How to Get Your Certified Food Protection Manager: Simple Steps
Managing food safely is a serious responsibility. To ensure food establishments are following proper safety protocols, many states and local health departments require that commercial food service businesses have at least one employee certified as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). Becoming a CFPM only takes a little time and effort. Follow these simple steps to earn your food safety certification.
Understanding the Certification
The journey to becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) begins with understanding the importance and role of this certification. It is a mark of excellence and commitment to food safety that is recognized across the food service industry. The CFPM is responsible for overseeing the food safety practices of an establishment to ensure the health and well-being of both staff and customers.
Find an Approved Training Program
Several accredited organizations offer training and exams to become a CFPM. One of them is RocketCert, which is an online platform that provides comprehensive training courses for food safety certification. You can also check with your state or local health department to see if they have a list of approved training providers.
Complete the Training Course
Whether you take an online or in-person training class, fully engaging with the curriculum is key to being properly prepared for the certification exam. Training covers important topics like:
– Proper food handling and storage
– Personal hygiene for food workers
– Foodborne illness prevention
– Cleaning and sanitizing practices
– HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles
The classes may include videos, activities, and quizzes to help reinforce the material. Be sure to allocate sufficient time to complete all assignments and review any areas you need extra help with. Proper training lays the foundation for certification success.
Take the Certification Exam
After completing the approved training course, it’s time to take the certification exam. Exams are typically between 60-100 multiple-choice questions, depending on the certifying body.
Examples of exam topics include:
– Temperature danger zones and monitoring
– Proper handwashing procedures
– Approved sources of foods
– Holding/serving temperatures of foods
– Symptoms of foodborne illness
Most exams allow around 90 minutes for completion. A passing score of 75% or higher is required to earn certification. While the training course adequately prepares you, be sure to use your course materials for a final review prior to taking the exam.
Receive Your Certification
Upon successfully passing the certification exam, you will be given paperwork confirming your new CFPM certification. Certifications are typically valid for 3-5 years depending on the program.
Some benefits of being a certified manager are:
– Meet regulatory requirements for certified staff
– Demonstrate your food safety knowledge and skills
– Boost your resume for food service industry careers
– Earn higher wages as a certified food protection professional
Maintain Your Certification
To keep your CFPM certification active, many programs require completing approved continuing education courses before the certification expiration date. This ensures managers stay up to date on the latest food safety science and preventive practices.
Completing a reputable training program and passing the certification exam is the key to becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. By following these simple steps, you can earn an essential credential and help protect public health through safe food handling. Let me know if you have any other questions!
