LDH-accepted provider · LAC 51:XXIII.305
Louisiana 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. Complete the 8-hour course and proctored exam, then apply to LDH for your gold seal Food Safety Certificate.
- 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
- 8 hours of video training, as Louisiana requires
Exam requires a laptop, desktop or Chromebook with webcam and microphone. Phones and tablets are not supported.
How Louisiana Food Safety Certification Works
Louisiana requires each retail food establishment to post a state-issued Food Safety Certificate with a gold seal from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). Passing the exam is step one; the LDH certificate is step two.
LAC 51:XXIII.305 — Sanitary Code
Who Needs a Certificate
- One person in each retail food establishment — an owner, manager or employee — must obtain and post a State of Louisiana Food Safety Certificate.
- The certificate is held for one establishment only and cannot be posted at multiple locations.
- The designated person should exercise active managerial control and monitor employees’ food safety practices.
- Some establishments are exempt under §305. Check with LDH if you are unsure.
Sources: LDH Food Safety Certification FAQs · LDH Food Safety Certification
Getting your gold seal certificate
Course, Exam, Then LDH
- Complete an 8-hour Food Safety Manager course and pass a proctored, ANAB-CFP accredited exam. LDH lists The Always Food Safe Company as offering an online course and remote proctored exam.
- Apply to LDH online or by mail with a copy of your exam certificate. The state fee is $25 (not included in this package). Allow about 7–10 business days.
- The state certificate expires five years from your exam date. You can reapply up to 90 days before it expires.
- Food handler certificates and course-completion certificates are not accepted.
Sources: LDH accepted provider list · LDH: How to obtain a gold seal certificate
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 upload with your LDH gold seal application.
Nationally recognized
Always Food Safe’s exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the same accreditation standard held by ServSafe®.
Louisiana Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Louisiana sanitarians 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.
Louisiana Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Louisiana?
Yes. Under LAC 51:XXIII.305, one person in each retail food establishment, whether an owner, manager or employee, must obtain and post a State of Louisiana Food Safety Certificate issued by the Louisiana Department of Health. Some establishments are exempt.
What is the Louisiana gold seal certificate?
It is the state Food Safety Certificate issued by the Louisiana Department of Health. It is separate from the testing company’s certificate, and the exam certificate alone does not meet the requirement.
Is Always Food Safe accepted in Louisiana?
Yes. The Louisiana Department of Health lists The Always Food Safe Company among accepted ANAB-CFP accredited food manager programs offering an online course and remote online proctored exam.
Does Louisiana require an 8-hour course?
Yes. LDH requires an 8-hour Food Safety Manager course and a proctored exam. The Always Food Safe course includes 8 hours of video training.
How do I apply for the LDH certificate?
After you pass, apply online through the LDH Food Safety Certification portal and upload a PDF copy of your exam certificate, or apply by mail with a company check or money order. Allow about 7 to 10 business days for processing.
How much is the Louisiana state certificate fee?
The LDH fee is $25 for a new certificate. Online applications add a small processing fee. The state fee is paid to LDH and is not included in the $179.95 package.
How long is the Louisiana certificate valid?
The state certificate expires five years from the date of your proctored exam, the same date as your exam certificate. You can reapply up to 90 days before it expires. Once it expires, you must retake the course and exam.
Can one certificate cover multiple locations?
No. The state certificate is held for one establishment and cannot be posted at multiple locations. Each establishment needs its own certified person.
Can I take the Louisiana food manager exam online?
Yes. LDH accepts remote online proctored exams through ANAB-approved testing companies such as Always Food Safe. You need a laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone, a government-issued photo ID and a private room.
What does the $179.95 package include?
The package includes the 8-hour 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 exam certificate you use to apply to LDH.
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. LDH and Always Food Safe do not allow smartphones or tablets for the remote 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 Louisiana Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale