ANAB accredited · Meets Nebraska Food Code 2-102.12
Nebraska Food Manager Certification Online Course + Remote Proctored Exam
Train at your own pace, then take your proctored exam from home or the office. No testing center, no appointment. Nebraska now requires the person in charge to be a Certified Food Protection Manager under the 2022 Food Code, adopted by LB245 in 2025.
- Self-paced video course in English or Spanish
- 80-question ANAB-accredited exam with remote proctor included
- Second exam attempt included at no extra cost
- Certificate valid for 5 years
Exam requires a laptop, desktop or Chromebook with webcam and microphone. Phones and tablets are not supported.
Who Needs Food Manager Certification in Nebraska?
Nebraska changed its rules in 2025. LB245 updated the Nebraska Pure Food Act to the 2022 FDA Food Code and stopped excluding the certified food protection manager requirement, which Nebraska had previously left out.
LB245 (2025) — Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-2,244.01
The New Statewide Requirement
- Nebraska’s Food Code is now the 2022 FDA Food Code, and section 2-102.12 is no longer excluded.
- Under 2-102.12, the person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager who passed a test that is part of an accredited program.
- LB245 was approved April 29, 2025 with an emergency clause.
- Establishments the regulatory authority deems minimal risk are excluded. Lincoln-Lancaster County health officials cited examples such as ice cream retailers, bars and coffee houses.
Sources: Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-2,244.01 · LB245 slip law · Lincoln-Lancaster Board of Health
Accepted certification & local rules
What Counts & Local Permits
- A person in charge certified by a program listed by a Conference for Food Protection-recognized accrediting agency is deemed to comply. The Always Food Safe exam is ANAB accredited to that standard.
- Lincoln-Lancaster County already required food protection managers and issues its own Food Protection Manager permit (3 years, $30) after you pass an accredited exam. Confirm current requirements with LLCHD.
- Omaha (Douglas County) and other local health departments may have additional permit rules.
Sources: 2022 Food Code (NDA) · LLCHD FPM permit
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Nebraska package. Your login details arrive by email.
- 2
Complete the video course
Self-paced on any device. Chapter quizzes and a practice exam show what to review.
- 3
Take the proctored exam
On a laptop, desktop or Chromebook with webcam and mic. No scheduling required.
- 4
Get your certificate
See your score immediately. Pass and receive your 5-year Food Protection Manager certificate.
What’s Included in the Nebraska Package
Video-based training
Self-paced online video course that you can pause and resume around your work schedule. Available in English and Spanish.
Quizzes & practice exam
Chapter quizzes and a full practice exam highlight weak areas so you can review before the real test.
Remote-proctored exam
80-question ANAB-accredited exam taken from home or office with an on-demand online proctor. The session works much like a video call.
Second attempt included
If you do not pass the first time, your second exam attempt is included in the package price.
5-year certificate
Pass and receive a Food Protection Manager certificate from Always Food Safe, valid for five years, to post at your establishment and show your local health inspector.
Nationally recognized
Always Food Safe’s exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the same accreditation standard held by ServSafe®.
Nebraska Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Nebraska inspectors expect a certified manager or person in charge to demonstrate.
- Introduction — responsibilities of a Food Protection Manager
- Contamination — hazards and major food allergens
- The Food Handler — personal hygiene and work attire
- Time & Temperature Control
- Purchasing to Storeroom — receiving and storage
- Preparation — thawing, prepping and cooking
- Service — holding and serving food safely
- Cleaning & Sanitizing
- Food Safety Management — building a food safety system
- Facilities & Pest Management
Before You Order: Remote Exam Requirements
You will need
- A laptop, desktop or Chromebook with webcam and microphone
- Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+ or ChromeOS
- Google Chrome browser (version 120 or newer)
- Internet speed of at least 1.5 Mbps down / 750 Kbps up
- A current, government-issued photo ID
- A private, quiet room where no one walks in and out
Not supported
- Mobile phones, iPads and other tablets
- Onn / Surf Onn, Amcrest and Nexigo webcams
Exams are available in English and Spanish. Proctors give directions in English.
Nebraska Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Nebraska?
Yes, for most food establishments. LB245 (2025) adopted the 2022 FDA Food Code in Nebraska and stopped excluding section 2-102.12, which says the person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager who passed a test that is part of an accredited program.
When did this change?
LB245 was approved by the Governor on April 29, 2025 and included an emergency clause, so it took effect when passed and approved. Before LB245, Nebraska’s Food Code excluded the certified food protection manager requirement.
Which establishments are exempt?
Section 2-102.12 does not apply to establishments the regulatory authority deems to pose minimal risk based on the nature of the operation and extent of food preparation. Lincoln-Lancaster County health officials cited ice cream retailers, bars and coffee houses as examples of low-risk operations.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Nebraska?
Yes. The Food Code deems a person in charge compliant when certified by a program listed by a Conference for Food Protection-recognized accrediting agency. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
What about Lincoln and Lancaster County?
Lincoln-Lancaster County already required food protection managers and issues its own Food Protection Manager permit after you pass an accredited exam. The permit has been $30 for three years. The county is updating its local code to align with LB245, so confirm current requirements with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.
What about Omaha and Douglas County?
Douglas County runs its own food code and food handler permits. Check with the Douglas County Health Department for any local permit or registration steps that apply to your establishment.
Can I take the Nebraska food manager exam online?
Yes. The exam is taken online with a remote proctor from your home or office. No scheduling is required. You need a laptop, desktop or Chromebook with a webcam and microphone, a government-issued photo ID and a private room.
How long is the certificate valid?
The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager certificate is valid for five years.
What does the $179.95 package include?
The package includes the self-paced online video course, chapter quizzes and practice exam, the ANAB-accredited Food Protection Manager exam, the remote proctor fee, a second exam attempt if needed, and the 5-year certificate.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Your package includes two exam attempts. If you do not pass the first attempt, you can take the exam a second time at no additional cost.
Can I use my phone or tablet for the exam?
No. Mobile phones, iPads and tablets are not supported for the proctored exam. You can study the course on any device, but the exam requires a laptop, desktop or Chromebook with a webcam and microphone.
Is this certification equivalent to ServSafe?
Yes. Both Always Food Safe and ServSafe are ANAB-accredited food protection manager certification programs that meet Conference for Food Protection standards.
Start Your Nebraska Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale