Health Department Approved, ANAB-CFP Accredited Certified Food Manager Exam
* 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Section Summary
This course provides Virginia food managers with accredited training and certification needed to meet CFPM requirements and demonstrate food safety knowledge during inspections.
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.
Virginia Department of Health
Food and Environmental Services
109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-864-7454
Email: FoodSafety@vdh.virginia.gov
Section Summary
Virginia law mandates CFPM certification to ensure knowledgeable food safety oversight and compliance with the state-adopted FDA Food Code.
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.
Exemptions & Local Variations:
No additional statewide exemptions are specified, though local enforcement practices may vary.
Section Summary
Food Manager Certification is required across Virginia foodservice operations to meet CFPM staffing rules and support inspection compliance.
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
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.
Section Summary
AAA Food Handler provides an accredited Food Manager Certification that meets Virginia’s CFPM acceptance and inspection requirements.
Becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager in Virginia involves completing accredited training and passing a proctored exam.
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.
Section Summary
This process ensures Virginia food establishments meet CFPM certification mandates and maintain compliance with inspection standards.



















Reduces food safety risks by ensuring a trained manager oversees critical control points.
Helps establishments meet Virginia’s CFPM staffing and inspection requirements.
Establishes standardized food safety practices across shifts and locations.
Enables managers to monitor temperatures, sanitation, and employee hygiene effectively.
Prepares the Person in Charge to confidently respond to inspector questions.
Demonstrates documented food safety competence to regulators and employers.
Section Summary
Food Manager Certification strengthens operational control, improves inspection outcomes, and supports consistent food safety practices across Virginia food establishments.
Section Summary
AAA Food Handler provides Virginia food establishments with accredited certification, inspection-ready documentation, and flexible tools to support regulatory compliance.
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
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.
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.
Section Summary
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
I liked when there were interactive things to click on, I wish there was more of that. I also really liked the review questions I wish at the end there was a final review since there was a lot of information and it would be nice to have a refresher on everything.
I just completed my food manager’s certification and couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. The instruction was top-notch – clear, engaging, and easy to follow. The course material covered everything I needed to know without feeling overwhelming, and the online format made it convenient to work through at my own pace. Highly recommend to anyone looking to get certified.
Modules were easy to understand + great illustrations. I do wish the program was downloadable and accessible off Wi-Fi.
The course was great very informative
Very long, but Packed full of useful information
I fount the program easy to use. The information was detailed and clearly explained and very comprehensive for full understanding of food safety requirements.
Most the information was the same as the previous ones I have taken, but there were two things that was included and different in this one.
There are several options of providers of this course and, upon completing it, I know I made The Right Choice. I liked the way the course was done (presented) in short segments. I haven’t made it to the test (trial and real) phases of the course but I’m sure it’ll be fine…
The review was very informative
Easy to understand and navigate.
This was somethig I needed to have for permits and general informatiion.
na
Thank you for helping me to know how to handle each and every step clear and standardized my food business
I really enjoyed doing my training with AAA, it was very helpful
Would like to just take the test now
Well documented & good flow of the material