ANAB accredited · Meets WAC 246-215-02107
Washington 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. Meet the Washington State Retail Food Code requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).
- 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 Washington?
Since March 1, 2023, most Washington food establishments must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The certificate must come from an ANSI-accredited program such as Always Food Safe.
Washington Retail Food Code — WAC 246-215-02107
Certified Food Protection Manager
- Food establishments must have at least one CFPM on staff, with a valid certificate from an accredited program.
- The certificate must be available upon request.
- If your CFPM leaves for any reason, you must have another CFPM on staff within 60 days.
- Establishments your health jurisdiction deems minimal risk are exempt.
Source: WAC 246-215-02107
Washington State Department of Health
What the CFPM Does
- The CFPM makes sure managers are trained, procedures are developed, and food safety requirements are followed.
- The CFPM does not need to be on the premises at all times.
- One person may be the CFPM for multiple establishments, such as a business with several locations.
- A CFPM who also works with food still needs a Washington Food Worker Card.
Sources: WA Department of Health · Kitsap Public Health
How to Get Certified in 4 Steps
- 1
Enroll online
Purchase the $179.95 Washington 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 Washington 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 show your health inspector on request.
Nationally recognized
Always Food Safe’s exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the same accreditation standard held by ServSafe®.
Washington Food Manager Course Topics
The course covers the knowledge Washington 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.
Washington Food Manager Certification FAQs
Is food manager certification required in Washington?
Yes. Under WAC 246-215-02107, since March 1, 2023, most Washington food establishments must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff with a valid certificate from an accredited program.
Is the Always Food Safe certification accepted in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a valid certificate from an accredited program, and the Department of Health points to the list of ANSI-accredited CFPM certification organizations. The Always Food Safe Food Protection Manager exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
Does the CFPM have to be on site?
No. The Washington State Department of Health says the CFPM does not need to be on the premises but is expected to have a key role in ensuring food safety.
Can one CFPM cover more than one location?
Yes. The Washington State Department of Health says a person may be the CFPM for multiple establishments, such as a restaurant or store with several locations.
What if our certified manager leaves?
If your CFPM leaves employment for any reason, Washington requires you to have another certified food protection manager on staff within 60 days.
Do I still need a Washington Food Worker Card?
Yes, if you work with food. The CFPM certificate does not replace the Washington Food Worker Card, which is a separate credential from your local health jurisdiction.
Can I take the Washington 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 take the course and exam in Spanish?
Yes. The course and exam are available in English and Spanish. Remote proctors give their directions in English.
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?
Both the Always Food Safe and ServSafe food manager exams are accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under the Conference for Food Protection standards, and both meet the Washington CFPM requirement.
Start Your Washington Food Manager Certification Today
Course, remote-proctored exam, second attempt and 5-year certificate — one price.
Questions? Contact Food Manager USA · Terms of sale