ANAB accredited · Meets ARM 37.110.262
Montana 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. Montana’s retail food rules require a Certified Food Protection Manager, and DPHHS recognizes ANSI-CFP accredited programs.
- 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 Montana?
Montana’s retail food rules (ARM Title 37, Chapter 110, Subchapter 2) adopt the 2013 FDA Food Code, including the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement. County and city health departments license and inspect food establishments.
ARM 37.110.262 — Food Code §2-102.12
The CFPM Requirement
- A CFPM is someone who operates or manages a food establishment and has passed a test through an accredited program.
- New licensees must have a CFPM within 90 days of their new license.
- Existing licensees that lose their CFPM must replace them within 45 days.
- DPHHS recognizes certification from ANSI-CFP accredited programs.
Sources: Montana DPHHS Retail Food Rule · DPHHS Food Manager Trainings
Exemptions & local rules
Check Your County’s Rules
- Temporary food establishments serving only non-TCS foods, beverages, or commercially pre-cooked, prepackaged foods are exempt.
- Missoula: at least one CFPM per establishment; may be waived for commercially prepackaged food only.
- Gallatin County: large food establishments need a manager-trained person on duty at all times, through a GCCHD-approved program with at least 8 hours of classroom training. Confirm with GCCHD before enrolling.
Sources: Missoula Public Health · Gallatin City-County Health Department
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Montana 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 Montana 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®.
Montana Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Montana 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.
Montana Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Montana?
Yes. Montana’s retail food rules (ARM 37.110.262) adopt the 2013 FDA Food Code requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager who has passed a test through an accredited program.
How long do new establishments have to get certified?
New licensees must have a Certified Food Protection Manager within 90 days of the new license being issued. Existing licensees that lose their CFPM have 45 days to replace them.
Which establishments are exempt?
Temporary food establishments serving only non-TCS foods, beverages, or commercially pre-cooked, prepackaged ready-to-eat foods are exempt. Some local health departments, such as Missoula, may waive the requirement for establishments selling only commercially prepackaged food.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Montana?
Montana DPHHS recognizes certification from ANSI-CFP accredited programs. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under Conference for Food Protection standards.
Does my county have additional rules?
Some do. Gallatin County requires large food establishments to have a manager-trained person on duty at all times of operation, through a GCCHD-approved program with at least eight hours of classroom training. Check with your county or city health department before enrolling.
Who enforces the requirement?
Montana DPHHS adopts the retail food rules, and county and city health departments license and inspect food establishments.
Do Montana food workers need a food handler card?
DPHHS states that only Food Manager Certification is required by the State of Montana. Your employer or local health department may have other training requirements.
Can I take the Montana 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 Montana Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale