Frequently Asked Questions

• California Law says one person per "Food Service Establishment" is required to be "Food Protection Manager" Certified.
•  The intention is to have ALL leaders "PIC" (person in charge) certified
• The answer to the exam is = "one per shift" A.M. - P.M. & Graveyard  "if working with TCS Foods"
• These are the ANSI/CFP approved "Food Protection Manager" Certifications that I provide NRFSP® and ServSafe®

• All food service employees are required to have a food safety certification, yes
• Employees need a 'Food Handler" Certification every three years.
• Managers need the "Food Protection Manager Certification" every five years
• Note: as of 2023 all employees MUST be trained in Food Allergen Safety also!

It depend on what you want / require. 

• I can give a one hour refresher and then test you
• I can give a six hour class and then test you 
• I can provide the "exam only" without any instruction
• I provide both paper and computer testing based on your needs.

Sorry to say, but if the Health Department says you have to have it, you have to have it. If you don't want to do it, have one of your employees do it. Note: it's not an easy test, and I can't guarantee that you'll pass, it's completely up to you!! You let me know what I need to do to make it happen for you! I'm here to help, but you must study. (free material, scroll)

• I'll come to you on a Sunday if necessary, I know that is normally the best day for many restaurant personnel.  (Sunday - Wednesday I'm available for you)
• Every Monday, I'll be at my Santa Rosa office. shoot me a text, make sure I'm there, and then drop by.
• Quick and easy testing, I'll walk you through it. (Can't have distractions though)
• Optionally: I'll come to your office, saving you the trip. we just need a private space for you to test. An example would be your office, with no one else allowed.

Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, & Marin are my stomping grounds, but just ask!

• from one person to 30 people I can certainly come to you, I'll just have to charge for it. I'll ask for at least two people to keep the cost down for you, but will come for one person if asked.
• I'll come to you on a Sunday if necessary, I know that is normally the best day for many restaurant personnel.  (Sunday - Wednesday I'm available for you)
• Quick and easy testing, I'll walk you through it. (Can't have distractions though)
• I'll come to you, saving you the trip. we just need a private space for you to test. An example would be your office, with no one else allowed.

From Marin County Health Department

Under the California Health and Safety Code §113947, all food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve unpackaged foods are required to have at least one Certified Food Manager (CFM) or Person in Charge, either an owner or an employee, who has successfully passed an approved and accredited food safety certification examination. This includes restaurants, most markets, caterers, ice cream/yogurt shops, delicatessens, Bed and Breakfasts, school cafeterias, Mobile Food Facilities (e.g., hot dog carts and espresso carts), and some bars.  

• ANSI/CFP approved certification exams must be proctored: 

• A proctor is an authorized person who is present to monitor and supervise students during the exam session.

• I am an authorized proctor for both ServSafe® & NRFSP®

From Sonoma County Health Department

Who Needs a Food Safety Manager Certification?

Most food facilities are required to have at least one person, an owner or designated employee, who has passed an approved food safety certification exam. Most of the other facility employees are required to have a California Food Handler Card.

New food facilities have 60 days after opening day to obtain certification. Certification is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.

Class Providers

Certificates are granted to those who pass the food safety manager certification exam.

We strongly recommend that you take a food safety manager certification class, but the class is not required.

Classes and exams are available from these providers and are approved by the American National Standards Institute and Conference for Food Protection (ANSI-CFP):

• I offer NRFSP® and ServSafe® which are approved! BTW