffing and inspection requirements.

diet-1

CONSISTENCY

Establishes standardized food safety practices across shifts and locations.

trophies

OVERSIGHT

Enables managers to monitor temperatures, sanitation, and employee hygiene effectively.

dinner

READINESS

Prepares the Person in Charge to confidently respond to inspector questions.

waiter

CREDIBILITY

Demonstrates documented food safety competence to regulators and employers.

Summary Section 

Food Manager Certification strengthens operational control, improves inspection outcomes, and supports consistent food safety practices across Virginia food establishments.

WHY CHOOSE US

California Food Manager Certification

Summary Section 

AAA Food Handler provides Virginia food establishments with accredited certification, inspection-ready documentation, and flexible tools to support regulatory compliance.

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. Once you’re a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), you’re qualified to coach new staff on safety practices like hand hygiene, sanitization, cold storage, and allergen prevention—all of which are essential in Virginia kitchens.

Virginia Food Manager Certification

AAA Food Handler’s exam is accredited by the ANAB and follows standards set by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). This makes it the preferred certification choice for brands like Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’, and Marriott.

Yes. The Virginia Food Manager Certification is valid throughout the state and stays with you regardless of where you work, as long as it was issued through a program accredited by the ANAB.

Yes. Virginia health inspectors recognize certifications earned from programs that are accredited by the ANAB and follow the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards.

Having a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on-site significantly reduces the risk of violations during health inspections. Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPMs) are trained to monitor food handling, maintain temperature logs, oversee sanitation practices, and manage critical control points—all of which align with Virginia’s inspection standards.

Yes. Employers across Virginia often require a valid Food Protection Manager Certification for advancement into roles like shift supervisor, kitchen manager, or quality assurance lead.

AAA Food Handler provides a group management dashboard that allows owners and supervisors to enroll staff, assign training, and download certificates from one place—ideal for franchise or multi-unit operations in Virginia.

Yes. This certification meets food safety standards under CFR § 483.60, making it valid for dietary services in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and public school kitchens across Virginia.

Programs accredited by the ANAB meet national benchmarks for training and exam reliability. Virginia’s health departments require this level of accreditation for a Food Protection Manager Certification to be recognized.

The Conference for Food Protection (CFP) develops the national model standards for food safety training and certification. AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Certification is aligned with Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards and accredited by the ANAB for full acceptance in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health, along with local health departments, enforces Food Protection Manager Certification requirements and ensures that food establishments meet state-mandated safety training rules.

Virginia’s food safety regulations align closely with FDA guidelines. According to the Virginia Food Regulations, every food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff who holds supervisory or managerial authority over food handling and preparation.

To meet this requirement, managers must pass a recognized food safety exam that’s part of an ANAB-CFP Accredited certification program, such as the one offered by AAA Food Handler. Earning this certification confirms your understanding of critical food safety principles and your ability to help prevent foodborne illness in a professional kitchen.

For official compliance details, contact:

Virginia Department of Health
Food and Environmental Services
109 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

The Food Protection Manager Certification is valid for up to five years in Virginia, provided it was issued by a program accredited by the ANAB and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

Yes. Virginia law requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment.

A designated Person in Charge with supervisory authority must hold Food Manager Certification in Virginia.

Yes. AAA Food Handler’s ANAB-CFP Accredited food manager certification programs are accepted statewide.

Yes. Online training and remotely proctored exams are permitted.

Certification is valid for 5 years.

Yes. Renewal requires passing an accredited examination.

Summary Section 

These FAQs address Virginia-specific certification rules, acceptance standards, and compliance requirements.

Get Your Virginia Food Manager Certification Today — Fully Approved, Fully Online, and Accepted Across Virginia

Meet Virginia’s Certified Food Protection Manager requirements with AAA Food Handler’s ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Manager Certification. Complete your training online, take the proctored exam remotely, and download your certificate immediately after passing.

Food Manager Reviews

4.9

Food Protection Training
8,954 reviews
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 8,954 reviews)
Excellent93%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

No Title

January 23, 2026

Kyle

It was fun and informative

January 23, 2026

Daniel L.

No Title

January 23, 2026

Great! I love the way it broke down meaning and explain things.

St L.

Food Manager Review

January 23, 2026

I’ve learned quite a lot and I would recommend, this course to all my colleagues.

Garry M.

No Title

January 23, 2026

Ngurah S.

How to keep food safe

January 23, 2026

The Training was well-structured and easy to understand. It covered essential food safety practice, hygiene, and regulatory requirements.

Gadissa

Thank you

January 23, 2026

Thank you for the course

Ngurah S.

No Title

January 23, 2026

Ngurah S.

good and easy to use

January 23, 2026

all the material and program was good and well developed.

Sagar P.

Gret course!

January 22, 2026

The food handling course was clear, informative, and well organized. The material was easy to follow and practical, making it simple to apply the guidelines in real-life situations. It did a great job explaining food safety standards and best practices without being overwhelming. Overall, a very useful and worthwhile course.

Mauro C.

No Title

January 22, 2026

Parker

No Title

January 22, 2026

AMY P.

Conprehensive

January 22, 2026

Great, comprehensive course!

J O.

IT WAS A GOOD TRANING AND HELPED ME UNDERDSTAND

January 22, 2026

I SAY TRY IT AND THE COUSE MAKES YOU FILL AT EASE

MISHAWN L.

I wish I had chose AAA for my first food handler certificate!

January 22, 2026

I have not got my exam done yet, but the content was smooth and did not feel like a burden at all to study. Once I pass the exam and start to work as a manager, will strongly recommend my co workers/staff to use AAA.

JULIANA R.

well designed course

January 22, 2026

easy to use website, well designed, comprehensive course.

Kya

No Title

January 22, 2026

stephanie

No Title

January 22, 2026

Jazmin

Extremely long and tedious....

January 22, 2026

The modules are very long winded and when I would try to review or re-watch the modules again, some would glitch and start in the middle when I wanted it to replay the session from the beginning. One of them got stuck when I was trying to review it.

Mel

Engaging!

January 22, 2026

Kept me focused and intrested in learning about the course.

Jason C.