ANAB-CFP accredited exam · For MDH CFPM
Minnesota 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. Pass the ANAB-accredited exam, then apply to MDH for your Minnesota CFPM 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
- Exam result ready for your MDH CFPM application
Exam requires a laptop, desktop or Chromebook with webcam and microphone. Phones and tablets are not supported.
How Minnesota Food Manager Certification Works
Most Minnesota food establishments must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). Minnesota issues its own CFPM certificate through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), so passing the exam is step one.
Minnesota Food Code — MDH
Who Needs a CFPM
- All food establishments must employ a CFPM, except those exempt under state rules.
- Exempt: low-risk establishments, special event food stands, MDA-licensed retail food vehicles and carts, and operations limited to non-TCS foods, raw meat for consumer cooking, or heating precooked hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels or frozen pizza.
- Display a current original or duplicate MN CFPM certificate in the establishment.
- If your CFPM leaves, you have 60 days to employ a new one. New or reopening establishments have 60 days to get the certificate issued.
Source: MDH CFPM Requirements
Getting your Minnesota certificate
Exam First, Then MDH
- Complete an approved course and pass an exam from an ANSI-CFP accredited organization.
- Apply to MDH for your Minnesota CFPM within six months of passing. Older exam results cannot be used.
- The Minnesota certificate is valid for three years. MDH charges a $35 initial certification fee, which is not included in this package.
- To renew, complete at least 4 hours of approved continuing education before your certificate expires.
Sources: MDH How to Become a CFPM · MDH CFPM tools · Minnesota eLicensing fees
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 MDH CFPM application.
Nationally recognized
Always Food Safe’s exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the same accreditation standard held by ServSafe®.
Minnesota Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Minnesota?
Yes, for most establishments. The Minnesota Department of Health says all food establishments must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager, except those that qualify for an exemption.
Do I need a separate Minnesota CFPM certificate?
Yes. After you pass an approved exam, you apply to the Minnesota Department of Health for a Minnesota CFPM certificate. The establishment must display a current original or duplicate Minnesota CFPM certificate.
How soon do I have to apply after passing the exam?
Apply for your initial Minnesota CFPM certificate no more than six months after passing the exam. If your exam result is more than six months old, you must retake the exam.
How much does the Minnesota CFPM certificate cost?
Minnesota’s eLicensing site lists a $35 initial certification fee and a $35 renewal fee. These state fees are paid to Minnesota and are not included in the $179.95 package.
How long is the Minnesota CFPM certificate valid?
A Minnesota CFPM certificate is valid for three years. To renew, complete at least four hours of approved continuing education before the certificate expires, then submit your renewal application and fee.
Which Minnesota establishments are exempt?
Exemptions include low-risk food establishments, special event food stands, retail food vehicles, portable structures or carts licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and operations limited to non-TCS foods, raw meat for consumer cooking, or heating precooked hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels or frozen pizza.
What if our certified manager leaves?
A food establishment that stops employing a CFPM must employ a new CFPM within 60 days.
Is the Always Food Safe exam accepted for a Minnesota CFPM?
Minnesota requires proof of passing an exam from an organization accredited by the ANSI-CFP Accreditation Program. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is ANAB accredited under that program.
Can I take the Minnesota 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.
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 exam certificate you use to apply for your Minnesota CFPM.
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 Minnesota Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale