ANAB accredited · Meets 481 IAC 31.1(2)
Iowa 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. Iowa food establishments must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager, and new licensees have six months to comply.
- 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 Iowa?
Iowa follows the 2017 FDA Food Code with state amendments in 481 IAC Chapter 31, enforced by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). Most food establishments must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).
481 IAC 31.1(2) — Food Code §2-102.12
The CFPM Requirement
- The CFPM must pass a test that is part of an accredited program. The Always Food Safe exam is ANAB accredited.
- Iowa allows a single CFPM who is not on site during all hours, as long as that person has supervisory authority and the person in charge on each shift demonstrates knowledge and active managerial control.
- If an inspection finds the person in charge lacks knowledge or control, you have six months to make every designated person in charge a CFPM.
Sources: 481 IAC Chapter 31 · Iowa DIAL food resources
Deadlines & exemptions
Six-Month Deadlines
- Newly licensed establishments must comply within six months of licensure.
- If your CFPM leaves, you have six months from their departure to replace them.
- Exempt: temporary and farmers market food establishments; places that serve only ice, beverages, prepackaged snacks, popcorn or peanuts and reheat commercially prepared foods like frozen pizza; and places selling only commercially prepared non-TCS foods for off-premises use.
Sources: 481 IAC 31.1(2)(c)–(d) · Scott County Health Department
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Iowa 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 Iowa 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®.
Iowa Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Iowa food 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.
Iowa Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Iowa?
Yes, for most food establishments. Iowa adopts FDA Food Code section 2-102.12, which requires a certified food protection manager who passed a test that is part of an accredited program, with the amendments and exemptions in 481 IAC 31.1(2).
How long does a new Iowa establishment have to comply?
Newly licensed food establishments must meet the certified food protection manager requirement within six months of licensure.
What if our certified manager leaves?
You have six months from the certified food protection manager’s departure to have a new certified manager in place.
Does the certified manager have to be on site at all times?
No. Iowa allows a single certified food protection manager who is not present during all hours, as long as that person has supervisory authority and each person in charge demonstrates food safety knowledge and active managerial control.
What happens if an inspection finds a problem with the person in charge?
If an establishment is found in violation of the person-in-charge knowledge or active managerial control rules, it has six months to make sure every individual designated as person in charge is a certified food protection manager.
Which Iowa establishments are exempt?
Temporary and farmers market food establishments; establishments that serve only ice, beverages, prepackaged snacks, popcorn or peanuts and reheat commercially prepared foods such as frozen pizza; and establishments selling only commercially prepared non-TCS foods for off-premises consumption.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires a test that is part of an accredited program. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under Conference for Food Protection standards.
Can I take the Iowa 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.
Start Your Iowa Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale