Frequently Asked Questions - Certified Food Manager (CFM) Program

Questions Pertaining to Department of States Health Services Jurisdiction

• I am permitted as as a retail food establishment in the state of Texas; must I obtain food manager certification?
  
  Food establishments handling, preparing, or serving exposed time/temperature control for safety foods, may be required to employ a certified food manager. The manager’s original certificate is required to be posted in the establishment in a location conspicuous to consumers. The manager certification requirement was authorized by §437.0076 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Food Establishment Rules 228.33, and 25 TAC §229.177(b).

• How do I obtain food manager certification?
  
  The food manager certification is obtained by passing a department approved or American National Standard Institute (ANSI) certified food manager examination.

• Where can I take the examination for certification?
  
  The food manager certification examination may be taken through any licensed program; test site; national program; or internet examination provider. You will find the listing of accredited training programs, licensed test sites, and internet testing on our CFM website.

• What examinations are accepted by the state as meeting the certified food manager requirement?
  
  Examinations that meet state requirement are offered through licensed training programs, test sites, and the internet. A list of each type of provider can be found on the link at the top of this page.

• Are there any examinations accepted by the state that can be taken on the Internet?
  
  Examinations that meet the DSHS requirement for certification of food managers as an Internet Examination provider can be found on the link at the top of this page. Certificates issued upon the completion of the examinations are valid in Texas.
  
  
• Where do I obtain my food manager certification examination results?
  
  Candidates who have taken a food manager examination should obtain examination results from the accredited program or licensed test site where the examination was administered.

• What type of Certified Food Manager Certificate will I receive?
  
  An official Certified Food Manager Certificate is issued to each candidate upon passing the examination. This certificate must be posted in an area that is conspicuous to consumers.The official Certified Food Manager Certificate issued by the examination provider varies in size and issuance process. Candidates should check with the examination provider for specific information.

• What if I lose my certificate?
  
  Candidates who have taken one of the DSHS approved or ANSI examinations must contact the examination provider for instructions on how to obtain a replacement certificate.

• Are the CFM courses offered in any other languages than English?
  
  Yes, CFM training programs and examinations are available in languages other than English. Please contact the training program or examination provider for more information.

Questions Pertaining to Local Health Jurisdictions

• My food establishment is permitted by a local health jurisdiction; must I obtain food manager certification?
  
  Under §228.33(a) At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. Food establishments permitted by a local health jurisdiction should contact that specific jurisdiction to obtain information regarding their requirements for food manager certification.
  
  
• Is my local health jurisdictions required to accept a DSHS approved examination certificate as meeting the training requirement?
  
  County health departments, public health districts, and city health departments must accept certificates issued for passing any DSHS approved examination as meeting the training and testing requirements of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 438.
  
  
• Are there any additional fees that may be charged by a local health jurisdiction?
  
  

  Food establishments permitted by a local or county health jurisdiction should contact that specific jurisdiction to obtain information regarding food manager certification fee requirements.

• Can a local health jurisdiction require a CFM on site at all times.
  
  Yes, a city can pass an ordinance that has more stringent requirements, requiring a CFM onsite at all times. A county with a population of 4 million or more may require a CFM or trained food manager onsite at all times.