Florida Food Manager Certification FAQ

Food Manager Certification (ServSafe® is one example) is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates a manager’s knowledge of food safety practices, including:

• Preventing foodborne illness
• Proper food handling and storage
• Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
• Employee health and hygiene

In Florida, most food operations are required to have at least one certified food manager on staff, present in the operation at all times that food is being handled.

Yes. Florida law and the FDA Model Food Code, which Florida has adopted, require that:

• Each food service establishment must have at least Person in Charge (PIC) 
• The PIC must be a Certified Food Protection Manager (Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited program  (like ServSafe®)
• The PIC must be present in the operation at all times that food is being handled
• The PIC must demonstrate to the Local Health Authority the required knowledge to be the PIC

This certification helps ensure compliance with Florida’s Food Code.

This certification is required for:

• Restaurants and food service establishments, including cafés, diners, bars, and lounges serving cooked/prepared food
• Mobile food units and caterers, including food trucks and catering operations
• Retail food stores: supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, convenience stores, and seafood/meat markets
• Institutions: school cafeterias, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and corrections facilities
• Other: Concession stands and hotel/motel food service 

No, they are two unique programs. Each is required for a unique set of hospitality employees.

Food Manager certification is required for those that manage food operations: Chefs, Sous Chefs, Managers, Directors, etc. Many operations also choose to certify others, line cooks for example, at this level.

Food Handler training is required in Florida for staff members. The FDA Food Code defines Food Handler (Food Employee) as one that “works with exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, or unwrapped single-service or single-use articles.” That means everyone who is not a certified Food Manager.

The course covers essential food safety principles, including:

• Time and temperature control (TCS foods)
• Cross-contamination prevention
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• HACCP principles
• Foodborne illness prevention
• Common food allergies

Getting certified with FSA Training is simple:

• Register for an in-person class at www.fsatraining.com or by calling (888) 372-3232
• Download our comprehensive Study Guide, read it before the class, and take the Practice Test included
• Attend the training session of about 4–5 hours
• Take the ServSafe® exam
• Receive your certificate online, usually within ten days

FSA Training’s one day program makes it easy and convenient for you to get certified.

The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager exam is a nationally recognized test that evaluates your knowledge of food safety. ServSafe® is a proprietary program owned and administered by the National Restaurant Association.

• The exam has 90 questions, however, there are 10 pilot questions that are for research purposes only. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to receive a certificate, which is obtained by answering at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly. 
• A maximum time limit of 2 hours is allowed, with most learners completing the exam in under one-and-one-quarter hours. 

The exam is accredited by the National Restaurant Association, ANSI ANAB certified, and accepted nationwide.

The National Restaurant Association sets a 5-year standard, but it is not guaranteed in all states. Local, state, county, municipal or employer regulations may vary. While Florida accepts the 5-year period, you should always check with your local regulatory authority. 

Pricing varies depending on the provider, but FSA Training offers:

• Competitive pricing
• Instructor-led monthly public classes across Florida
• Downloadable study materials upon registration
• 90-question multiple choice test, taken on a scantron bubble sheet

No, but FSA Training highly recommends that you do. While you can take the exam without training, most people benefit from a structured class because it:

• Has been shown to improve pass rates
• Covers key test topics
• Provides real-world food safety examples

FSA Training classes are designed to help you pass on the first attempt.

No. While some other providers do provide online training and testing, we feel that the instructor-led training model offers the best results for the students.

Yes. We will bring the training to your operation for 5 or more students. Training your team in a private environment offers many benefits. Most importantly, classroom discussion can then center on your operation, policies and practices. Phone 888-372-3232 to discuss a private class at your establishment.

If you don’t pass, you can arrange with our office to attend another class at a discounted rate. You can take the test twice within a 30-day period, then you must wait 60 days to take it again. You are allowed 4 attempts in a year.

FSA Training stands out because we are nearing our 20th year as a leading ServSafe® resource in Florida. Our professional instructors are food safety subject matter experts and experienced hospitality professionals.

• Experienced, industry-focused instructors
• Flexible scheduling, including weekends
• High pass rates
• Group training options available
• Fast and easy certification process

Getting started is easy:

• View the class calendar at www.fsatraining.com and register for your preferred class location
• Download and read our comprehensive study guide and complete the practice test
• Attend your the in-person class on the scheduled date and take the exam