ANSI/ANAB accredited · Meets Virginia CFPM rules
Virginia 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. Meet the Virginia Food Regulations requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).
- 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 Virginia?
Virginia requires most food establishments, including temporary events and mobile food units, to employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). The certificate must come from a program accredited under Conference for Food Protection standards, such as Always Food Safe.
Restaurants — VDH, 12VAC5-421-55
Virginia Department of Health
- At least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility must be a CFPM who passed a test that is part of an accredited program.
- Applies to restaurants, temporary food establishments and mobile food units.
- Be ready to submit a copy of your CFPM certificate with a new permit application.
- The CFPM does not have to be on the premises at all times.
- Exempt: operations serving only non-TCS food or only reheating or cold holding commercially cooked foods, plus nonprofit civic groups, volunteer fire departments and volunteer medical services agencies.
Sources: 12VAC5-421-55 · VDH CFPM FAQ
Retail food — VDACS
Grocery & Retail Food Stores
- Retail food establishments regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also need at least one supervisory CFPM.
- VDACS guidance says the CFPM must be onsite during all hours of operation if your food operations require one.
- Stores with several shifts should certify enough managers to cover every shift.
Sources: VDACS retail food permit guide · VDACS CFPM guidance
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 show your health inspector or include with a permit application.
Nationally recognized
Always Food Safe’s exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the same accreditation standard held by ServSafe®.
Virginia Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Virginia health 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.
Virginia Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Virginia?
Yes. Under 12VAC5-421-55, at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility at a Virginia food establishment must be a Certified Food Protection Manager, unless the establishment qualifies for an exemption.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Virginia?
Yes. The Virginia Department of Health recognizes certification programs accredited under Conference for Food Protection standards, using the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) directory. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is ANAB accredited.
Do food trucks and temporary events need a CFPM in Virginia?
Yes. The Virginia Department of Health says the CFPM requirement applies to all permitted food establishments, including temporary and mobile food establishments, unless they meet an exemption.
Which Virginia food establishments are exempt?
Establishments that serve only non-TCS food, or only reheat or cold hold commercially processed, fully cooked TCS foods, are exempt. Food establishments operated by nonprofit civic service organizations, volunteer fire departments and volunteer medical services agencies are also exempt.
Does the CFPM have to be on site at all times?
For restaurants regulated by the Virginia Department of Health, no; the CFPM must have management responsibility but does not have to be on the premises at all times. VDACS guidance for retail food stores says the CFPM must be onsite during all hours of operation when the operation requires one.
Do I need my certificate to get a food permit?
Be prepared to submit a copy of your CFPM certificate with a Virginia Department of Health food establishment permit application. Missing a valid certificate may delay your application.
Can I take the Virginia 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 from the date of the exam.
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 take the course and exam in Spanish?
Yes. The course and exam are available in English and Spanish. Remote proctors give their directions in English.
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?
Both the Always Food Safe and ServSafe food manager exams are accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under the Conference for Food Protection standards, and both meet the Virginia CFPM requirement.
Start Your Virginia Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale