Coming Soon
Certified Food Protection Manager certification
Food Manager training and certification is coming soon to FenixFoodSafety — a rigorous, ANAB-accredited program built for the 2026 FDA Food Code. In the meantime, here’s what CFPM certification is and who needs it.
Availability
Food Manager training and certification — coming soon
We’re building an accredited Certified Food Protection Manager program from the ground up. It isn’t available to purchase yet. Tell us you’re interested and we’ll let you know the moment it opens.
Notify meWhat is a Certified Food Protection Manager?
A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is the person responsible for food safety in an establishment — the individual who understands the science behind safe food handling and can put “active managerial control” into practice, not just follow a checklist. Many jurisdictions require at least one CFPM on staff, and establishments serving high-risk populations or performing complex food preparation are often required to have a certified manager on-site during operating hours.
How it differs from a food handler card
A food handler card confirms that an hourly worker understands the basics of food safety within the scope of their own job. A CFPM certification goes considerably deeper: it covers pathogen microbiology, the seven principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), allergen management, facility design, and integrated pest management — the knowledge a person in charge needs to run a safe operation. A food handler card is not a substitute for manager certification, and vice versa.
What the certification will cover
The upcoming Fenix CFPM exam is being designed around the domains that regulators and accreditors expect a food safety manager to master:
- Pathogen mitigation and food microbiology — how foodborne illness spreads and how to prevent it
- HACCP and process engineering — building and monitoring a hazard-analysis plan
- Allergen management — the major food allergens and preventing cross-contact
- Facility design and integrated pest management (IPM)
- Cleaning, sanitizing, and safe chemical handling
Who Needs It
Who a food manager certification is for
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction — always check with your local health authority. A CFPM is commonly required for these roles.
Persons in charge
Owners, general managers, and shift leads who are responsible for food safety when the establishment is open.
Restaurants & food service
Many jurisdictions require at least one certified manager per establishment; some require one on-site during all hours of operation.
Higher-risk operations
Establishments serving high-risk populations or doing complex food preparation frequently face stricter certified-manager requirements.
Questions
Food manager certification, answered
Can I buy the food manager certification now?
Not yet. The Fenix Certified Food Protection Manager program is in development and isn’t available for purchase. Let us know you’re interested and we’ll notify you as soon as it launches.
Will the Fenix CFPM be accredited?
Yes — the program is being built as an ANAB-accredited certification, designed to meet the same regulatory requirements as other nationally recognized food protection manager certifications such as ServSafe Manager.
Is a food manager certification the same as a food handler card?
No. A food handler card covers the food safety basics an hourly worker needs for their own job. A CFPM certification is a more advanced credential for the person in charge, covering HACCP, microbiology, allergen control, and facility management. One is not a replacement for the other.
Where can I get certified in the meantime?
Until our program launches, you can obtain a Certified Food Protection Manager credential through an existing ANAB-accredited provider. If you need food handler training today, our food handler courses are available now.
Want to know when food manager certification opens?
We’ll email you the moment the Fenix CFPM program is available. In the meantime, our accredited food handler courses are ready when you are.