ANAB accredited · Meets 902 KAR 45:005
Kentucky 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. Kentucky food establishments must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager.
- 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 Kentucky?
Kentucky’s food code, 902 KAR 45:005, adopts the 2013 FDA Food Code. Since 2019, food establishments must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) with supervisory responsibility.
902 KAR 45:005 — Kentucky Food Code
The Statewide Requirement
- Businesses and facilities must employ at least one certified food protection manager with supervisory and management responsibility.
- Certification means passing a test that is part of an accredited program. The Always Food Safe exam is ANAB accredited.
- Kentucky also lets a person in charge show food safety knowledge through a local health department class.
Sources: 902 KAR 45:005 · Kentucky CHFS announcement
Louisville Metro Code Ch. 118
Louisville / Jefferson County
- Louisville Metro requires a food service manager with a valid Louisville Metro certificate on staff, and on the premises whenever the establishment is open.
- Managers with a nationally accredited CFP certificate under five years old are exempt from the local class and exam and can transfer to the local Food Service Manager card.
- Louisville operators should submit the transfer application to Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness after passing.
Sources: Louisville Metro Code Ch. 118 · §118.02 and §118.05 summary
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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®.
Kentucky Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Kentucky?
Yes. Under Kentucky’s food code, 902 KAR 45:005, food establishments must employ at least one certified food protection manager with supervisory responsibility.
When did Kentucky start requiring a certified food protection manager?
Kentucky adopted its updated food code, based on the 2013 FDA Food Code, in 2019. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced that the new code requires businesses and facilities to employ at least one certified food protection manager.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky accepts certification from passing 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).
Does Louisville have its own requirement?
Yes. Louisville Metro requires every food service establishment to employ a food service manager with a valid Louisville Metro certificate, and to have one on the premises whenever the establishment is open.
Can I use this certificate in Louisville?
Managers with a nationally accredited Conference for Food Protection certificate less than five years old are exempt from Louisville’s local class and exam. After passing, submit a transfer application to Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness to get the local Food Service Manager card.
Can I take the Kentucky 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 food handler training the same as food manager certification?
No. Food handler training is a shorter, lower-level course for general staff. Kentucky’s requirement is for a certified food protection manager, which requires passing an accredited proctored exam.
Is this certification equivalent to ServSafe?
Yes. Both the Always Food Safe and ServSafe food manager exams are ANAB accredited under Conference for Food Protection standards, which is what Kentucky requires.
Start Your Kentucky Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale