* 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.
Washington 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.
Washington requires most food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) in Washington under WAC 246-215-02107. The CFPM must pass a Conference for Food Protection (CFP)–accredited Food Protection Manager Exam issued by an ANSI/ANAB-accredited certification body. AAA Food Handler provides a CFPM training in Washington and a CFP-compliant exam accepted statewide for all food establishments. All food workers must also obtain the official Washington Food Worker Card through the WA DOH training system.
Key Requirements:
Regulatory Authorities:
Summary: Certification ensures compliance, strengthens food safety management, and is recognized statewide.
Yes. Washington accepts any Food Protection Manager Certification that is:
AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification meets all statewide criteria.
Summary: AAA Food Handler satisfies all regulatory and state acceptance standards.
CFPM requirement applies to most food service operations, including:
Summary: Certification covers nearly all Washington food establishments regulated by WA DOH.
All food workers must obtain a Washington Food Worker Card:
Important: AAA Food Handler’s ANAB CFP-accredited Food Handler course provides excellent training for internal compliance, but cannot replace the official Washington Food Worker Card, which is issued only by WA DOH.
Summary: Food Worker training complements CFPM certification for staff compliance.
1. Complete Food Manager Training (recommended, not mandatory)
Helps prepare for the ANAB CFP-accredited exam, and the AAA Food Handler provides the aligned training needed for exam readiness.
2. Pass a ANAB CFP-accredited Food Protection Manager Exam
3. Ensure Certificate Availability
4. Maintain compliance
Retake the exam every 5 years (industry standard)
Summary: Clear steps ensure full regulatory compliance and food safety preparedness.
The AAA Food Handler’s remote exam meets all state standards.
Summary: Certification can be completed fully online, increasing accessibility.
Summary: Exam ensures managers are prepared to manage food safety risks.
Even with a CFPM on staff, a Person in Charge (PIC) must be present at all times:
Summary: CFPM requirement supplements, but does not replace, PIC responsibilities.
Summary: Flexible packages meet different operational needs and staff schedules.
Summary: Certification strengthens food safety culture and operational efficiency.
Summary: Certification strengthens food safety culture and operational efficiency.



















Education is the best tool to prevent, minimize, or eliminate foodborne illnesses and food hazards.
Training helps reduce or eliminate food safety hazards before they become major issues.
Reducing food safety complaints will create a happier workplace and in turn increase productivity.
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
The Washington Food Manager Certification is ANAB CFP- Accredited certification required to demonstrate that individuals responsible for overseeing food safety operations in a food establishment have received advanced training in food safety principles and practices, as mandated by the state.
To become a certified Food Manager, complete an ANAB CFP accredited online certification course, pass the exam, and submit proof of completion. Our Food Manager Certification is accepted in Washington and meets state guidelines.
Yes! The entire Food Manager Certification course and exam are available online. Our flexible program allows you to start, stop, and resume the course at your convenience.
The certification remains valid for five years. After this period, you must renew it by retaking the exam.
The cost of the Food Manager Certification depends on the package selected, with prices ranging from $49.95 to $119.95.
While it’s not mandatory, we highly recommend taking Food Safety Certification course before the exam to ensure you understand all the critical food safety concepts. The comprehensive course covers key topics like sanitation, temperature control, and preventing cross-contamination.
The course typically takes around 4 hours to complete, but since it’s online, you can go at your own pace and revisit sections if necessary. The exam takes approximately 2 hours.
If you fail the exam, don’t worry! With most of our packages, you get one free retest. To ensure you’re prepared, we recommend completing the full training and using the sample test questions before attempting the exam again.
Food Protection Manager certification shows a manager understands key safety practices and regulations. It helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness, supports safe food handling, and boosts a food establishment’s credibility. In many areas, including Washington, it’s also required by law.
In most states, managers must have a Food Protection Manager certification accredited by the ANAB or an equivalent. That said, it’s essential to check with your state or local health department, like in Washington, to understand who needs certification and under what circumstances.
Yes, the AAA Food Handler’s Food Saftey Training is built to prepare you fully for the Food Protection Manager Exam or the Washington Certified Food Manager Exam, if applicable. It includes all the essential topics you need to succeed.
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.
For official guidance on food safety rules and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirements in Washington, contact the Washington State Department of Health – Food Safety Program:
Address: PO Box 47824, Olympia, Washington 98504
Phone: 360-236-3330
Yes. WAC 246-215-02107 requires a CFPM for most food establishments.
Yes. AAA Food Handler is accepted in Washington because its ANAB CFP- Accredited certification, meeting WA DOH requirements.
Yes. It must be obtained through WA DOH-approved training.
Yes. Remote proctored CFP exams are permitted.
No, but the certificate must be accessible, and a qualified PIC must always be present.
Restaurants, caterers, mobile food operations, institutional operations, hotels/lodging kitchens.
Trains staff, monitors food safety, implements Active Managerial Control, maintains records, ensures regulatory compliance.
AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification is:
Summary: Dual accreditation ensures compliance with all Washington food establishment requirements.
Get Your Washington Food Manager Certification Today — Fully Approved, Fully Online, and Valid Across All Washington Counties.
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
Recommend
Complete and helpfull course full of important information.
Good experience
Great course, simple, direct and educational.
The content is clear, engaging, and easy to follow, with practical examples that make it feel relevant to real food service situations. It’s not boring or overly technical, and the interactive format helps keep you focused all the way through. You can move at your own pace, which makes it even better. Overall, a solid and useful training that covers everything you need.
I really enjoyed taking this course through AAA Food Handler. The course was easy to follow and understand, most of all it was easy to navigate online.
Interesting training on food/kitchen management. I will be supervising a parish kitchen where we bring in vendors and ministries to offer our parishioners and students food throughout the week. Some areas didn’t necessarily apply to our kitchen but overall very informative.
i am happy with my review
it was excellent
The training was thorough and easy to understand. I appreciated the quiz checkpoints to review main points from the section. I would recommend this course to someone else.
Very detailed and great for note taking. I like how everything is set up so I can go back and access anything I want again.
THE COURSE WAS SO HELPFUL. VERY UNDERSTANDING. YOU COULD PAUSE AND GO BACK. ALSO LOVED THE PACE YOURSELF .
Covered all the bases and had interactive questions during every module.
Great learning course. Straight to the point and visuals make it easy to learn
This course taught me everything I need to know on managing a business and it is thorough and easy to understand. It helped me a lot.