ANAB accredited · Meets MSDH requirement
Mississippi 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. The Mississippi State Department of Health requires a certified food manager in all food facilities.
- 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi applies the FDA Food Code statewide with additional state rules, and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) states plainly that a certified food manager is required in all food facilities.
Mississippi Food Code — 2-101.11
The Requirement
- The permit holder, or his or her designee, must successfully complete a manager certification course approved by the regulatory authority.
- The permit holder must also ensure a person in charge is present during all hours of operation.
- The requirement has applied to new facilities since July 1, 1998 and to existing facilities since January 1999.
Sources: MSDH Food Code, Subpart 2-101.11 · MSDH food facility requirements
Mississippi State Department of Health
Accepted Certification
- MSDH points operators to ANSI-accredited food protection manager certification programs listed at anabpd.ansi.org. The Always Food Safe exam is ANAB accredited.
- The certification must be held by someone who will be working in the facility.
- Some operations may qualify for exemptions, but MSDH reviews each establishment individually.
Sources: MSDH · Mississippi State University Extension
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 keep at your establishment and show your MSDH inspector.
Nationally recognized
Always Food Safe’s exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the same accreditation standard held by ServSafe®.
Mississippi Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge MSDH 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.
Mississippi Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Mississippi?
Yes. The Mississippi State Department of Health states that a certified food manager is required in all food facilities. Under the Mississippi Food Code, the permit holder or a designee must successfully complete an approved manager certification course.
Who has to be certified?
The permit holder, or a designee of the permit holder. Mississippi State University Extension notes the certification must be obtained by someone who will be working in the facility.
Does the certified manager need to be there during all hours?
Mississippi requires a person in charge to be present during all hours of operation. The rule requires the permit holder or designee to be certified; check with MSDH about coverage for your specific operation.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Mississippi?
Yes. MSDH refers operators to ANSI-accredited food protection manager certification programs. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under Conference for Food Protection standards.
Which Food Code does Mississippi follow?
MSDH states that the FDA Food Code applies throughout Mississippi, with additional state regulations. MSDH currently references the 2022 FDA Food Code.
Are any Mississippi establishments exempt?
There may be some exemptions, but MSDH reviews each establishment individually. Contact your MSDH district environmental health office before assuming your operation is exempt.
Can I take the Mississippi 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 this certification equivalent to ServSafe?
Yes. Both Always Food Safe and ServSafe are ANAB-accredited food protection manager certification programs that meet Conference for Food Protection standards.
Start Your Mississippi Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale