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. Note: Virginia has not yet adopted the 2022 FDA Food Code — the 2017 edition remains the governing standard as of 2026.
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 are not required by state law to hold a Food Handler Card, though some local jurisdictions may require it. Employers should confirm local requirements.
Northern Virginia: All licensed food establishments in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, etc.) must have a CFPM who serves as the Person in Charge in immediate control during all operating hours. Inspectors may request to see the original Food Protection Manager Certificate on-site. Some jurisdictions in Northern Virginia also issue a Northern Virginia Certified Food Manager (NVCFM) Photo ID Card as validated proof of certification.
Exemptions & Local Variations:
One exemption applies statewide: establishments that sell only prepared foods (i.e., no on-site food preparation) are not required to have a CFPM on-site at all times. All other food establishments must ensure a CFPM is the Person in Charge during every operating shift. Local enforcement practices may also 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
The course is presented with informational videos and helpful questions to guide the process of learning. I found it easy to engage with and you can get many chances to answer the questions correctly. This is my second time reviewing the course as I have forgotten to take the test 2 years ago previously. The price point is still relatively affordable and similar to my last experience with it.
I recommend this course to anyone looking to secure a food manager’s license.
It was easy and informative
Most of the knowledge is not hard, but the terminologies are hard to remember and easy to make me confuse.
Easy to use and informative
Easy and informative in simple modules
awesome
Excellent break down of thorough material. Included helpful mini quizzes throughout the modules.
It was informative and worth spending time
I learned many important things about food safety, proper food handling, and preventing contaminations. I would recommend this course to anyone working in the food industry.
easy to watch and undrstand
Good.
Very helpful
Great format to make sure every guideline is covered and make sure every food manager is doing the right thing at all times.
I was very nervous about taking the course. However when I got started it was a little scary because it was so long. As I started going through the lessons it was great that they had review questions at the end of each lesson.
Having the course online was convenient. I was able to work it around my schedule and move at my own pace. I like that it gave short a short quiz after each segment.
Great
I found this course to be very informative and helpful in many aspects. The information provided for cleaning and sanitizing was extremely helpful.
Everything presented was easy to understand and the small test questions were helpful to retain information.