What is a Certified Food Protection Manager?
A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is a person who has demonstrated advanced knowledge in food safety and prevention of foodborne illnesses by passing an accredited exam. Washington state requires every restaurant have at least one CFPM. This certification is also known as Food Protection Manager Certification, ServSafe Food Safety Manager, SafeServe Food, or the Health Department Exam. 

Why should I get CFPM certified?
ServSafe provides advanced food safety training to meet industry standards and Washington State Food Code requirements. The certification ensures that foodservice professionals understand best practices for foodborne illness prevention, HACCP principles, and regulatory compliance.

Are there any prerequisites?
No, anyone can take the class and attempt the exam.

How long is the certification valid?
5 years. After that, you must take the class and exam again to renew your certification.

Does HACCP certification fulfill CFPM requirements?
No. HACCP certification is separate from CFPM certification. You must obtain an ANSI-CFPM accredited certification, such as ServSafe, to meet the requirement.

Do I still need a WA State Food Worker Card?
Yes. The WA State Food Worker Card is a separate requirement that all food workers must have.

Can CFPM certification extend my Food Worker Card?
Yes! The CFPM certification is an additional food safety training. When you renew your food worker card, you may extend it five years if:
✅ Your training took place within the last two years
✅ The training lasted more than four hours

What are my training options?
✔ In-Person Classes: A one-day session with a 4-hour review with the instructor, followed by a proctored, 90-question exam (2-hour limit, 70% passing score).

✔ Blended Classes: Students are given a code to study online then attend the two-hour proctored exam through our class schedule. This skips the review and students only attend the exam (2-hour limit, 70% passing score).

✔ Online Course & Proctored Exam: A self-paced course with an online proctored exam via ProctorU. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email with your ServSafe Manager Exam Access Code and instructions for scheduling your online proctored exam. This option is non-refundable—ensure your system meets technical requirements before purchasing.

✔ Private Group Classes: Available for groups of 10+ at your facility. Requires a classroom setting and must be scheduled six weeks in advance. We’ll supply the trainer and materials.

Why take the in-person course instead of online?
Both lead to the same certification, but in-person offers:
✔ Live instruction & Q&A
✔ Experienced industry trainers
✔ Interactive learning with peers
✔ Translation & disability accommodations
✔ Practice exam available upon request

What is the class and exam like?
✔ Duration: 6 hours total (4-hour review + 2-hour exam)
✔  Exam: 90 multiple-choice questions, 70% passing score
✔  Instructor Exam: Only available in English
✔  Languages Available: Multiple languages and large-print exams are available. The Instructor Exam is only available in English.

What happens if I fail?
✔  You may retake the exam twice within 30 days.
✔  If a third attempt is required, you must wait at least 60 days from your last attempt.
✔  There are no more than four attempts allowed in a 12-month period.
✔  Retakes cost $70 for members and $80 for non-members.
✔  To schedule a retake, click here.

Class registration closes two weeks before the class date to ensure each attendee has enough study time. Students are mailed a ServSafe Manager book (in-person) or online course code (blended), confirmation, scantron, location details and optional practice exam. Registrants will receive a reminder email with class location details 1-2 days prior to their class date. 

ServSafe Manager classes and proctored exams take place in one day. During an in-person class, the student receives about four hours of review of advanced food safety materials. Review is followed by the ServSafe Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager exam, proctored by the class instructor. Attendees are allowed two hours to complete the exam.

The exam has 90 multiple choice questions in a scantron format. Results are emailed directly to the attendee from ServSafe within 7-10 business days. A passing score is 70%. Upon passing the exam, attendees will receive a ServSafe Manager and Certified Food Protection Manager certification. For more information on retakes, click here.

Certifications are good for five years.

What languages are available?
The ServSafe exam is available in multiple languages. Refer to the language availability listings in the registration form. If needed, an interpreter can be arranged with prior notice.

Do I get a discount if I already have the book?
No, the course price includes training materials. Even if you have a book, the package is bundled.

Can I use a 7th edition book?
Yes, but we currently use the 8th edition. The majority of content remains the same, and instructors will highlight key updates during the class.

How and when will I receive my certification?
ServSafe will email your exam scores and certification within 7-10 business days.
Your certification is available anytime on your ServSafe account: ServSafe.com.

Can I reschedule my class?
Yes!
✔  Free rescheduling if done two or more weeks in advance.
✔  $50 fee for rescheduling within two weeks of the scheduled class.
✔  Click here to reschedule.

What is the no-show policy?
A no-show the day of your class will result in a $50 no-show fee.

Are walk-ins accepted?
No, walk-ins are not accepted and will be turned away.

How long are my course and exam codes valid?
✔  Your course and exam codes are valid for one year after purchase.
✔  Once you enter your course code on the ServSafe website, you have 90 days to complete the exam.

What if I didn’t receive my course or exam code?
Check your spam/junk folder. If you still haven’t received it within 24 business hours, contact ServSafe Support:
📞 312.585.8275 | https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us 

Having trouble with accessing your exam, retrieving a score, or have a misspelled name on a certifcate?
ServSafe Support can assist with:
✔  Course/exam access issues
✔  Lost access codes
✔  Username/password recovery
✔  Name corrections on certificates

Contact ServSafe Support: 📞 312.585.8275 | https://www.servsafe.com/Contact-Us

What’s the difference between a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and a Person in Charge (PIC)?
The CFPM is a certified position demonstrating advanced food safety knowledge, while a PIC is a designated employee responsible for food safety in a facility. Watch our webinar replay on this topic here.

How can I become a ServSafe Trainer?
To become a trainer, you must:
✔  Pass the ServSafe Manager Instructor Certification.
✔  Get approved by the National Restaurant Association (approval takes ~30 days).
✔  Have hospitality industry experience and a passion for teaching.
✔  Receive compensation for conducting training.

Contact us to get started. You will hear from our Training Solutions Manager within 48 business hours.

Private group classes

With at least 10 employees to train, employers can hold a private class at their location. You supply the room and pick the dates. We’ll supply the trainer and materials. Contact us here.

Exam proctoring

We offer exam proctoring services for those who have completed the online ServSafe Manager Course. To schedule a proctored exam, click here.

We also provide on-site exam proctoring services for large groups anywhere in Washington. If you’re interested in scheduling a session for your team, contact us.